Capitol Bancorp (CBCRQ) 10-Q 14 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Capitol Bancorp Ltd.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000840264	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Smaller Reporting Company	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	0
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and due from banks	$22,282	$43,727
Money market and interest-bearing deposits	192,849	214,340
Cash and cash equivalents	215,131	258,067
Loans held for sale	73	0
Investment securities -- Note E:	'	'
Available for sale, carried at fair value	14,552	15,662
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock (carried on the basis of cost) -- Note E	6,262	7,456
Portfolio loans, less allowance for loan losses of $32,265 in 2013 and $51,508 in 2012 -- Note F	672,463	879,817
Premises and equipment	15,563	17,715
Accrued interest income	2,256	3,038
Other real estate owned	47,783	63,242
Other assets	10,122	14,438
Assets of discontinued operations -- Note G	0	361,867
TOTAL ASSETS	984,205	1,621,302
Deposits:	'	'
Noninterest-bearing deposits	190,745	246,538
Interest-bearing	723,744	947,603
Total deposits	914,489	1,194,141
Debt obligations:	'	'
Notes Payable With Other Borrowings	8,908	5,426
Accrued interest on deposits and other liabilities -- Note B	7,748	4,970
Liabilities of discontinued operations -- Note G	0	354,020
Liabilities subject to compromise -- Note B	195,723	200,293
Total liabilities	1,126,868	1,758,850
Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity -- Note N:	'	'
Preferred stock (Series A), 700,000 shares authorized ($100 per-share liquidation preference), 50,980 shares issued and outstanding	5,098	5,098
Preferred stock (for potential future issuance), 19,300,000 shares authorized (none issued and outstanding)	0	0
Common stock, no par value, 1,500,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2013 - 41,171,479 shares; 2012 - 41,177,479 shares	292,090	292,092
Retained-earnings deficit	-422,892	-424,022
Undistributed common stock held by employee-benefit trust	-541	-541
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-173	72
Total Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity deficit	-126,418	-127,301
Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	-16,245	-10,247
Total equity deficit	-142,663	-137,548
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$984,205	$1,621,302

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Loans And Leases Receivable	$32,265	$51,508
Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity -- Note N:	'	'
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares)-Series A	700,000	700,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share (in dollars per share)-Series A	$100	$100
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued (in shares)	50,980	50,980
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)-Series A	50,980	50,980
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized for Potential Future Issuance (in shares)	19,300,000	19,300,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share)	$0	$0
Common Stock, Shares Authorized (in shares)	1,500,000,000	1,500,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued (in shares)	41,171,479	41,177,479
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding (in shares)	41,171,479	41,177,479

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Interest income:	'	'	'	'
Portfolio loans (including fees)	$10,212	$14,440	$33,087	$44,562
Loans held for sale	2	19	3	39
Taxable investment securities	33	40	108	127
Other	189	221	552	712
Total interest income	10,436	14,720	33,750	45,440
Interest expense:	'	'	'	'
Deposits	1,419	2,305	4,826	7,832
Debt obligations and other	85	998	281	6,618
Total interest expense	1,504	3,303	5,107	14,450
Net interest income	8,932	11,417	28,643	30,990
Provision for loan losses -- Note F	3	277	-12,183	791
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	8,929	11,140	40,826	30,199
Noninterest income:	'	'	'	'
Service charges on deposit accounts	385	483	1,130	1,479
Trust and wealth-management revenue	667	735	2,117	2,159
Fees from origination of non-portfolio residential mortgage loans	49	199	175	503
Gain on sale of government-guaranteed loans	0	0	0	344
Other	1,488	3,646	5,197	6,819
Total noninterest income	2,589	5,063	8,619	11,304
Noninterest expense:	'	'	'	'
Salaries and employee benefits	6,263	8,209	20,819	25,595
Occupancy	1,512	1,637	4,712	5,014
Equipment rent, depreciation and maintenance	803	1,102	2,794	3,540
Costs (income) associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	1,048	1,170	2,454	6,748
FDIC insurance premiums and other regulatory fees	650	1,110	2,501	3,564
Other	2,124	4,133	9,395	11,710
Total noninterest expense	12,400	17,361	42,675	56,171
Income (loss) before reorganization items and income taxes (benefit)	-882	-1,158	6,770	-14,668
Reorganization items -- Note B	360	2,746	2,195	2,746
Income (loss) before income taxes benefit	-1,242	-3,904	4,575	-17,414
Income taxes benefit	0	48	-1,547	4
Income (loss) from continuing operations	-1,242	-3,952	6,122	-17,418
Discontinued operations -- Note G:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from operations of bank subsidiaries discontinued	92	-1,432	458	-6,189
Gain (loss) on bank subsidiaries discontinued	-4,653	29	-5,911	155
Less income tax expense	0	39	0	101
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-4,561	-1,442	-5,453	-6,135
NET INCOME (LOSS)	-5,803	-5,394	669	-23,553
Net losses attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	100	471	461	1,829
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CAPITOL BANCORP LIMITED	($5,703)	($4,923)	$1,130	($21,724)
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CAPITOL BANCORP LIMITED - Note J	($0.14)	($0.12)	$0.03	($0.53)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	($5,803)	($5,394)	$669	($23,553)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period	-180	27	-245	18
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	-5,983	-5,367	424	-23,535
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	100	471	461	1,829
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO CAPITOL BANCORP LIMITED	($5,883)	($4,896)	$885	($21,706)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings (Deficit) [Member]	Undistributed Common Stock Held by Employee Benefit Trust [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total Capitol Bancorp Limited Stockholders' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests to Consolidated Subsidiaries [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011 (Previously Reported [Member])	$5,098	$292,135	($404,846)	($541)	$70	($108,084)	($563)	($108,647)
Balances (Effect of Change In Accounting Principle [Member])	'	'	4,128	'	'	4,128	'	4,128
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	5,098	292,135	-400,718	-541	70	-103,956	-563	-104,519
Reduction in noncontrolling interest of sold subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	0	-7,360	-7,360
Reduction in investment of subsidiaries due to change in ownership	'	'	-144	'	'	-144	144	0
Issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options	'	1	'	'	'	1	'	1
Surrender of shares of common stock to facilitate vesting of restricted stock	'	0	'	'	'	0	'	0
Reversal of compensation expense relating to forfeited restricted common stock and stock options	'	-86	'	'	'	-86	'	-86
Recognition of compensation expense relating to restricted common stock and stock options	'	72	'	'	'	72	'	72
Tax effect of share-based payments	'	-29	'	'	'	-29	'	-29
Net income (loss)	'	'	-21,724	'	'	-21,724	-1,829	-23,553
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	'	'	18	18	'	18
Balances at Sep. 30, 2012	5,098	292,093	-422,586	-541	88	-125,848	-9,608	-135,456
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012 (Previously Reported [Member])	5,098	292,092	-430,590	-541	72	-133,869	-10,247	-144,116
Balances (Effect of Change In Accounting Principle [Member])	'	'	6,568	'	'	6,568	'	6,568
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	5,098	292,092	-424,022	-541	72	-127,301	-10,247	-137,548
Reduction in noncontrolling interest of sold subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	0	-47	-47
Reduction in investment of subsidiaries due to change in ownership	'	'	'	'	'	0	-5,490	-5,490
Reversal of compensation expense relating to forfeited restricted common stock and stock options	'	-6	'	'	'	-6	'	-6
Recognition of compensation expense relating to restricted common stock and stock options	'	4	'	'	'	4	'	4
Net income (loss)	'	'	1,130	'	'	1,130	-461	669
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	'	'	-245	-245	'	-245
Balances at Sep. 30, 2013	$5,098	$292,090	($422,892)	($541)	($173)	($126,418)	($16,245)	($142,663)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) [Abstract]	'	'
Surrender of common stock to facilitate vesting of restricted stock, (in shares)	'	1,897
Reversal of compensation expense relating to forfeited restricted common stock and stock options (in shares)	6,000	5,500
Issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options	'	145,609

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income (loss)	$669	($23,553)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities (including discontinued operations):	'	'
Provision for loan losses	-12,764	2,247
Depreciation of premises and equipment	2,189	3,044
Reorganization items	2,195	2,746
Net amortization of investment security premiums	61	89
Loss on sale of premises and equipment	64	50
Gain on sale of government-guaranteed loans	0	-555
Loss (gain) on bank subsidiaries discontinued	6,434	-155
Gain on sale of other real estate owned	-2,219	-135
Write down of other real estate owned	2,547	10,188
Amortization of issuance costs of subordinated debentures	0	59
Share-based compensation expense	-2	-14
Deferred income tax expense (credit)	2	-993
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale	-1,812	-22,077
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale	1,739	23,604
Decrease in accrued interest income and other assets	9,052	2,110
Increase in accrued interest expense on deposits and other liabilities	-4,114	-114
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	4,041	-3,459
INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Proceeds from calls, prepayments and maturities of investment securities	4,930	14,525
Purchases of investment securities	-5,247	-7,620
Redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock by issuer	1,415	1,848
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	0	-31
Net decrease in portfolio loans	144,193	190,816
Proceeds from sales of government-guaranteed loans	0	4,984
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment	49	28
Purchases of premises and equipment	-318	-1,499
Proceeds from sale of bank subsidiaries	1,000	8,940
Payments received on other real estate owned	97	54
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned	30,056	35,987
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES	176,175	248,032
FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net increase in demand deposits, NOW accounts and savings accounts	77,291	124,114
Net decrease in certificates of deposit	-260,177	-329,190
Net payments on debt obligations	0	-2,317
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	4,500	59,511
Payments on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	-2,018	-81,528
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	0	1
Tax effect of share-based payments	0	-29
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES	-180,404	-229,438
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-188	15,135
Change in cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations	2,005	-1,327
Change in cash and cash equivalents of deconsolidated subsidiary	-44,753	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	258,067	271,211
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	215,131	285,019
Supplemental disclosures:	'	'
Cash paid during the period for interest on deposits and debt obligations	6,369	18,529
Transfers of loans to other real estate owned	$11,485	$38,222

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen

Background and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Background and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Background and Basis of Presentation	'
	Note A – Background and Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Capitol Bancorp Limited ("Capitol" or the "Corporation") have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions for Form 10-Q.  Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements do, however, include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature (in accordance with Rule 10-01(b)(8) of Regulation S-X) which Capitol considers necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods.
	For comparative purposes, original balances as previously reported in periods prior to September 30, 2013 have been adjusted to exclude amounts related to discontinued operations (see Note G).
	The results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.
	The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 was derived from audited consolidated financial statements as of that date.  Certain 2012 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation.  Refer to Note C for the effects of a change in accounting principle on amounts previously reported in the 2012 consolidated financial statements.
	Capitol's ability to continue to operate as a going concern is contingent upon a number of factors which are discussed below and on page 51 of this document, as well as upon a variety of risk factors discussed elsewhere in this document and in Capitol's other filings with the SEC.  Capitol's auditors included a going concern qualification in the most recent report on the Corporation's audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	Bankruptcy Filings
	On August 9, 2012, Capitol and its affiliate Financial Commerce Corporation ("FCC"), (collectively the "Debtors"), filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (the "Bankruptcy Court").  The Debtors' Chapter 11 Cases (the "Chapter 11 Cases") are being jointly administered under Case Number 12-58409.  Capitol and FCC continue to operate their businesses and manage their properties as "debtors-in-possession" under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court.  Capitol's banking subsidiaries are not part of the filing and continue to conduct business on an uninterrupted basis.
	On May 16, 2013, Capitol and FCC filed a proposed Joint Liquidating Plan of Capitol Bancorp Ltd. and Financial Commerce Corporation (the "Joint Liquidating Plan") and related Disclosure Statement with the Bankruptcy Court for the resolution of outstanding claims against and equity security interests in the Debtors.  The Joint Liquidating Plan superseded a prepackaged plan of reorganization filed by Capitol and FCC with the Bankruptcy Court in August 2012, which was withdrawn.  On May 22, 2013, Capitol and FCC filed an Amended Disclosure Statement (the "Amended Disclosure Statement"), which superseded a Disclosure Statement filed on May 16, 2013.
	On July 17, 2013, Capitol and FCC filed an Amended Joint Liquidating Plan of Capitol Bancorp Ltd. and Financial Commerce Corporation (the "Amended Joint Liquidating Plan"), which superseded the prior Joint Liquidating Plan. Information contained in the Amended Joint Liquidating Plan and Amended Disclosure Statement is subject to change, whether as a result of amendments, third-party actions, or otherwise.
	The Amended Joint Liquidating Plan is subject to acceptance by the creditors of Capitol and FCC (as, and to the extent, required under the Bankruptcy Code) and confirmation by the Bankruptcy Court.  The deadline for creditors to vote on the Amended Joint Liquidating Plan was September 24, 2013.  The combined hearing to be conducted by the Bankruptcy Court on final approval of the Amended Disclosure Statement, and confirmation of the Amended Joint Liquidating Plan is presently scheduled for December 18, 2013.
	Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 852, Reorganizations, which is applicable to companies in Chapter 11, generally does not change the manner in which financial statements are prepared.  However, it does require that the financial statements for periods subsequent to the filing of the Chapter 11 Cases distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business.  Amounts that can be directly associated with the reorganization and restructuring of the business are reported separately as reorganization items in the condensed consolidated statements of operations beginning in the quarter ended September 30, 2012.  The condensed consolidated balance sheet distinguishes prepetition liabilities subject to compromise from both those prepetition liabilities that are not subject to compromise (none as of September 30, 2013) and from post-petition liabilities.  Liabilities that may be affected by a Chapter 11 plan of reorganization are reported at the amounts expected to be allowed, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts.  Capitol applied ASC Topic 852 effective August 9, 2012 and has segregated those items as outlined above for all reporting periods subsequent to such date and will continue to do so until emergence from Chapter 11.
	Refer to Note D for a description of a recently issued accounting standards update related to the liquidation basis of accounting.  As discussed there, management has determined that the Corporation has not met the criteria of the accounting standards update for reporting under the liquidation basis of accounting.

DebtorinPossession_Financial_I

Debtor-in-Possession Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debtor-in-Possession Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Debtor-in-Possession Financial Information [Text Block]	'
	Note B – Debtor-in-Possession Financial Information
	Liabilities Subject to Compromise
	As required by ASC Topic 852, the amount of liabilities subject to compromise represents management's estimate of known or potential prepetition and post-petition claims to be addressed in connection with the bankruptcy filing.  Such claims are subject to future adjustments.  The liabilities subject to compromise consist of the following (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Trust-preferred securities	$	151,296	$	151,296
	Senior notes		6,820		6,820
	Accrued interest payable		33,318		33,318
	Accrued estimated taxes payable		3,196		7,108
	Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		1,093		1,751
	Total liabilities subject to compromise	$	195,723	$	200,293
	In accordance with ASC Topic 852, interest was no longer accrued on the trust-preferred securities and senior notes included in liabilities subject to compromise after Capitol filed for bankruptcy protection.  If Capitol had continued to accrue interest on these debt obligations, additional contractual interest expense of $2.5 million and $ 7.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, would have been reported.
	Reorganization Items
	Professional advisory fees and other costs directly associated with the reorganization are reported separately as reorganization items pursuant to ASC Topic 852.  The reorganization items for the three and nine months ended September 30 consisted of the following (in $1,000s):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep				30-Sep
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Professional fees	$	360	$	665	$	2,195	$	665
	Deferred issuance costs		-		2,081		-		2,081
		$	360	$	2,746	$	2,195	$	2,746

Change_in_Accounting_Principle

Change in Accounting Principle	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]	'
Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block]	'
	Note C – Change in Accounting Principle
	Effective January 1, 2013, the Corporation elected to change its method of accounting related to the reserve for, and payment of, delinquent real and personal property taxes on properties serving as collateral for impaired loans.  The Corporation pays delinquent property taxes on these properties to avoid lien attachment by the taxing authorities.  Previously, the Corporation recorded an accrued liability for delinquent property taxes in accordance with ASC 450-20, "Loss Contingencies," with a corresponding charge to "Costs associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned."  Recent regulatory guidance suggests a more preferable method of accounting for these estimated delinquent property taxes is to consider the amount of such taxes when performing impairment analyses on collateral-dependent impaired loans.  Based on its analysis, the Corporation has determined this method of accounting is preferable.  Under the newly adopted method of accounting, when a loan is deemed to be collateral-dependent and a specific impairment analysis is performed, the delinquent property taxes will be reflected in the impairment calculation similar to estimated selling costs.  The decision on whether to reserve for, or charge-off, the amount of delinquent property taxes will depend upon whether the net value of the collateral (property appraised amount, less estimated costs to sell and the amount of the delinquent property taxes) is greater or less than the loan balance.  When the delinquent property taxes are paid, the amount will be added to the loan basis and considered in current and future impairment analyses.
	In accordance with ASC 250-10-45, "Accounting Changes – Change in Accounting Principle," the Corporation is reporting the change in accounting principle through retrospective application as of the beginning of 2012, the first period presented in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.  This is also the period through which the Corporation has determined it is practicable to determine the most appropriate amount of the beginning adjustment.  For periods prior to 2012, management believes determining the appropriate amount is impracticable due to the availability of records, subsequent changes in loan balances and relationships and the assumptions about management's intent at the time that is now difficult to independently substantiate.  Also, management believes retrospective application of the new accounting principle to periods prior to 2012 would not produce a materially different result.
	Upon retrospective application of the new accounting method, it was determined that either (1) the adjusted impaired loan analyses resulted in no additional reserves or charge-offs, or (2) an adequate amount of unallocated allowance for loan losses existed to absorb the impact of any collateral shortfall on a by-loan basis.  As a result, the net effect of adopting the new accounting method was a decrease of the retained-earnings deficit and a reduction of accrued liabilities of $4.1 million as of January 1, 2012, with no effect on the total allowance for loan losses.  As indicated in the following table, the cumulative increase to portfolio loans, decrease to the accrued liability and decrease to the retained-earnings deficit were $3.1 million, $3.5 million and $6.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2012.
	All 2012 periods have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the change in accounting principle.  The following tables summarize the adjustments to the Corporation's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for each affected line item (in $1,000s, except per-share data):
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
		As of December 31, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Reclassification of Discontinued		Effect of Change		As Adjusted
				Operations(1)		in Accounting
						Principle
	Portfolio loans, less allowance for loan losses	$	1,143,212	$	-266,445	$	3,050	$	879,817
	Total assets		1,618,252				3,050		1,621,302
	Accrued interest on deposits and other liabilities		9,779		-1,291		-3,518		4,970
	Total liabilities		1,762,368				-3,518		1,758,850
	Retained-earnings deficit		-430,590				6,568		-424,022
	Total Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity deficit		-133,869				6,568		-127,301
	Total equity deficit		-144,116				6,568		-137,548
	(1)           For comparative purposes, original balances as previously reported have also been adjusted to exclude amounts related to discontinued operations.
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Reclassification of Discontinued Operations(1)		Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		As Adjusted
	Costs associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	$	3,172	$	-1,252	$	-750	$	1,170
	Total noninterest expense		23,735		-5,624		-750		17,361
	Loss before income tax benefit		-6,155		1,501		750		-3,904
	Loss from continuing operations		-6,203		1,501		750		-3,952
	Net loss		-6,144				750		-5,394
	Net loss attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited		-5,673				750		-4,923
	Net loss per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	$	-0.14					$	-0.12
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Reclassification of Discontinued Operations(1)		Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		As Adjusted
	Costs associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	$	14,227	$	-5,279	$	-2,200	$	6,748
	Total noninterest expense		77,509		-19,138		-2,200		56,171
	Loss before income tax benefit		-25,905		6,291		2,200		-17,414
	Loss from continuing operations		-25,909		6,291		2,200		-17,418
	Net loss		-25,753				2,200		-23,553
	Net loss attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited		-23,924				2,200		-21,724
	Net loss per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	$	-0.58					$	-0.53
	-1	For comparative purposes, original balances as previously reported have also been adjusted to exclude amounts related to discontinued operations.

Accounting_Standards_Updates

Accounting Standards Updates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Standards Updates [Abstract]	'
Accounting Standards Updates [Text Block]	'
	Note D – Accounting Standards Updates
	In February 2013, an accounting standards update was issued to amend and improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  The amendments do not change the current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in the financial statements.  However, the amendments require an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component.  In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period.  For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts.  This new guidance became effective prospectively for all annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2013 and it did not have a material effect on the Corporation's condensed consolidated financial statements upon implementation.
	In April 2013, an accounting standards update was issued to improve the reporting as to when and how the liquidation basis of accounting should be applied.  The update requires an entity to prepare its financial statements using the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is 'imminent'.  Liquidation is deemed imminent when the likelihood is remote that the entity will return from liquidation and either (a) a plan for liquidation is approved by the person or persons with the authority to make such a plan effective and the likelihood is remote that the execution of the plan will be blocked by other parties or (b) a plan for liquidation is being imposed by other forces (for example, involuntary bankruptcy).  The update requires financial statements prepared using the liquidation basis of accounting to present relevant information about an entity's expected resources in liquidation by measuring and presenting assets at the amount of the expected cash proceeds from liquidation.  An entity is required to recognize and measure its liabilities in accordance with U.S. GAAP that otherwise applies to those liabilities.  The entity is also required to accrue and separately present the costs that it expects to incur and the income that it expects to earn during the anticipated duration of the liquidation process, including any costs associated with sale or settlement of its assets and liabilities.  This new guidance will become effective for entities that determine liquidation is imminent during annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2014 and should be applied prospectively from the day that liquidation becomes imminent.  Early adoption is permitted.  Capitol's management has determined that liquidation is not currently imminent for the Corporation, as defined by this accounting standards update, and will continue to evaluate adoption of this accounting guidance if the Corporation meets the criteria for reporting under the liquidation basis of accounting in the future.

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investment Securities [Abstract]	'
Investment Securities	'
	Note E – Investment Securities
	Investments in Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock are combined and classified separately from investment securities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, are restricted and may only be resold to, or redeemed by, the issuer.
	Investment securities available for sale consisted of the following (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Amortized		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized		Estimated
		Cost				Cost		Fair Value
	United States treasury	$	3,249	$	3,250	$	3,499	$	3,500
	United States government agency		5,000		4,682		4,000		3,987
	Mortgage-backed		6,564		6,620		8,055		8,175
		$	14,813	$	14,552	$	15,554	$	15,662
	Gross unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale were as follows (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Gains		Losses		Gains		Losses
	United States treasury	$	1			$	1
	United States government agency		1	$	319			$	13
	Mortgage-backed		60		4		120
		$	62	$	323	$	121	$	13
	The age of gross unrealized losses and carrying value (at estimated fair value) of securities available for sale are summarized below (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Unrealized		Carrying		Unrealized		Carrying
		Loss		Value		Loss		Value
	One year or less:
	United States government agencies	$	319	$	4,181	$	13	$	3,987
	Mortgage-backed		4		1,741		-		-
		$	323		5,922		13		3,987
	Scheduled maturities of investment securities held as of September 30, 2013 were as follows (in $1,000s):
		Amortized		Estimated
		Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	3,249	$	3,250
	After one year, through five years		1,000		999
	After five years, through ten years		4,349		4,295
	After ten years		6,215		6,008
		$	14,813	$	14,552

Loans

Loans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Loans [Abstract]	'
Loans	'
	The following tables present the allowance for loan losses and the carrying amount of loans based on management's overall assessment of probable incurred losses (in $1,000s), and should not be interpreted as an indication of future charge-offs:
		30-Sep-13
		Secured by Real Estate
		Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
					(including			Land			and Other
					multi-			Development			Business-
					family)			and Other			Purpose
								Land			Loans
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	4,570		$	1,917		$	873		$	1,328		$	3								$	8,691
	Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses		7,301			4,363			694			1,746			213		$	187		$	9,070			23,574
	Total allowance for loan losses	$	11,871		$	6,280		$	1,567		$	3,074		$	216		$	187		$	9,070		$	32,265
	Portfolio loans:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	71,684		$	17,436		$	8,253		$	6,849		$	28								$	104,250
	Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses		380,318			129,199			22,249			61,176			5,586		$	1,950						600,478
	Total portfolio loans	$	452,002		$	146,635		$	30,502		$	68,025		$	5,614		$	1,950					$	704,728
		December 31, 2012 (As Adjusted – Note C)
			Secured by Real Estate
			Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
						(including			Land			and Other
						multi-			Development			Business-
						family)			and Other			Purpose
									Land			Loans
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	6,214		$	2,153		$	881		$	1,022		$	8								$	10,278
	Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses			8,721			6,241			1,063			3,441			866		$	3		$	20,895			41,230
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	14,935		$	8,394		$	1,944		$	4,463		$	874		$	3		$	20,895		$	51,508
	Portfolio loans:
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	89,964		$	29,314		$	10,447		$	10,071		$	22								$	139,818
	Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses			482,512			178,027			29,730			92,574			6,671		$	1,993						791,507
	Total portfolio loans		$	572,476		$	207,341		$	40,177		$	102,645		$	6,693		$	1,993					$	931,325
	The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb potential losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.  Management's determination of the adequacy of the allowance is an estimate based on evaluation of the portfolio (including potential impairment of individual loans and concentrations of credit), past loss experience, current economic conditions, volume, amount and composition of the loan portfolio and other factors.  The allowance is increased by provisions for loan losses charged to operations and reduced by net charge-offs.
	The tables below summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in $1,000s) by loan type:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Secured by Real Estate
		Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
					(including			Land			and Other
					multi-			Development			Business-
					family)			and Other			Purpose
								Land			Loans
	Beginning balance	$	11,444		$	6,443		$	1,936		$	2,615		$	303		$	391		$	9,378		$	32,510
	Charge-offs		-1,453			-800			-234			-411			-2			-						-2,900
	Recoveries		1,509			470			334			259			80			-						2,652
	Net charge-offs		56			-330			100			-152			78			-						-248
	Provision for loan losses		173			103			-482			581			-167			-205			-			3
	Net change in unallocated allowance		198			64			13			30			2			1			-308
	Ending balance	$	11,871		$	6,280		$	1,567		$	3,074		$	216		$	187		$	9,070		$	32,265
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Secured by Real Estate
		Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
					(including			Land			and Other
					multi-			Development			Business-
					family)			and Other			Purpose
								Land			Loans
	Beginning balance	$	14,935		$	8,394		$	1,944		$	4,463		$	874		$	3		$	20,895		$	51,508
	Less allowance for deconsolidated  subsidiary – Note H		-765			-869			-53			-422			-48									-2,157
	Charge-offs		-6,435			-3,237			-2,906			-980			-318			-7						-13,883
	Recoveries		3,631			1,602			2,254			1,338			155			-						8,980
	Net charge-offs		-2,804			-1,635			-652			358			-163			-7						-4,903
	Provision for loan losses		746			468			344			-1,289			-444			192			-12,200			-12,183
	Net change in unallocated allowance		-241			-78			-16			-36			-3			-1			375
	Ending balance	$	11,871		$	6,280		$	1,567		$	3,074		$	216		$	187		$	9,070		$	32,265
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Secured by Real Estate
	Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
				(including			Land			and Other
				multi-			Development			Business-
				family)			and Other			Purpose
							Land			Loans
Beginning balance	$	22,642		$	10,014		$	3,192		$	8,760		$	228		$	368		$	13,114		$	58,318
Charge-offs		-4,533			-2,985			-657			-472			-171			23						-8,795
Recoveries		614			359			312			876			276			63						2,500
Net charge-offs		-3,919			-2,626			-345			404			105			86						-6,295
Provision for loan losses		2,466			1,595			-703			-2,556			-97			-428						277
Net change in unallocated allowance		-3,338			-1,107			-273			-554			-43			-12			5,327
Ending balance	$	17,851		$	7,876		$	1,871		$	6,054		$	193		$	14		$	18,441		$	52,300
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Secured by Real Estate
	Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
				(including			Land			and Other
				multi-			Development			Business-
				family)			and Other			Purpose
							Land			Loans
Beginning balance	$	26,576		$	15,854		$	6,739		$	11,057		$	533		$	12		$	4,447		$	65,218
Charge-offs		-11,141			-7,857			-2,503			-6,125			-373			-656						-28,655
Recoveries		4,193			3,907			1,320			5,046			410			70						14,946
Net charge-offs		-6,948			-3,950			-1,183			-1,079			37			-586						-13,709
Provision for loan losses		6,992			-1,120			-2,968			-2,468			-266			621						791
Net change in unallocated allowance		-8,769			-2,908			-717			-1,456			-111			-33			13,994
Ending balance	$	17,851		$	7,876		$	1,871		$	6,054		$	193		$	14		$	18,441		$	52,300
Average total portfolio loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were $785.8 million and $1.1 billion, respectively.  The ratio of net charge-offs (annualized) to average portfolio loans outstanding was 0.68 % and 1.71% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Nonperforming loans (i.e., loans which are 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest and loans on nonaccrual status) and other nonperforming assets are summarized below (in $1,000s):
	30-Sep-13			30-Jun-13			31-Mar-13			31-Dec-12
										As Adjusted
										(Note C)
Nonaccrual loans:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	46,944		$	55,172		$	60,045		$	65,443
Residential (including multi-family)		12,242			15,847			18,063			21,049
Construction, land development and other land		5,292			5,937			6,161			5,667
Total loans secured by real estate		64,478			76,956			84,269			92,159
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		4,680			5,238			6,021			8,159
Consumer		133			139			328			189
Total nonaccrual loans		69,291			82,333			90,618			100,507
Past due (>90 days) loans and accruing interest:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial		-			-			1,017			515
Residential (including multi-family)		-			-			-			85
Total loans secured by real estate		-			-			1,017			600
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		-			-			-			70
Total past due loans		-			-			1,017			670
Total nonperforming loans	$	69,291		$	82,333		$	91,635			101,177
Real estate owned and other repossessed assets		47,815			46,775			54,887			63,306
Total nonperforming assets	$	117,106		$	129,108		$	146,522			164,483
Impaired loans which do not have an allowance requirement include collateral-dependent loans for which direct write-downs have been made to the carrying amount of such loans and, accordingly, no additional allowance requirement or allocation is generally necessary.
Impaired loans are summarized in the following table (in $1,000s), based on loans which either have an allowance for loan losses recorded or no such allowance as of September 30, 2013:
	Carrying			Unpaid			Related
	Value			Principal			Allowance
				Balance			for Loan
							Losses
With an allowance recorded:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	46,502		$	59,377		$	5,276
Residential (including multi-family)		14,770			26,603			3,382
Construction, land development and other land		5,536			9,293			919
Total loans secured by real estate		66,808			95,273			9,577
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		5,096			11,986			1,217
Consumer		199			449			31
		72,103			107,708			10,825
With no related allowance recorded:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial		57,782			75,745
Residential (including multi-family)		11,524			12,391
Construction, land development and other land		4,470			5,882
Total loans secured by real estate		73,776			94,018
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		3,123			3,761
Consumer		51			51
		76,950			97,830
Total	$	149,053		$	205,538		$	10,825
Included in total impaired loans as of September 30, 2013 is $119.9 million of loans modified and reported as troubled debt restructurings (see further discussion under the Troubled Debt Restructurings section of this Note), along with $5.1 million of loans modified as troubled debt restructurings which are no longer reported as troubled debt restructurings due to the loans being in compliance with their modified terms and having an interest rate consistent with market rates.
Interest income is recorded on impaired loans if not on nonaccrual status, or may be recorded on a cash basis in some circumstances, if such payments are not credited to principal.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income recorded on impaired loans were as follows (in $1,000s):
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	30-Sep-13						30-Sep-13
	Average			Interest			Average			Interest
	Recorded			Income			Recorded			Income
	Investment			Recorded			Investment			Recorded
Commercial	$	111,720		$	2,003		$	117,185		$	5,472
Residential (including multi-family)		32,733			380			38,059			1,057
Construction, land development and other land		14,504			60			18,582			229
Total loans secured by real estate		158,957			2,443			173,826			6,758
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		11,243			100			13,937			410
Consumer		236			7			196			7
Total	$	170,436		$	2,550		$	187,959		$	7,175
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	30-Sep-12						30-Sep-12
	Average			Interest			Average			Interest
	Recorded			Income			Recorded			Income
	Investment			Recorded			Investment			Recorded
	As Adjusted						As Adjusted
	(Note C)						(Note C)
Commercial	$	126,443		$	1,715		$	128,941		$	3,717
Residential (including multi-family)		49,098			596			48,687			1,722
Construction, land development and other land		25,137			30			25,510			540
Total loans secured by real estate		200,678			2,341			203,138			5,979
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		18,315			61			18,661			671
Consumer		180			-			172			7
Total	$	219,173		$	2,402		$	221,971		$	6,657
Impaired loans are summarized in the following table (in $1,000s), based on loans which either have an allowance for loan losses recorded or no such allowance as of December 31, 2012:
	Carrying			Unpaid			Related
	Value			Principal			Allowance
				Balance			for Loan
							Losses
	As Adjusted			As Adjusted
	(Note C)			(Note C)
With an allowance recorded:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	61,640		$	75,459		$	7,563
Residential (including multi-family)		17,776			31,470			2,706
Construction, land development and other land		7,150			11,562			1,036
Total loans secured by real estate		86,566			118,491			11,305
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		7,609			17,134			1,574
Consumer		207			1,351			57
		94,382			136,976			12,936
With no related allowance recorded:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial		53,108			81,579
Residential (including multi-family)		18,690			21,791
Construction, land development and other land		5,982			9,136
Total loans secured by real estate		77,780			112,506
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		6,246			8,112
Consumer		9			9
		84,035			120,627
Total	$	178,417		$	257,603		$	12,936
Included in impaired loans as of December 31, 2012 is $138.9 million of loans modified and reported as troubled debt restructurings (see further discussion under the Troubled Debt Restructurings section of this Note).
The following tables summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans (in $1,000s):
	30-Sep-13
	Past Due Loans									Total
	(based on payment due dates)									Amount of
	More Than			More Than			Loans on			Loans More			Loans Either			Total
	29 Days,			89 Days			Nonaccrual			Than 29 Days			Current or			Portfolio
	and Less Than			(Accruing)			Status			Past Due or on			Less Than			Loans
	90 Days						(Generally, 90			Nonaccrual			30 Days
							Days or More)			Status			Past Due
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	4,798		$	-		$	46,944		$	51,742		$	400,260		$	452,002
Residential (including multi-family)		1,582						12,242			13,824			132,811			146,635
Construction, land development and other land		697						5,292			5,989			24,513			30,502
Total loans secured by real estate		7,077			-			64,478			71,555			557,584			629,139
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		772						4,680			5,452			62,573			68,025
Consumer		382						133			515			5,099			5,614
Other		-									-			1,950			1,950
Total	$	8,231		$	-		$	69,291		$	77,522		$	627,206		$	704,728
	December 31, 2012 (As Adjusted – Note C)
	Past Due Loans									Total
	(based on payment due dates)									Amount of
	More Than			More Than			Loans on			Loans More			Loans Either			Total
	29 Days,			89 Days			Nonaccrual			Than 29 Days			Current or			Portfolio
	and Less Than			(Accruing)			Status			Past Due or on			Less Than			Loans
	90 Days						(Generally, 90			Nonaccrual			30 Days
							Days or More)			Status			Past Due
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	12,534		$	515		$	65,443		$	78,492		$	493,984		$	572,476
Residential (including multi-family)		5,364			85			21,049			26,498			180,843			207,341
Construction, land development and other land		4,242						5,667			9,909			30,268			40,177
Total loans secured by real estate		22,140			600			92,159			114,899			705,095			819,994
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		2,933			70			8,159			11,162			91,483			102,645
Consumer		280			-			189			469			6,224			6,693
Other														1,993			1,993
Total	$	25,353		$	670		$	100,507		$	126,530		$	804,795		$	931,325
Capitol categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt obligations based on current financial information, aging analysis, historical payment experience, credit documentation and public information, among other factors.  Capitol analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk.  This analysis generally includes all loans and is generally performed at least quarterly.  The following loan risk rating definitions are used:
Pass.  Loans classified with a pass rating have been deemed to have acceptable credit quality by bank management.
Watch.  Loans classified as watch have potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention.  If not improved, those potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan in the future.
Substandard.  Loans classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that could jeopardize the liquidation of the debt obligation by the borrower.  These loans are characterized by the reasonable possibility that some loss will be sustained if the deficiencies are not favorably resolved.
Based on management's most recent analysis, the risk categories of loans are summarized as follows (in $1,000s):
	30-Sep-13
	Pass			Watch			Substandard			Total
										Portfolio
										Loans
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	315,889		$	52,327		$	83,786		$	452,002
Residential (including multi-family)		106,607			17,576			22,452			146,635
Construction, land development and other land		17,129			4,123			9,250			30,502
Total loans secured by real estate		439,625			74,026			115,488			629,139
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		52,603			6,188			9,234			68,025
Consumer		4,953			174			487			5,614
Other		1,950						-			1,950
Total	$	499,131		$	80,388		$	125,209		$	704,728
	December 31, 2012 (As adjusted – Note C)
	Pass			Watch			Substandard			Total
										Portfolio
										Loans
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	408,689		$	60,929		$	102,858		$	572,476
Residential (including multi-family)		150,861			18,951			37,529			207,341
Construction, land development and other land		21,773			7,394			11,010			40,177
Total loans secured by real estate		581,323			87,274			151,397			819,994
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		82,931			4,894			14,820			102,645
Consumer		4,533			1,765			395			6,693
Other		1,993									1,993
Total	$	670,780		$	93,933		$	166,612		$	931,325
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Loan modifications or restructurings are accounted for as troubled debt restructurings if, for economic or legal reasons, it has been determined that a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and the bank grants a "concession" to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider.  For all classes of loans, a troubled debt restructuring may involve a modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate or loan balance, a reduction of the accrued interest, an extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than a current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, or some combination thereof involving a concession to the borrower to facilitate repayment.
The Corporation has designated a troubled debt restructuring as a loan that has been modified because the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and has been granted one or more of the following concessions:
	1	An extension or renewal of a substandard rated loan with no change in rate or terms, and the terms provided are not representative of current market rates for credits with similar risk characteristics;
	2	Modification of the interest rate in order to allow the borrower to repay the debt, based on current cash flow sources;
	3	A modification to an "interest only" structure for a period of time that should result in the loan being paid off, returned to the contracted terms or refinanced; or
	4	A modification of a loan into an A/B note structure, where the A note is at market rate terms and conditions, and the B note has been charged off.
Loans modified and classified as troubled debt restructurings are impaired loans.  Each loan that is designated as a troubled debt restructuring is individually evaluated for impairment to determine the specific reserve to be established or the charge-off, if any, to be taken.  The specific reserve or charge-off amount is determined using the discounted cash flow method, the collateral dependency method or, when available, the observable market price method.
The loan portfolios contain generally three categories of troubled debt restructurings, (1) loans for which the rate, amount of the note or terms have been modified, (2) substandard loans for which the rate or terms have not been modified but the loan was extended or renewed at rates or terms deemed below current rate and terms for credits with comparable risk factors, and (3) loans that have been modified with interest only terms.  The following are the factors that enter into the determination of the specific reserve or charge-off amount for each of these categories:
Loans for which the rate or terms have been modified:  The specific reserve or charge-off amount, for which the repayment ability is based on the cash flows of the borrower, is generally determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, adjusted for a probability-of-default factor.  The discount period used is based on when the bank believes, depending on cash flows from the borrower or project, that the loan will be paid in full or refinanced.  If an event for pay down or an expected refinance cannot be documented, a discount period that will result in the cash flows (after being adjusted for a probability of default), reducing the loan balance down to the collateral value is considered, or as an alternative, the remaining amortization period is generally used.  If the loan is deemed collateral dependent, either due to the estimated cash flows not being supported by reasonable and supportable projections, or signifcant uncertainty exists on the borrower's ability to refinance or repay the debt at maturity, the reserve or charge-off will be determined using the collateral dependency method.
Loans for which there has been no rate or term modification:  If there has been no change in the rate and term, a discounted cash flow analysis, adjusted for a probability of default, is calculated to determine the specific reserve, or if deemed to be collateral dependent, the amount of charge-off required..
Loans that have interest only terms:  Unless there is a specific event that can be documented which will result in the loan being paid-off, returned to the original contract terms or refinanced, these loans are generally treated as collateral-dependent and the specific reserve is based on the net value of the collateral held.
The following table summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in $1,000s):
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Number of		Pre-restructuring			Post-restructuring			Post-
	Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding			restructuring
			Recorded			Recorded			Loan Loss
			Investment			Investment			Reserve
Troubled debt restructurings:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	7		$	6,941		$	6,211		$	749
Residential	10			848			787			35
Construction, land development and other land	-			-			-			-
Total loans secured by real estate	17			7,789			6,998			784
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	2			129			129			-
Consumer	3			102			102			1
Total	22		$	8,020		$	7,229		$	785
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Number of		Pre-restructuring			Post-restructuring			Post-
	Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding			restructuring
			Recorded			Recorded			Loan Loss
			Investment			Investment			Reserve
Troubled debt restructurings:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	31		$	17,200		$	13,916		$	1,066
Residential	41			3,957			3,399			230
Construction, land development and other land	2			94			91			12
Total loans secured by real estate	74			21,251			17,406			1,308
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	20			1,774			985			297
Consumer	3			102			102			1
Total	97		$	23,127		$	18,493		$	1,606
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Number of		Pre-restructuring			Post-restructuring			Post-
	Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding			restructuring
			Recorded			Recorded			Loan Loss
			Investment			Investment			Reserve
Troubled debt restructurings:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	17		$	11,325		$	8,522		$	404
Residential	15			2,427			2,195			154
Construction, land development and other land	3			913			913			33
Total loans secured by real estate	35			14,665			11,630			591
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	10			760			764			65
Consumer	-			-			-			-
Total	45		$	15,425		$	12,394		$	656
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Number of		Pre-restructuring			Post-restructuring			Post-
	Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding			restructuring
			Recorded			Recorded			Loan Loss
			Investment			Investment			Reserve
Troubled debt restructurings:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	82		$	30,669		$	25,620		$	1,746
Residential	67			8,398			7,838			489
Construction, land development and other land	12			1,968			1,837			57
Total loans secured by real estate	161			41,035			35,295			2,292
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	25			1,784			1,644			90
Consumer	1			2			1			-
Total	187		$	42,821		$	36,940		$	2,382
Of the amounts in the table above for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, approximately $8.4 million, or 45%, and 52 contracts, or 54%, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, approximately $15.6 million, or 42%, and 71 contracts, or 38%, are substandard rated loans that were extended or renewed with no change in rate or terms, and the terms provided were not representative of current market rates for loans with similar risk characteristics.  The remainder of the troubled debt restructuring pool constitutes loans where repayment terms and/or interest rates were modified, or the loan was modified to an "interest only" structure.
The following table summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings in the last twelve months for which there was a payment default (i.e., when a loan becomes 90 days or more past due) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in $1,000s):
	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	30-Sep-13					30-Sep-13
	Number of		Recorded			Number of		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment			Contracts		Investment
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	5		$	2,570		12		$	4,874
Residential	3			294		19			1,990
Construction, land development and other land	-			-		4			1,427
Total loans secured by real estate	8			2,864		35			8,291
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	-			-		1			-
Consumer	-			-		-			-
Total	8		$	2,864		36		$	8,291
	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	30-Sep-12					30-Sep-12
	Number of		Recorded			Number of		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment			Contracts		Investment
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	13		$	4,574		28		$	6,073
Residential	8			549		21			1,761
Construction, land development and other land	6			1,081		11			1,306
Total loans secured by real estate	27			6,204		60			9,140
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	4			215		10			441
Consumer	1			47		2			48
Total	32		$	6,466		72		$	9,629
The total amount of troubled debt restructurings as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is detailed in the following tables by loan type and accrual status (in $1,000s):
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	at September 30, 2013
	On			On Accrual			Total
	Non-Accrual			Status
	Status
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	31,670		$	53,394		$	85,064
Residential (including multi-family)		7,651			13,694			21,345
Construction, land development and other land		3,230			4,086			7,316
Total loans secured by real estate		42,551			71,174			113,725
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		2,666			3,409			6,075
Consumer					117			117
Total	$	45,217		$	74,700		$	119,917
	Troubled Debt Restructurings
	at December 31, 2012
	On			On Accrual			Total
	Non-Accrual			Status
	Status
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	$	41,350		$	49,305		$	90,655
Residential (including multi-family)		12,902			15,417			28,319
Construction, land development and other land		2,797			7,465			10,262
Total loans secured by real estate		57,049			72,187			129,236
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		3,965			5,695			9,660
Consumer					27			27
Total	$	61,014		$	77,909		$	138,923

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Note G – Discontinued Operations
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 1st Commerce Bank, Central Arizona Bank, Pisgah Community Bank, Sunrise Bank and Sunrise Bank of Arizona were closed by either their state regulators or the FDIC (see Note M).  Capitol recorded a net loss of $5.9 million on its investment in these banks, which has been included in discontinued operations.
	The assets, liabilities and results of operations of the above-mentioned banks closed in 2013, together with the results of operations of Mountain View Bank of Commerce, Bank of Michigan, First Carolina State Bank and High Desert Bank, sold in 2012, are classified as discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and include the following components (in $1,000s):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep					30-Sep
			2013			2012		2013		2012
	Interest income	$	1,316		$	5,247	$	7,798	$	19,402
	Interest expense		125			875		958		3,585
	Net interest income		1,191			4,372		6,840		15,817
	Provision for loan losses		-			248		-581		1,455
	Net interest income after provision for  loan losses		1,191			4,124		7,421		14,362
	Noninterest income		78			564		1,055		2,037
	Gain (loss) on bank subsidiaries discontinued		-4,653			29		-5,911		155
	Noninterest expense		1,177			6,120		8,018		22,588
	Loss before income taxes		-4,561			-1,403		-5,453		-6,034
	Less income taxes		-			39		-		101
	Net loss from discontinued operations		-4,561			-1,442		-5,453		-6,135
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  in consolidated subsidiaries		-			395		327		1,412
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited		-4,561			-1,047		-5,126		-4,723
		$			$		$		$
	Net loss from discontinued operations per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited		-0.11			-0.03		-0.12		-0.12
		$			$		$		$
	Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are summarized below (in $1,000s):
			Dec 31,				Dec 31,
			2012				2012
	Assets:					Liabilities:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	68,780		Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	76,873
	Investment securities			44		Interest-bearing deposits		272,854
	Federal Home Loan Bank stock			3,075		Total deposits		349,727
	Portfolio loans			278,392		Other liabilities		4,293
	Less allowance for loan losses			-11,947
	Net portfolio loans			266,445			$	354,020
	Premises and equipment			3,114
	Other real estate owned			17,721
	Other assets			2,688
			$	361,867

Deconsolidation_of_Subsidiary

Deconsolidation of Subsidiary	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARIES [Abstract]	'
Deconsolidation of Subsidiary [Text Block]	'
	Note H – Deconsolidation of Subsidiary
	In February 2013, Capitol sold a portion of the shares it owned of Capitol National Bank ("CNB") for $1 million and reduced its ownership in CNB following the execution of separate share exchange agreements consummated in 2011 and 2012.  Capitol recorded a net loss of $2.2 million as a result of these transactions, and no longer held a controlling financial interest in CNB after February 28, 2013.  Accordingly, CNB ceased to be a consolidated subsidiary of Capitol and assets approximating $146.0 million and related equity amounts were removed from the condensed consolidated balance sheet.  Capitol's remaining interest in CNB was sold in April 2013, resulting in an additional net loss of $ 703,000.  Proceeds from the sale were placed in escrow pending the issuance by the FDIC of a waiver of cross-guaranty liability, which was recently granted.  Pursuant to the terms of a settlement agreement with the FDIC, approved by the Bankruptcy Court on November 12, 2013, the FDIC will receive 85% of the proceeds from the sale of the bank.  As such, an additional loss on sale of approximately $1.3 million will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2013.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	Note I – Fair Value
	Accounting standards establish a hierarchy that prioritizes the use of fair value inputs used in valuation methodologies into the following three levels:
	Level 1:  Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
	Level 2:  Significant observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be derived from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
	Level 3:  Significant unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
	The following is a description of Capitol's valuation methodologies used to measure and disclose the fair values of its assets and liabilities on a recurring or nonrecurring basis:
	Investment securities available for sale:  Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based on quoted prices, when available (Level 1 inputs).  If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models, as Level 2 inputs.
	Mortgage loans held for sale:  Mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value and are measured on a nonrecurring basis.  Fair value is based on independent quoted market prices, where applicable (Level 1 inputs), or the prices for other whole mortgage loans with similar characteristics, as Level 2 inputs.  There were no mortgage loans held for sale written down to fair value at September 30, 2013.
	Loans:  The Corporation does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments to collateral-dependent loans are recorded to reflect partial write-downs based on the observable market price, current appraised value of the collateral or other estimates of fair value, as Level 3 inputs.
	Other real estate owned:  At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed properties are adjusted to estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell upon transfer from portfolio loans to other real estate owned, establishing a new carrying value.  The Corporation subsequently adjusts estimated fair value on other real estate owned on a nonrecurring basis to reflect partial write-downs based on the observable market price or current appraisal data, as Level 3 inputs.
	Long-lived and indefinite-lived assets:  The Corporation does not record long-lived or indefinite-lived assets at fair value on a recurring basis.  However, from time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments to a long-lived or indefinite asset are recorded to reflect partial write-downs based on the observable market price or other estimate of fair value in the event of impairment.
	There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
		Total			Significant Other			Total			Significant Other
					Observable Inputs						Observable Inputs
					(Level 2)						(Level 2)
	Investment securities available for sale:(1)
	United States treasury	$	3,250		$	3,250		$	3,500		$	3,500
	United States government agency		4,682			4,682			3,987			3,987
	Mortgage-backed		6,620			6,620			8,175			8,175
		$	14,552		$	14,552		$	15,662		$	15,662
		(1)	Level 2 inputs for investment securities available for sale include pricing models from independent pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
	Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were as follows (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
		Total			Significant						Significant
					Unobservable			Total			Unobservable
					Inputs						Inputs
					(Level 3)						(Level 3)
	Impaired loans(1)	$	76,950		$	76,950		$	84,035		$	84,035
	Other real estate owned(2)	$	47,783		$	47,783		$	63,242		$	63,242
		(1)	Level 3 inputs for impaired loans include appraised value of the applicable collateral or other unobservable estimates of fair value.
		(2)	Level 3 inputs for other real estate owned include appraised value of the foreclosed property or other unobservable estimates of fair value.  Fair value is reduced by estimated costs to sell the properties (including delinquent real estate taxes).
	Updated appraisals are generally obtained when it has been determined that a loan has become collateral-dependent.  Adjustments to the loan's carrying value (or requirements for an allocation of the allowance for loan losses) are made, when appropriate, after the review of an appraisal or evaluation.  The timing of when a collateral-dependent loan should be classified as a nonperforming loan is contingent upon several factors, including the performance of the loan, the borrower's payment history and/or results of the bank's review of updated borrower financial information.
	When a borrower's performance has deteriorated (for example, the borrower has become delinquent on required payments, the borrower's updated financial information indicates adverse financial trends or sales/leasing activity is less than expected in the case of multi-unit properties), the loan will be downgraded and, if appropriate, an updated appraisal will be ordered for the loan if it is deemed collateral-dependent.  Loans which are not deemed collateral-dependent will be included within loss contingency pools, in conjunction with estimating the bank's requirements for its allowance for loan losses.  Upon receipt and review of updated appraisal data or evaluation and after any further fair value analysis is completed on those loans deemed to be collateral-dependent, the loans will be further evaluated for appropriate write-down.  Negative differences between appraised value, less estimated costs to sell (including delinquent real estate taxes), and the related carrying value of the loans are generally charged to the allowance for loan losses, as partial write-downs/charge-offs, on a timely basis.  Occasionally, additional potential loss amounts may be included if circumstances exist which may further adversely impact fair value estimates.  Internally-prepared evaluations may be used to estimate the current valuation changes driven by current economic conditions.  Updated fair value information is generally obtained at least annually for collateral-dependent loans and other real estate owned.
	Comparative carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments based upon the accounting guidance set forth in Accounting Standards Codification 825-10 were as follows (in $1,000s):
				30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
										As Adjusted – Note C
		Level Used		Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
		to Measure		Value			Fair Value			Value			Fair Value
		Estimated
		Fair Value
	Financial assets:
	Cash	1		$	22,282		$	22,282		$	43,727		$	43,727
	Cash equivalents	2			192,849			192,849			214,340			214,340
	Loans held for sale	2			73			73
	Investment securities available for sale	2			14,552			14,552			15,662			15,662
	Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock	2			6,262			6,262			7,456			7,456
	Portfolio loans:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	3			452,002			448,343			572,476			569,789
	Residential (including multi-family)	3			146,635			146,848			207,341			207,737
	Construction, land development and other land	3			30,502			30,480			40,177			40,221
	Total loans secured by real estate				629,139			625,671			819,994			817,747
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans	3			68,025			67,709			102,645			102,352
	Consumer	3			5,614			5,712			6,693			6,836
	Other	3			1,950			1,835			1,993			1,864
	Total portfolio loans				704,728			700,927			931,325			928,799
	Less allowance for loan losses	3			-32,265			-32,265			-51,508			-51,508
	Net portfolio loans				672,463			668,662			879,817			877,291
	Financial liabilities:
	Deposits:
	Noninterest-bearing	1			190,745			190,745			246,538			246,538
Interest-bearing:
Demand accounts	2			279,916			279,916			362,710			362,710
Time certificates of less than $100,000	3			187,919			188,997			256,261			258,728
Time certificates of $100,000 or more	3			255,909			257,246			328,632			331,081
Total interest-bearing				723,744			726,159			947,603			952,519
Total deposits				914,489			916,904			1,194,141			1,199,057
Notes payable and other borrowings	3			8,908			10,106			5,426			6,667
Estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities in the preceding table are based upon a comparison of current interest rates on financial instruments and the timing of related scheduled cash flows to the estimated present value of such cash flows using current estimated market rates of interest (unless quoted market values or other fair value information is more readily available), except subordinated debentures, for which the fair value is based on the liquidation or principal amount outstanding.  For example, the estimated fair value of portfolio loans is determined based on discounted cash flow computations.  Similarly, the estimated fair values of time deposits, notes payable and other borrowings were determined through discounted cash flow computations.  Except for subordinated debentures, such estimates of fair value are not intended to represent portfolio liquidation value and, accordingly, only represent an estimate of fair value based on current financial reporting requirements.
Given current economic conditions, the majority of the loan portfolio is not readily marketable and, accordingly, market prices may not exist.  Capitol has not attempted to market the loan portfolio to potential buyers, if any exist, to determine the fair value of those instruments.  Since negotiated prices, if any, in illiquid markets depend upon the then-present motivations of the buyer and seller, it is reasonable to assume that potential sales prices could vary widely from any estimate of fair value made without the benefit of negotiations.  Additionally, changes in market interest rates commensurate with risk may dramatically impact the value of financial instruments at any time.  Accordingly, fair value measurements for loans included in the preceding table are unlikely to represent the instruments' liquidation values.

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Common_Sha

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Loss Per Common Share Attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited [Abstract]	'
Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	'
	Note J – Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited
	Computations of net income (loss) per common share were based on the following (in 1,000s) for the periods ended September 30:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		2013		2012		2013		2012
				As Adjusted					As Adjusted
				(Note C)					(Note C)
	Numerator—net income (loss) attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited for the period	$	-5,703	$	-4,923	$	1,130	$	-21,724
	Denominator:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding unvested restricted shares of common stock (denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share)		41,169		41,070		41,169		41,037
	Number of antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computation		878		1,445		878		1,445
	Number of antidilutive unvested restricted shares excluded from basic and diluted earnings per share computation		2		9		2		9
	Number of antidilutive warrants excluded from diluted earnings per share computation		-		1,250		-		1,250
	Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited:
	From continuing operations	$	-0.03	$	-0.09	$	0.15	$	-0.41
	From discontinued operations		-0.11		-0.03		-0.12		-0.12
	Total net income (loss) per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	$	-0.14	$	-0.12	$	0.03	$	-0.53

TrustPreferred_Securities_and_

Trust-Preferred Securities and Debt Extinguishment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Trust Preferred Securities [Abstract]	'
Trust-Preferred Securities and Debt Extinguishment [Text Block]	'
	Note K – Trust-Preferred Securities and Debt Extinguishment
	In 2009, the Corporation commenced the deferral of interest payments on its various trust-preferred securities, as is permitted under the terms of the securities, in order to conserve cash resources.  The payment of interest on those securities may be deferred for periods up to five years.  During such deferral periods, Capitol is prohibited from paying dividends on its common stock (subject to certain exceptions) and is further restricted by Capitol's written agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, which prohibits both payment of interest on the trust-preferred securities and cash dividends without prior written approval from that agency.  Accrued interest payable on such securities approximated $33.3 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  Holders of the trust-preferred securities recognize current taxable income relating to the deferred interest payments.  The accrual of interest was discontinued as of the bankruptcy filing date (see Note B).

Pending_Sale_of_Subsidiary_Ban

Pending Sale of Subsidiary Banks	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pending Sale of Subsidiary Banks [Abstract]	'
Pending Sale of Subsidiary Banks [Text Block]	'
	Note L – Pending Sale of Subsidiary Banks
	Capitol has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its controlling interest held by a bank-development subsidiary in Bank of Maumee.  Net proceeds from this pending sale (adjusted for the effects of a settlement agreement with the FDIC as approved by the Bankruptcy Court on November 12, 2013 pursuant to which the FDIC will receive 85% of the proceeds from the sale and grant a waiver of the potential assessment of any cross-guaranty liability against Bank of Maumee) are expected to approximate $81,000, resulting in a projected loss of approximately $405,000 based on Capitol's investment in the bank as of September 30, 2013.
	Capitol has also entered into an agreement to sell its controlling interests held by FCC in Bank of Las Vegas, Indiana Community Bank, Michigan Commerce Bank and Sunrise Bank of Albuquerque in one transaction subject to various bankruptcy bidding proceedings, regulatory approval and other contingencies (refer to page 56 of this document for further information on these bankruptcy proceedings).

Regulatory_and_Operating_Matte

Regulatory and Operating Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Regulatory and Operating Matters [Abstract]	'
Regulatory and Operating Matters [Text Block]	'
	Note M – Regulatory and Operating Matters
	In September 2009, Capitol and its second-tier bank holding companies entered into an agreement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago (the "Reserve Bank") under which Capitol agreed to refrain from the following actions without the prior written consent of the Reserve Bank:  (i) declare or pay dividends; (ii) receive dividends or any other form of payment representing a reduction in capital from Michigan Commerce Bank, or from any of its subsidiary institutions that are subject to any restriction by the institution's federal or state regulator that limits the payment of dividends or other intercorporate payments; (iii) make any distributions of interest, principal, or other sums on subordinated debentures or trust-preferred securities; (iv) incur, increase or guarantee any debt; or (v) purchase or redeem any shares of the stock of Capitol, the second-tier bank holding companies, nonbank subsidiaries or any of the subsidiary banks that are held by shareholders other than Capitol.
	In addition, Capitol agreed to:  (i) submit to the Reserve Bank a written plan to maintain sufficient capital at Capitol on a consolidated basis and at Michigan Commerce Bank (as Capitol's largest bank subsidiary and a separate legal entity on a stand-alone basis); (ii) notify the Reserve Bank no more than 30 days after the end of any quarter in which Capitol's consolidated or Michigan Commerce Bank's capital ratios fall below the approved capital plan's minimum ratios, as well as if any subsidiary institution's ratios fall below the minimum ratios required by the institution's federal or state regulator; (iii) review and revise its allowance for loan losses ("ALLL") methodology for loans held by Capitol and submit to the Reserve Bank a written program for maintenance of an adequate ALLL for loans held by Capitol; (iv) take all necessary actions to ensure each of its subsidiary institutions comply with Federal Reserve regulations; (v) refrain from increasing any fees or charging new fees to any subsidiary institution without the prior written consent of the Reserve Bank; (vi) submit to the Reserve Bank a written plan to enhance the consolidated organization's risk management practices, a strategic plan to improve the consolidated organization's operating results and overall condition, and a cash flow projection; (vii) comply with laws and regulations regarding senior executive officer positions and severance payments; and (viii) provide quarterly reports to the Reserve Bank regarding these undertakings.
	Most of Capitol's bank subsidiaries have entered into formal enforcement actions (as well as informal agreements) with their applicable regulatory agencies.  Those enforcement actions provide for certain restrictions and other guidelines and/or limitations to be followed by the banks.
	The FDIC may issue Prompt Corrective Action Notifications ("PCAN") to banking subsidiaries falling below the "adequately-capitalized" regulatory-capital classification, and subsequently may issue Prompt Correction Action Directives ("PCAD").  PCADs may be issued when a bank, which has previously received a PCAN, has submitted two consecutive capital restoration plans which have been rejected by the FDIC.
	Capitol's banking subsidiaries which have received a PCAD are as follows as of September 30, 2013 (listed in descending order based on total assets):
	Michigan Commerce Bank
	Bank of Las Vegas
	Sunrise Bank of Albuquerque
	These banks are striving to develop and implement capital restoration plans which may be acceptable to the FDIC.  Typically, a capital plan is not deemed acceptable by the FDIC until receipt of the planned capital funds is imminent.
	On September 20, 2012, the State of New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Financial Institutions Division (the "New Mexico FID") issued a written notice of its intention to take possession and control of Sunrise Bank of Albuquerque and its assets for the purpose of the reorganization or liquidation through receivership if certain findings of the New Mexico FID were not corrected by December 20, 2012.  In the event that such a reorganization or liquidation of Sunrise Bank of Albuquerque had taken place, the FDIC would have experienced losses and such losses could have been assessed against the Corporation's other depository institution subsidiaries.  Such liability would likely have had a material adverse effect on the financial condition of any assessed subsidiary institution and on the Corporation as the common parent.  In February 2013, Capitol provided Sunrise Bank of Albuquerque with a $1.0 million capital injection to raise the Bank's capital level to 4.00% and thus satisfied the New Mexico FID mandate.  The Bank continues to provide banking services in a normal manner, including maintaining FDIC insurance for its depositors.  However, the Bank's capital level fell below 4.00% as of June 30, 2013 and, as such, the New Mexico FID has reissued a notice of intent to take possession and contol of the Bank following an administrative hearing scheduled for November 22, 2013.  Since receiving this notice, Capitol has entered into an agreement to sell the Bank.
	On May 10, 2013, Sunrise Bank, a subsidiary bank of Capitol, was closed by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance and the FDIC was appointed as receiver.  The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Synovus Bank, based in Columbus, Georgia, to assume all of the deposits of Sunrise Bank.  As the owner of substantially all of the capital stock of Sunrise Bank, Capitol would be entitled to the net recoveries, if any, following the liquidation or sale of Sunrise Bank or its assets by the FDIC.  However, Capitol believes it will not realize any recovery.
	Also on May 10, 2013, Pisgah Community Bank ("PCB"), a subsidiary bank of Capitol, was closed by the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks and the FDIC was appointed as receiver.  The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Capital Bank, NA, based in Rockville, Maryland, to assume all of the deposits of PCB.  As the owner of substantially all of the capital stock of PCB, Capitol would be entitled to the net recoveries, if any, following the liquidation or sale of PCB or its assets by the FDIC.  However, Capitol believes it will not realize any recovery.
	On May 14, 2013, Central Arizona Bank ("CAB"), a subsidiary bank of Capitol, was closed by the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC was appointed as receiver.  The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Western State Bank, based in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to assume all of the deposits of CAB.  As the owner of substantially all of the capital stock of CAB, Capitol would be entitled to the net recoveries, if any, following the liquidation or sale of CAB or its assets by the FDIC.  However, Capitol believes it will not realize any recovery.
	On June 6, 2013, 1st Commerce Bank, a subsidiary bank of Capitol, was closed by the FDIC and the FDIC appointed itself as receiver.  The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Plaza Bank, based in Irvine, California, to assume all of the deposits of 1st Commerce Bank.  As the owner of substantially all of the capital stock of 1st Commerce Bank, Capitol would be entitled to the net recoveries, if any, following the liquidation or sale of 1st Commerce Bank or its assets by the FDIC.  However, Capitol believes it will not realize any recovery.
	On August 23, 2013, Sunrise Bank of Arizona, a subsidiary bank of Capitol, was closed by the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC was appointed as receiver.  The FDIC entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with First Fidelity Bank, National Association, based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to assume all of the deposits of Sunrise Bank of Arizona.  As the owner of substantially all of the capital stock of Sunrise Bank of Arizona, Capitol would be entitled to the net recoveries, if any, following the liquidation or sale of Sunrise Bank of Arizona or its assets by the FDIC.  However, Capitol believes it will not realize any recovery.
	It is likely that the FDIC will experience losses in connection with these closures, and the FDIC could assess such losses against the Corporation's other depository institution subsidiaries.  Such liability would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of any assessed subsidiary institution and on Capitol as the common parent.
	On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") was signed into law and is significantly impacting the regulation of financial institutions and the financial services industry.  The Dodd-Frank Act includes provisions affecting large and small financial institutions alike, including several provisions that will profoundly affect how community banks, thrifts and smaller bank holding companies will be regulated in the future.  Among other things, these provisions abolished the Office of Thrift Supervision and transferred its functions to other federal banking agencies, relaxed rules regarding interstate branching, allowed financial institutions to pay interest on business checking accounts, changed the scope of FDIC insurance coverage and imposed new capital requirements on bank holding companies, including removing trust-preferred securities as a permitted component of a holding company's Tier 1 capital, following a three-year phase-in period beginning January 1, 2013.  The Dodd-Frank Act also established the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection as an independent entity within the Federal Reserve, which was given the authority to promulgate consumer protection regulations applicable to all entities offering consumer financial services or products, including banks.  Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act includes a series of provisions covering mortgage loan origination standards affecting, among other things, originator compensation, minimum repayment standards and prepayments.  Management continues to evaluate the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and assess its probable impact on the Corporation's business, financial condition and results of operations.  However, the ultimate effect of the Dodd-Frank Act on the financial services industry in general, and on the Corporation in particular, remains uncertain.
	In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, an international forum for cooperation on banking supervisory matters, announced the "Basel III" capital rules, which set forth new capital requirements for banking organizations.  On July 2, 2013, the Federal Reserve Board approved a final rule that establishes an integrated regulatory capital framework implementing the Basel III regulatory capital reforms in the United States.  Under the final rule, a new minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% and a common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets will be applied to all supervised financial institutions.  The rule also raises the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4% to 6% and includes a minimum leverage ratio of 4% for all banking organizations.  These new capital requirements will be phased in over time with the phase-in period for smaller, less complex banking organizations beginning in January 2015 and the phase-in period for larger institutions beginning in January 2014.  Additionally, the U.S. implementation of Basel III provides for the ability to treat trust-preferred securities purchased before May 19, 2010 as Tier 1 capital for banking organizations with less than $15 billion in assets.  The ultimate impact of the U.S. implementation of the new capital and liquidity standards to Capitol and its affiliate banks as well as the impact upon Capitol's earnings or financial position is difficult to determine at this point due to the current bankruptcy proceedings.
	In July 2011, Capitol adopted a Tax Benefits Preservation Plan (the "Plan") designed to preserve substantial tax assets.  Capitol's tax attributes include net operating losses that could be utilized in certain circumstances to offset taxable income and to reduce federal income tax liability.  Capitol's ability to use these tax attributes would be substantially limited if an "ownership change" was to occur, as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and related Internal Revenue Service pronouncements.  In accordance with the provisions of the Plan, Capitol's board of directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of its common stock distributable to shareholders of record as of August 1, 2011, as well as to holders of common stock issued subsequent to that date, which would only be activated if triggered under the Plan.
	Regulatory capital matters are set forth in Note N.

Regulatory_Capital_Matters

Regulatory Capital Matters	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Regulatory Capital Matters [Abstract]	'
Regulatory Capital Matters	'
	Note N – Regulatory Capital Matters
	The following table summarizes the amounts (in $1,000s) and related ratios of Capitol's consolidated regulatory capital position:
		30-Sep-13		December 31, 2012 (4)
	Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets:
	Minimum required amount(1)	≥$	42,326	≥$	66,520
	Actual amount	$	-142,572	$	-144,341
	Ratio		-13.47%		-8.68%
	Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:
	Minimum required amount(2)	≥$	29,020	≥$	49,402
	Actual amount	$	-142,572	$	-144,341
	Ratio		-19.65%		-11.69%
	Combined Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk- weighted assets:
	Minimum required amount(3)	≥$	58,041	≥$	98,805
	Actual amount	$	-142,572	$	-144,341
	Ratio		-19.65%		-11.69%
		-1	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 4 %.
		-2	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 4 %.
		-3	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 8 %.
		-4	As originally filed with regulatory agency.
	Capitol's total risk-based capital ratios at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were materially and adversely impacted by the exclusion of approximately $ 160.7 million and $167.3 million, respectively, of Tier 2 capital, inasmuch as Tier 2 capital is limited to 100% of Tier 1 capital, primarily trust-preferred securities and a portion of the allowance for loan losses.  The Tier 1 capital deficit resulted generally from operating losses.  Capitol's Tier 1 capital will need to increase to a positive level in order to allow for the inclusion of trust-preferred securities in Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital computation purposes.
	The preceding summary indicates that Capitol, on a consolidated basis, was classified as less than "adequately-capitalized" at September 30, 2013 for regulatory purposes.  In addition, several of its bank subsidiaries had capital levels resulting in classification as "significantly-undercapitalized" at that date.  Banks and bank holding companies which are less than "adequately-capitalized" are subject to increased regulatory oversight, requirements and limitations.  Regarding banks classified as less than "adequately-capitalized," or otherwise noncompliant with formal regulatory agreements, management is taking appropriate action to improve such capital classifications and related compliance in the future.
	Regulatory capital ratios of the banks are set forth on page 50 on this document.

DebtorinPossession_Financial_I1

Debtor-in-Possession Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debtor-in-Possession Financial Information [Abstract]	'
Liabilities Subject To Compromise Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	As required by ASC Topic 852, the amount of liabilities subject to compromise represents management's estimate of known or potential prepetition and post-petition claims to be addressed in connection with the bankruptcy filing.  Such claims are subject to future adjustments.  The liabilities subject to compromise consist of the following (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Trust-preferred securities	$	151,296	$	151,296
	Senior notes		6,820		6,820
	Accrued interest payable		33,318		33,318
	Accrued estimated taxes payable		3,196		7,108
	Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		1,093		1,751
	Total liabilities subject to compromise	$	195,723	$	200,293
Reorganization Expense Items [Table Text Block]	'
	Professional advisory fees and other costs directly associated with the reorganization are reported separately as reorganization items pursuant to ASC Topic 852.  The reorganization items for the three and nine months ended September 30 consisted of the following (in $1,000s):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep				30-Sep
			2013		2012		2013		2012
	Professional fees	$	360	$	665	$	2,195	$	665
	Deferred issuance costs		-		2,081		-		2,081
		$	360	$	2,746	$	2,195	$	2,746

Change_in_Accounting_Principle1

Change in Accounting Principle (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Change in Accounting Principle [Abstract]	'
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles	'
	All 2012 periods have been retrospectively adjusted to reflect the change in accounting principle.  The following tables summarize the adjustments to the Corporation's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for each affected line item (in $1,000s, except per-share data):
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
		As of December 31, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Reclassification of Discontinued		Effect of Change		As Adjusted
				Operations(1)		in Accounting
						Principle
	Portfolio loans, less allowance for loan losses	$	1,143,212	$	-266,445	$	3,050	$	879,817
	Total assets		1,618,252				3,050		1,621,302
	Accrued interest on deposits and other liabilities		9,779		-1,291		-3,518		4,970
	Total liabilities		1,762,368				-3,518		1,758,850
	Retained-earnings deficit		-430,590				6,568		-424,022
	Total Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity deficit		-133,869				6,568		-127,301
	Total equity deficit		-144,116				6,568		-137,548
	(1)           For comparative purposes, original balances as previously reported have also been adjusted to exclude amounts related to discontinued operations.
	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Reclassification of Discontinued Operations(1)		Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		As Adjusted
	Costs associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	$	3,172	$	-1,252	$	-750	$	1,170
	Total noninterest expense		23,735		-5,624		-750		17,361
	Loss before income tax benefit		-6,155		1,501		750		-3,904
	Loss from continuing operations		-6,203		1,501		750		-3,952
	Net loss		-6,144				750		-5,394
	Net loss attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited		-5,673				750		-4,923
	Net loss per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	$	-0.14					$	-0.12
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		As Previously Reported		Reclassification of Discontinued Operations(1)		Effect of Change in Accounting Principle		As Adjusted
	Costs associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	$	14,227	$	-5,279	$	-2,200	$	6,748
	Total noninterest expense		77,509		-19,138		-2,200		56,171
	Loss before income tax benefit		-25,905		6,291		2,200		-17,414
	Loss from continuing operations		-25,909		6,291		2,200		-17,418
	Net loss		-25,753				2,200		-23,553
	Net loss attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited		-23,924				2,200		-21,724
	Net loss per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	$	-0.58					$	-0.53
	-1	For comparative purposes, original balances as previously reported have also been adjusted to exclude amounts related to discontinued operations.

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investment Securities [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Available For Sale And Held To Maturity Securities [Table Text Block]	'
	Investment securities available for sale consisted of the following (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Amortized		Estimated Fair Value		Amortized		Estimated
		Cost				Cost		Fair Value
	United States treasury	$	3,249	$	3,250	$	3,499	$	3,500
	United States government agency		5,000		4,682		4,000		3,987
	Mortgage-backed		6,564		6,620		8,055		8,175
		$	14,813	$	14,552	$	15,554	$	15,662
Gross unrealized gains and losses and carrying value of available-for-sale securities	'
	Gross unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale were as follows (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Gains		Losses		Gains		Losses
	United States treasury	$	1			$	1
	United States government agency		1	$	319			$	13
	Mortgage-backed		60		4		120
		$	62	$	323	$	121	$	13
	The age of gross unrealized losses and carrying value (at estimated fair value) of securities available for sale are summarized below (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
		Unrealized		Carrying		Unrealized		Carrying
		Loss		Value		Loss		Value
	One year or less:
	United States government agencies	$	319	$	4,181	$	13	$	3,987
	Mortgage-backed		4		1,741		-		-
		$	323		5,922		13		3,987
Scheduled maturities of investment securities	'
	Scheduled maturities of investment securities held as of September 30, 2013 were as follows (in $1,000s):
		Amortized		Estimated
		Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	3,249	$	3,250
	After one year, through five years		1,000		999
	After five years, through ten years		4,349		4,295
	After ten years		6,215		6,008
		$	14,813	$	14,552

Loans_Tables

Loans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Loans [Abstract]	'
Schedule of allowance for loan losses and the carrying amount of loans	'
	The following tables present the allowance for loan losses and the carrying amount of loans based on management's overall assessment of probable incurred losses (in $1,000s), and should not be interpreted as an indication of future charge-offs:
		30-Sep-13
		Secured by Real Estate
		Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
					(including			Land			and Other
					multi-			Development			Business-
					family)			and Other			Purpose
								Land			Loans
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	4,570		$	1,917		$	873		$	1,328		$	3								$	8,691
	Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses		7,301			4,363			694			1,746			213		$	187		$	9,070			23,574
	Total allowance for loan losses	$	11,871		$	6,280		$	1,567		$	3,074		$	216		$	187		$	9,070		$	32,265
	Portfolio loans:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	71,684		$	17,436		$	8,253		$	6,849		$	28								$	104,250
	Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses		380,318			129,199			22,249			61,176			5,586		$	1,950						600,478
	Total portfolio loans	$	452,002		$	146,635		$	30,502		$	68,025		$	5,614		$	1,950					$	704,728
		December 31, 2012 (As Adjusted – Note C)
			Secured by Real Estate
			Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
						(including			Land			and Other
						multi-			Development			Business-
						family)			and Other			Purpose
									Land			Loans
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	6,214		$	2,153		$	881		$	1,022		$	8								$	10,278
	Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses			8,721			6,241			1,063			3,441			866		$	3		$	20,895			41,230
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	14,935		$	8,394		$	1,944		$	4,463		$	874		$	3		$	20,895		$	51,508
	Portfolio loans:
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	89,964		$	29,314		$	10,447		$	10,071		$	22								$	139,818
	Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses			482,512			178,027			29,730			92,574			6,671		$	1,993						791,507
	Total portfolio loans		$	572,476		$	207,341		$	40,177		$	102,645		$	6,693		$	1,993					$	931,325
Schedule of summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses	'
	The tables below summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in $1,000s) by loan type:
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Secured by Real Estate
		Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
					(including			Land			and Other
					multi-			Development			Business-
					family)			and Other			Purpose
								Land			Loans
	Beginning balance	$	11,444		$	6,443		$	1,936		$	2,615		$	303		$	391		$	9,378		$	32,510
	Charge-offs		-1,453			-800			-234			-411			-2			-						-2,900
	Recoveries		1,509			470			334			259			80			-						2,652
	Net charge-offs		56			-330			100			-152			78			-						-248
	Provision for loan losses		173			103			-482			581			-167			-205			-			3
	Net change in unallocated allowance		198			64			13			30			2			1			-308
	Ending balance	$	11,871		$	6,280		$	1,567		$	3,074		$	216		$	187		$	9,070		$	32,265
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Secured by Real Estate
		Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
					(including			Land			and Other
					multi-			Development			Business-
					family)			and Other			Purpose
								Land			Loans
	Beginning balance	$	14,935		$	8,394		$	1,944		$	4,463		$	874		$	3		$	20,895		$	51,508
	Less allowance for deconsolidated  subsidiary – Note H		-765			-869			-53			-422			-48									-2,157
	Charge-offs		-6,435			-3,237			-2,906			-980			-318			-7						-13,883
	Recoveries		3,631			1,602			2,254			1,338			155			-						8,980
	Net charge-offs		-2,804			-1,635			-652			358			-163			-7						-4,903
	Provision for loan losses		746			468			344			-1,289			-444			192			-12,200			-12,183
	Net change in unallocated allowance		-241			-78			-16			-36			-3			-1			375
	Ending balance	$	11,871		$	6,280		$	1,567		$	3,074		$	216		$	187		$	9,070		$	32,265
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Secured by Real Estate
		Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
					(including			Land			and Other
					multi-			Development			Business-
					family)			and Other			Purpose
								Land			Loans
	Beginning balance	$	22,642		$	10,014		$	3,192		$	8,760		$	228		$	368		$	13,114		$	58,318
	Charge-offs		-4,533			-2,985			-657			-472			-171			23						-8,795
	Recoveries		614			359			312			876			276			63						2,500
	Net charge-offs		-3,919			-2,626			-345			404			105			86						-6,295
	Provision for loan losses		2,466			1,595			-703			-2,556			-97			-428						277
	Net change in unallocated allowance		-3,338			-1,107			-273			-554			-43			-12			5,327
	Ending balance	$	17,851		$	7,876		$	1,871		$	6,054		$	193		$	14		$	18,441		$	52,300
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Secured by Real Estate
		Commercial			Residential			Construction,			Commercial			Consumer			Other			Unallocated			Total
					(including			Land			and Other
					multi-			Development			Business-
					family)			and Other			Purpose
								Land			Loans
	Beginning balance	$	26,576		$	15,854		$	6,739		$	11,057		$	533		$	12		$	4,447		$	65,218
	Charge-offs		-11,141			-7,857			-2,503			-6,125			-373			-656						-28,655
	Recoveries		4,193			3,907			1,320			5,046			410			70						14,946
	Net charge-offs		-6,948			-3,950			-1,183			-1,079			37			-586						-13,709
	Provision for loan losses		6,992			-1,120			-2,968			-2,468			-266			621						791
	Net change in unallocated allowance		-8,769			-2,908			-717			-1,456			-111			-33			13,994
	Ending balance	$	17,851		$	7,876		$	1,871		$	6,054		$	193		$	14		$	18,441		$	52,300
Schedule of nonperforming loans and other nonperforming assets	'
	Nonperforming loans (i.e., loans which are 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest and loans on nonaccrual status) and other nonperforming assets are summarized below (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13			30-Jun-13			31-Mar-13			31-Dec-12
											As Adjusted
											(Note C)
	Nonaccrual loans:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	46,944		$	55,172		$	60,045		$	65,443
	Residential (including multi-family)		12,242			15,847			18,063			21,049
	Construction, land development and other land		5,292			5,937			6,161			5,667
	Total loans secured by real estate		64,478			76,956			84,269			92,159
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		4,680			5,238			6,021			8,159
	Consumer		133			139			328			189
	Total nonaccrual loans		69,291			82,333			90,618			100,507
	Past due (>90 days) loans and accruing interest:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial		-			-			1,017			515
	Residential (including multi-family)		-			-			-			85
	Total loans secured by real estate		-			-			1,017			600
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		-			-			-			70
	Total past due loans		-			-			1,017			670
	Total nonperforming loans	$	69,291		$	82,333		$	91,635			101,177
	Real estate owned and other repossessed assets		47,815			46,775			54,887			63,306
	Total nonperforming assets	$	117,106		$	129,108		$	146,522			164,483
Schedule of impaired loans	'
	Impaired loans are summarized in the following table (in $1,000s), based on loans which either have an allowance for loan losses recorded or no such allowance as of September 30, 2013:
		Carrying			Unpaid			Related
		Value			Principal			Allowance
					Balance			for Loan
								Losses
	With an allowance recorded:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	46,502		$	59,377		$	5,276
	Residential (including multi-family)		14,770			26,603			3,382
	Construction, land development and other land		5,536			9,293			919
	Total loans secured by real estate		66,808			95,273			9,577
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		5,096			11,986			1,217
	Consumer		199			449			31
			72,103			107,708			10,825
	With no related allowance recorded:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial		57,782			75,745
	Residential (including multi-family)		11,524			12,391
	Construction, land development and other land		4,470			5,882
	Total loans secured by real estate		73,776			94,018
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		3,123			3,761
	Consumer		51			51
			76,950			97,830
	Total	$	149,053		$	205,538		$	10,825
	Interest income is recorded on impaired loans if not on nonaccrual status, or may be recorded on a cash basis in some circumstances, if such payments are not credited to principal.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the average recorded investment in impaired loans and interest income recorded on impaired loans were as follows (in $1,000s):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13						30-Sep-13
		Average			Interest			Average			Interest
		Recorded			Income			Recorded			Income
		Investment			Recorded			Investment			Recorded
	Commercial	$	111,720		$	2,003		$	117,185		$	5,472
	Residential (including multi-family)		32,733			380			38,059			1,057
	Construction, land development and other land		14,504			60			18,582			229
	Total loans secured by real estate		158,957			2,443			173,826			6,758
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		11,243			100			13,937			410
	Consumer		236			7			196			7
	Total	$	170,436		$	2,550		$	187,959		$	7,175
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-12						30-Sep-12
		Average			Interest			Average			Interest
		Recorded			Income			Recorded			Income
		Investment			Recorded			Investment			Recorded
		As Adjusted						As Adjusted
		(Note C)						(Note C)
	Commercial	$	126,443		$	1,715		$	128,941		$	3,717
	Residential (including multi-family)		49,098			596			48,687			1,722
	Construction, land development and other land		25,137			30			25,510			540
	Total loans secured by real estate		200,678			2,341			203,138			5,979
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		18,315			61			18,661			671
	Consumer		180			-			172			7
	Total	$	219,173		$	2,402		$	221,971		$	6,657
	Impaired loans are summarized in the following table (in $1,000s), based on loans which either have an allowance for loan losses recorded or no such allowance as of December 31, 2012:
		Carrying			Unpaid			Related
		Value			Principal			Allowance
					Balance			for Loan
								Losses
		As Adjusted			As Adjusted
		(Note C)			(Note C)
	With an allowance recorded:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	61,640		$	75,459		$	7,563
	Residential (including multi-family)		17,776			31,470			2,706
	Construction, land development and other land		7,150			11,562			1,036
Total loans secured by real estate		86,566			118,491			11,305
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		7,609			17,134			1,574
Consumer		207			1,351			57
		94,382			136,976			12,936
With no related allowance recorded:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial		53,108			81,579
Residential (including multi-family)		18,690			21,791
Construction, land development and other land		5,982			9,136
Total loans secured by real estate		77,780			112,506
Commercial and other business-purpose loans		6,246			8,112
Consumer		9			9
		84,035			120,627
Total	$	178,417		$	257,603		$	12,936
Schedule of summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans	'
	The following tables summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13
		Past Due Loans									Total
		(based on payment due dates)									Amount of
		More Than			More Than			Loans on			Loans More			Loans Either			Total
		29 Days,			89 Days			Nonaccrual			Than 29 Days			Current or			Portfolio
		and Less Than			(Accruing)			Status			Past Due or on			Less Than			Loans
		90 Days						(Generally, 90			Nonaccrual			30 Days
								Days or More)			Status			Past Due
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	4,798		$	-		$	46,944		$	51,742		$	400,260		$	452,002
	Residential (including multi-family)		1,582						12,242			13,824			132,811			146,635
	Construction, land development and other land		697						5,292			5,989			24,513			30,502
	Total loans secured by real estate		7,077			-			64,478			71,555			557,584			629,139
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		772						4,680			5,452			62,573			68,025
	Consumer		382						133			515			5,099			5,614
	Other		-									-			1,950			1,950
	Total	$	8,231		$	-		$	69,291		$	77,522		$	627,206		$	704,728
		December 31, 2012 (As Adjusted – Note C)
		Past Due Loans									Total
		(based on payment due dates)									Amount of
		More Than			More Than			Loans on			Loans More			Loans Either			Total
		29 Days,			89 Days			Nonaccrual			Than 29 Days			Current or			Portfolio
		and Less Than			(Accruing)			Status			Past Due or on			Less Than			Loans
		90 Days						(Generally, 90			Nonaccrual			30 Days
								Days or More)			Status			Past Due
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	12,534		$	515		$	65,443		$	78,492		$	493,984		$	572,476
	Residential (including multi-family)		5,364			85			21,049			26,498			180,843			207,341
	Construction, land development and other land		4,242						5,667			9,909			30,268			40,177
	Total loans secured by real estate		22,140			600			92,159			114,899			705,095			819,994
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		2,933			70			8,159			11,162			91,483			102,645
	Consumer		280			-			189			469			6,224			6,693
	Other														1,993			1,993
	Total	$	25,353		$	670		$	100,507		$	126,530		$	804,795		$	931,325
Schedule of recent analysis, the risk categories of loans	'
	Based on management's most recent analysis, the risk categories of loans are summarized as follows (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13
		Pass			Watch			Substandard			Total
											Portfolio
											Loans
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	315,889		$	52,327		$	83,786		$	452,002
	Residential (including multi-family)		106,607			17,576			22,452			146,635
	Construction, land development and other land		17,129			4,123			9,250			30,502
	Total loans secured by real estate		439,625			74,026			115,488			629,139
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		52,603			6,188			9,234			68,025
	Consumer		4,953			174			487			5,614
	Other		1,950						-			1,950
	Total	$	499,131		$	80,388		$	125,209		$	704,728
		December 31, 2012 (As adjusted – Note C)
		Pass			Watch			Substandard			Total
											Portfolio
											Loans
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	408,689		$	60,929		$	102,858		$	572,476
	Residential (including multi-family)		150,861			18,951			37,529			207,341
	Construction, land development and other land		21,773			7,394			11,010			40,177
	Total loans secured by real estate		581,323			87,274			151,397			819,994
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		82,931			4,894			14,820			102,645
	Consumer		4,533			1,765			395			6,693
	Other		1,993									1,993
	Total	$	670,780		$	93,933		$	166,612		$	931,325
Schedule of summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings related payment default	'
	The following table summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in $1,000s):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Number of		Pre-restructuring			Post-restructuring			Post-
		Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding			restructuring
				Recorded			Recorded			Loan Loss
				Investment			Investment			Reserve
	Troubled debt restructurings:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	7		$	6,941		$	6,211		$	749
	Residential	10			848			787			35
	Construction, land development and other land	-			-			-			-
	Total loans secured by real estate	17			7,789			6,998			784
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans	2			129			129			-
	Consumer	3			102			102			1
	Total	22		$	8,020		$	7,229		$	785
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Number of		Pre-restructuring			Post-restructuring			Post-
		Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding			restructuring
				Recorded			Recorded			Loan Loss
				Investment			Investment			Reserve
	Troubled debt restructurings:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	31		$	17,200		$	13,916		$	1,066
	Residential	41			3,957			3,399			230
	Construction, land development and other land	2			94			91			12
	Total loans secured by real estate	74			21,251			17,406			1,308
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans	20			1,774			985			297
	Consumer	3			102			102			1
	Total	97		$	23,127		$	18,493		$	1,606
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Number of		Pre-restructuring			Post-restructuring			Post-
		Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding			restructuring
				Recorded			Recorded			Loan Loss
				Investment			Investment			Reserve
	Troubled debt restructurings:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	17		$	11,325		$	8,522		$	404
	Residential	15			2,427			2,195			154
	Construction, land development and other land	3			913			913			33
	Total loans secured by real estate	35			14,665			11,630			591
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans	10			760			764			65
	Consumer	-			-			-			-
	Total	45		$	15,425		$	12,394		$	656
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Number of		Pre-restructuring			Post-restructuring			Post-
		Contracts		Outstanding			Outstanding			restructuring
				Recorded			Recorded			Loan Loss
				Investment			Investment			Reserve
	Troubled debt restructurings:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	82		$	30,669		$	25,620		$	1,746
	Residential	67			8,398			7,838			489
	Construction, land development and other land	12			1,968			1,837			57
	Total loans secured by real estate	161			41,035			35,295			2,292
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans	25			1,784			1,644			90
	Consumer	1			2			1			-
	Total	187		$	42,821		$	36,940		$	2,382
	The following table summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings in the last twelve months for which there was a payment default (i.e., when a loan becomes 90 days or more past due) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in $1,000s):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep-13					30-Sep-13
		Number of		Recorded			Number of		Recorded
		Contracts		Investment			Contracts		Investment
	Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	5		$	2,570		12		$	4,874
Residential	3			294		19			1,990
Construction, land development and other land	-			-		4			1,427
Total loans secured by real estate	8			2,864		35			8,291
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	-			-		1			-
Consumer	-			-		-			-
Total	8		$	2,864		36		$	8,291
	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	30-Sep-12					30-Sep-12
	Number of		Recorded			Number of		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment			Contracts		Investment
Troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted:
Loans secured by real estate:
Commercial	13		$	4,574		28		$	6,073
Residential	8			549		21			1,761
Construction, land development and other land	6			1,081		11			1,306
Total loans secured by real estate	27			6,204		60			9,140
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	4			215		10			441
Consumer	1			47		2			48
Total	32		$	6,466		72		$	9,629
Schedule of troubled debt restructurings as loan type and accrual status	'
	The total amount of troubled debt restructurings as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 is detailed in the following tables by loan type and accrual status (in $1,000s):
		Troubled Debt Restructurings
		at September 30, 2013
		On			On Accrual			Total
		Non-Accrual			Status
		Status
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	31,670		$	53,394		$	85,064
	Residential (including multi-family)		7,651			13,694			21,345
	Construction, land development and other land		3,230			4,086			7,316
	Total loans secured by real estate		42,551			71,174			113,725
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		2,666			3,409			6,075
	Consumer					117			117
	Total	$	45,217		$	74,700		$	119,917
		Troubled Debt Restructurings
		at December 31, 2012
		On			On Accrual			Total
		Non-Accrual			Status
		Status
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	$	41,350		$	49,305		$	90,655
	Residential (including multi-family)		12,902			15,417			28,319
	Construction, land development and other land		2,797			7,465			10,262
	Total loans secured by real estate		57,049			72,187			129,236
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans		3,965			5,695			9,660
	Consumer					27			27
	Total	$	61,014		$	77,909		$	138,923

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of income statement and assets and liabilities of discontinued operations	'
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, 1st Commerce Bank, Central Arizona Bank, Pisgah Community Bank, Sunrise Bank and Sunrise Bank of Arizona were closed by either their state regulators or the FDIC (see Note M).  Capitol recorded a net loss of $5.9 million on its investment in these banks, which has been included in discontinued operations.
	The assets, liabilities and results of operations of the above-mentioned banks closed in 2013, together with the results of operations of Mountain View Bank of Commerce, Bank of Michigan, First Carolina State Bank and High Desert Bank, sold in 2012, are classified as discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and include the following components (in $1,000s):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		30-Sep					30-Sep
			2013			2012		2013		2012
	Interest income	$	1,316		$	5,247	$	7,798	$	19,402
	Interest expense		125			875		958		3,585
	Net interest income		1,191			4,372		6,840		15,817
	Provision for loan losses		-			248		-581		1,455
	Net interest income after provision for  loan losses		1,191			4,124		7,421		14,362
	Noninterest income		78			564		1,055		2,037
	Gain (loss) on bank subsidiaries discontinued		-4,653			29		-5,911		155
	Noninterest expense		1,177			6,120		8,018		22,588
	Loss before income taxes		-4,561			-1,403		-5,453		-6,034
	Less income taxes		-			39		-		101
	Net loss from discontinued operations		-4,561			-1,442		-5,453		-6,135
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  in consolidated subsidiaries		-			395		327		1,412
	Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited		-4,561			-1,047		-5,126		-4,723
		$			$		$		$
	Net loss from discontinued operations per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited		-0.11			-0.03		-0.12		-0.12
		$			$		$		$
	Assets and liabilities of discontinued operations are summarized below (in $1,000s):
			Dec 31,				Dec 31,
			2012				2012
	Assets:					Liabilities:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	68,780		Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	76,873
	Investment securities			44		Interest-bearing deposits		272,854
	Federal Home Loan Bank stock			3,075		Total deposits		349,727
	Portfolio loans			278,392		Other liabilities		4,293
	Less allowance for loan losses			-11,947
	Net portfolio loans			266,445			$	354,020
	Premises and equipment			3,114
	Other real estate owned			17,721
	Other assets			2,688
			$	361,867

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Schedule of assets measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis	'
	Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
		Total			Significant Other			Total			Significant Other
					Observable Inputs						Observable Inputs
					(Level 2)						(Level 2)
	Investment securities available for sale:(1)
	United States treasury	$	3,250		$	3,250		$	3,500		$	3,500
	United States government agency		4,682			4,682			3,987			3,987
	Mortgage-backed		6,620			6,620			8,175			8,175
		$	14,552		$	14,552		$	15,662		$	15,662
		(1)	Level 2 inputs for investment securities available for sale include pricing models from independent pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
	Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis were as follows (in $1,000s):
		30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
		Total			Significant						Significant
					Unobservable			Total			Unobservable
					Inputs						Inputs
					(Level 3)						(Level 3)
	Impaired loans(1)	$	76,950		$	76,950		$	84,035		$	84,035
	Other real estate owned(2)	$	47,783		$	47,783		$	63,242		$	63,242
		(1)	Level 3 inputs for impaired loans include appraised value of the applicable collateral or other unobservable estimates of fair value.
		(2)	Level 3 inputs for other real estate owned include appraised value of the foreclosed property or other unobservable estimates of fair value.  Fair value is reduced by estimated costs to sell the properties (including delinquent real estate taxes).
Comparative carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments	'
	Comparative carrying values and estimated fair values of financial instruments based upon the accounting guidance set forth in Accounting Standards Codification 825-10 were as follows (in $1,000s):
				30-Sep-13						31-Dec-12
										As Adjusted – Note C
		Level Used		Carrying			Estimated			Carrying			Estimated
		to Measure		Value			Fair Value			Value			Fair Value
		Estimated
		Fair Value
	Financial assets:
	Cash	1		$	22,282		$	22,282		$	43,727		$	43,727
	Cash equivalents	2			192,849			192,849			214,340			214,340
	Loans held for sale	2			73			73
	Investment securities available for sale	2			14,552			14,552			15,662			15,662
	Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock	2			6,262			6,262			7,456			7,456
	Portfolio loans:
	Loans secured by real estate:
	Commercial	3			452,002			448,343			572,476			569,789
	Residential (including multi-family)	3			146,635			146,848			207,341			207,737
	Construction, land development and other land	3			30,502			30,480			40,177			40,221
	Total loans secured by real estate				629,139			625,671			819,994			817,747
	Commercial and other business-purpose loans	3			68,025			67,709			102,645			102,352
	Consumer	3			5,614			5,712			6,693			6,836
	Other	3			1,950			1,835			1,993			1,864
	Total portfolio loans				704,728			700,927			931,325			928,799
	Less allowance for loan losses	3			-32,265			-32,265			-51,508			-51,508
	Net portfolio loans				672,463			668,662			879,817			877,291
	Financial liabilities:
	Deposits:
	Noninterest-bearing	1			190,745			190,745			246,538			246,538
	Interest-bearing:
	Demand accounts	2			279,916			279,916			362,710			362,710
	Time certificates of less than $100,000	3			187,919			188,997			256,261			258,728
	Time certificates of $100,000 or more	3			255,909			257,246			328,632			331,081
	Total interest-bearing				723,744			726,159			947,603			952,519
	Total deposits				914,489			916,904			1,194,141			1,199,057
	Notes payable and other borrowings	3			8,908			10,106			5,426			6,667

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Common_Sha1

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Loss Per Common Share Attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited [Abstract]	'
Schedule of computations of net income (loss) per common share	'
	Computations of net income (loss) per common share were based on the following (in 1,000s) for the periods ended September 30:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		2013		2012		2013		2012
				As Adjusted					As Adjusted
				(Note C)					(Note C)
	Numerator—net income (loss) attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited for the period	$	-5,703	$	-4,923	$	1,130	$	-21,724
	Denominator:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, excluding unvested restricted shares of common stock (denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share)		41,169		41,070		41,169		41,037
	Number of antidilutive stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share computation		878		1,445		878		1,445
	Number of antidilutive unvested restricted shares excluded from basic and diluted earnings per share computation		2		9		2		9
	Number of antidilutive warrants excluded from diluted earnings per share computation		-		1,250		-		1,250
	Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited:
	From continuing operations	$	-0.03	$	-0.09	$	0.15	$	-0.41
	From discontinued operations		-0.11		-0.03		-0.12		-0.12
	Total net income (loss) per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	$	-0.14	$	-0.12	$	0.03	$	-0.53

Regulatory_Capital_Matters_Tab

Regulatory Capital Matters (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Regulatory Capital Matters [Abstract]	'
Schedule of capitol's consolidated regulatory capital position	'
	The following table summarizes the amounts (in $1,000s) and related ratios of Capitol's consolidated regulatory capital position:
		30-Sep-13		December 31, 2012 (4)
	Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets:
	Minimum required amount(1)	≥$	42,326	≥$	66,520
	Actual amount	$	-142,572	$	-144,341
	Ratio		-13.47%		-8.68%
	Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:
	Minimum required amount(2)	≥$	29,020	≥$	49,402
	Actual amount	$	-142,572	$	-144,341
	Ratio		-19.65%		-11.69%
	Combined Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk- weighted assets:
	Minimum required amount(3)	≥$	58,041	≥$	98,805
	Actual amount	$	-142,572	$	-144,341
	Ratio		-19.65%		-11.69%
		-1	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 4 %.
		-2	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 4 %.
		-3	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 8 %.
		-4	As originally filed with regulatory agency.

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen1

Background and Basis of Presentation (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Bankruptcy Filings [Abstract]	'
Date voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 filed	9-Aug-12

DebtorinPossession_Financial_I2

Debtor-in-Possession Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Liabilities Subject to Compromise [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Trust-preferred securities	$151,296,000	'	$151,296,000	'	$151,296,000
Senior notes	6,820,000	'	6,820,000	'	6,820,000
Accrued interest payable	33,318,000	'	33,318,000	'	33,318,000
Accrued estimated taxes payable	3,196,000	'	3,196,000	'	7,108,000
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	1,093,000	'	1,093,000	'	1,751,000
Total liabilities subject to compromise	195,723,000	'	195,723,000	'	200,293,000
Additional contractual interest not accrued on trust preferred securities and senior debt	2,500,000	'	7,700,000	'	'
Reorganization Items [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred issuance costs	0	2,081,000	0	2,081,000	'
Professional fees	360,000	665,000	2,195,000	665,000	'
Total reorganization items	$360,000	$2,746,000	$2,195,000	$2,746,000	'

Change_in_Accounting_Principle2

Change in Accounting Principle (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Portfolio loans, less allowance for loan losses	$672,463	'		$672,463	'		$879,817		'
Total assets	984,205	'		984,205	'		1,621,302		'
Accrued interest on deposits and other liabilities	7,748	'		7,748	'		4,970		'
Total liabilities	1,126,868	'		1,126,868	'		1,758,850		'
Retained-earnings deficit	-422,892	'		-422,892	'		-424,022		'
Total Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity deficit	-126,418	'		-126,418	'		-127,301		'
Total equity deficit	-142,663	-135,456		-142,663	-135,456		-137,548		-104,519
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Costs (income) associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	1,048	1,170		2,454	6,748		'		'
Total noninterest expense	12,400	17,361		42,675	56,171		'		'
Loss before income tax benefit	-1,242	-3,904		4,575	-17,414		'		'
Loss from continuing operations	-1,242	-3,952		6,122	-17,418		'		'
Net loss	-5,803	-5,394		669	-23,553		'		'
Net loss attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	-5,703	-4,923		1,130	-21,724		'		'
Net loss per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	($0.14)	($0.12)		$0.03	($0.53)		'		'
As Previously Reported [Member]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Portfolio loans, less allowance for loan losses	'	'		'	'		1,143,212		'
Total assets	'	'		'	'		1,618,252		'
Accrued interest on deposits and other liabilities	'	'		'	'		9,779		'
Total liabilities	'	'		'	'		1,762,368		'
Retained-earnings deficit	'	'		'	'		-430,590		'
Total Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity deficit	'	'		'	'		-133,869		'
Total equity deficit	'	'		'	'		-144,116		'
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Costs (income) associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	'	3,172		'	14,227		'		'
Total noninterest expense	'	23,735		'	77,509		'		'
Loss before income tax benefit	'	-6,155		'	-25,905		'		'
Loss from continuing operations	'	-6,203		'	-25,909		'		'
Net loss	'	-6,144		'	-25,753		'		'
Net loss attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	'	-5,673		'	-23,924		'		'
Net loss per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	'	($0.14)		'	($0.58)		'		'
Reclassification of Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Portfolio loans, less allowance for loan losses	'	'		'	'		-266,445	[1]	'
Total assets	'	'		'	'		0	[1]	'
Accrued interest on deposits and other liabilities	'	'		'	'		-1,291	[1]	'
Total liabilities	'	'		'	'		0	[1]	'
Retained-earnings deficit	'	'		'	'		0	[1]	'
Total Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity deficit	'	'		'	'		0	[1]	'
Total equity deficit	'	'		'	'		0	[1]	'
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Costs (income) associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	'	-1,252	[1]	'	-5,279	[1]	'		'
Total noninterest expense	'	-5,624	[1]	'	-19,138	[1]	'		'
Loss before income tax benefit	'	1,501	[1]	'	6,291	[1]	'		'
Loss from continuing operations	'	1,501	[1]	'	6,291	[1]	'		'
Effect of Change In Accounting Principle [Member]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Portfolio loans, less allowance for loan losses	'	'		'	'		3,050		'
Total assets	'	'		'	'		3,050		'
Accrued interest on deposits and other liabilities	'	'		'	'		-3,518		'
Total liabilities	'	'		'	'		-3,518		'
Retained-earnings deficit	'	'		'	'		6,568		'
Total Capitol Bancorp Limited stockholders' equity deficit	'	'		'	'		6,568		'
Total equity deficit	'	'		'	'		6,568		'
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Costs (income) associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	'	-750		'	-2,200		'		'
Total noninterest expense	'	-750		'	-2,200		'		'
Loss before income tax benefit	'	750		'	2,200		'		'
Loss from continuing operations	'	750		'	2,200		'		'
Net loss	'	750		'	2,200		'		'
Net loss attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	'	750		'	2,200		'		'
As Adjusted [Member]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract]	'	'		'	'		'		'
Costs (income) associated with foreclosed properties and other real estate owned	'	1,170		'	6,748		'		'
Total noninterest expense	'	17,361		'	56,171		'		'
Loss before income tax benefit	'	-3,904		'	-17,414		'		'
Loss from continuing operations	'	-3,952		'	-17,418		'		'
Net loss	'	-5,394		'	-23,553		'		'
Net loss attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	'	($4,923)		'	($21,724)		'		'
Net loss per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	'	($0.12)		'	($0.53)		'		'
[1]	For comparative purposes, original balances as previously reported have also been adjusted to exclude amounts related to discontinued operations.

Investment_Securities_Details

Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available for sale debt securities and held to maturity securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, Amortized Cost	$14,813	$15,554
Investment securities, Amortized Cost	14,813	'
Available for sale, Estimated Fair Value	14,552	15,662
Investment securities, Estimated Fair Value	14,552	'
Gross unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale [Abstract]	'	'
Gains	62	121
Losses	323	13
Age of gross unrealized losses and carrying value of securities available for sale [Abstract]	'	'
One year or less, Unrealized Loss	323	13
One year or less, Carrying Value	5,922	3,987
Amortized Cost	'	'
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	3,249	'
After one year, through five years, Amortized Cost	1,000	'
After five years, through ten years, Amortized Cost	4,349	'
After ten years, Amortized Cost	6,215	'
Investment securities, Amortized Cost	14,813	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	3,250	'
After one year, through five years, Estimated Fair Value	999	'
After five years, through ten years, Estimated Fair Value	4,295	'
After ten years, Estimated Fair Value	6,008	'
Investment securities, Estimated Fair Value	14,552	'
United States treasury [Member]	'	'
Available for sale debt securities and held to maturity securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, Amortized Cost	3,249	3,499
Available for sale, Estimated Fair Value	3,250	3,500
Gross unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale [Abstract]	'	'
Gains	1	1
United States government agency [Member]	'	'
Available for sale debt securities and held to maturity securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, Amortized Cost	5,000	4,000
Available for sale, Estimated Fair Value	4,682	3,987
Gross unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale [Abstract]	'	'
Gains	1	'
Losses	319	13
Age of gross unrealized losses and carrying value of securities available for sale [Abstract]	'	'
One year or less, Unrealized Loss	319	13
One year or less, Carrying Value	4,181	3,987
Mortgage-backed [Member]	'	'
Available for sale debt securities and held to maturity securities [Abstract]	'	'
Available for sale, Amortized Cost	6,564	8,055
Available for sale, Estimated Fair Value	6,620	8,175
Gross unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale [Abstract]	'	'
Gains	60	120
Losses	4	'
Age of gross unrealized losses and carrying value of securities available for sale [Abstract]	'	'
One year or less, Unrealized Loss	4	0
One year or less, Carrying Value	$1,741	$0

Loans_Details

Loans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	$8,691	'	$8,691	'	$10,278
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	23,574	'	23,574	'	41,230
Total allowance for loan losses	32,265	'	32,265	'	51,508
Portfolio loans:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	104,250	'	104,250	'	139,818
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	600,478	'	600,478	'	791,507
Total Portfolio Loans	704,728	'	704,728	'	931,325
Summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	32,510	58,318	51,508	65,218	'
Less allowance for deconsolidated subsidiary-Note H	'	'	-2,157	'	'
Charge-offs	-2,900	-8,795	-13,883	-28,655	'
Recoveries	2,652	2,500	8,980	14,946	'
Net charge-offs	-248	-6,295	-4,903	-13,709	'
Provision for loan losses	3	277	-12,183	791	'
Ending balance	32,265	52,300	32,265	52,300	'
Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Portfolio loans:	'	'	'	'	'
Total Portfolio Loans	629,139	'	629,139	'	819,994
Commercial [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	4,570	'	4,570	'	6,214
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	7,301	'	7,301	'	8,721
Total allowance for loan losses	11,871	'	11,871	'	14,935
Portfolio loans:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	71,684	'	71,684	'	89,964
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	380,318	'	380,318	'	482,512
Total Portfolio Loans	452,002	'	452,002	'	572,476
Summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	11,444	22,642	14,935	26,576	'
Less allowance for deconsolidated subsidiary-Note H	'	'	-765	'	'
Charge-offs	-1,453	-4,533	-6,435	-11,141	'
Recoveries	1,509	614	3,631	4,193	'
Net charge-offs	56	-3,919	-2,804	-6,948	'
Provision for loan losses	173	2,466	746	6,992	'
Net change in unallocated allowance	198	-3,338	-241	-8,769	'
Ending balance	11,871	17,851	11,871	17,851	'
Residential (including multi-family) [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,917	'	1,917	'	2,153
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	4,363	'	4,363	'	6,241
Total allowance for loan losses	6,280	'	6,280	'	8,394
Portfolio loans:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	17,436	'	17,436	'	29,314
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	129,199	'	129,199	'	178,027
Total Portfolio Loans	146,635	'	146,635	'	207,341
Summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	6,443	10,014	8,394	15,854	'
Less allowance for deconsolidated subsidiary-Note H	'	'	-869	'	'
Charge-offs	-800	-2,985	-3,237	-7,857	'
Recoveries	470	359	1,602	3,907	'
Net charge-offs	-330	-2,626	-1,635	-3,950	'
Provision for loan losses	103	1,595	468	-1,120	'
Net change in unallocated allowance	64	-1,107	-78	-2,908	'
Ending balance	6,280	7,876	6,280	7,876	'
Construction, Land Development and Other Land [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	873	'	873	'	881
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	694	'	694	'	1,063
Total allowance for loan losses	1,567	'	1,567	'	1,944
Portfolio loans:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	8,253	'	8,253	'	10,447
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	22,249	'	22,249	'	29,730
Total Portfolio Loans	30,502	'	30,502	'	40,177
Summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	1,936	3,192	1,944	6,739	'
Less allowance for deconsolidated subsidiary-Note H	'	'	-53	'	'
Charge-offs	-234	-657	-2,906	-2,503	'
Recoveries	334	312	2,254	1,320	'
Net charge-offs	100	-345	-652	-1,183	'
Provision for loan losses	-482	-703	344	-2,968	'
Net change in unallocated allowance	13	-273	-16	-717	'
Ending balance	1,567	1,871	1,567	1,871	'
Commercial And Other Business-Purpose Loans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,328	'	1,328	'	1,022
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	1,746	'	1,746	'	3,441
Total allowance for loan losses	3,074	'	3,074	'	4,463
Portfolio loans:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	6,849	'	6,849	'	10,071
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	61,176	'	61,176	'	92,574
Total Portfolio Loans	68,025	'	68,025	'	102,645
Summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	2,615	8,760	4,463	11,057	'
Less allowance for deconsolidated subsidiary-Note H	'	'	-422	'	'
Charge-offs	-411	-472	-980	-6,125	'
Recoveries	259	876	1,338	5,046	'
Net charge-offs	-152	404	358	-1,079	'
Provision for loan losses	581	-2,556	-1,289	-2,468	'
Net change in unallocated allowance	30	-554	-36	-1,456	'
Ending balance	3,074	6,054	3,074	6,054	'
Consumer [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	3	'	3	'	8
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	213	'	213	'	866
Total allowance for loan losses	216	'	216	'	874
Portfolio loans:	'	'	'	'	'
Individually evaluated for impairment	28	'	28	'	22
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	5,586	'	5,586	'	6,671
Total Portfolio Loans	5,614	'	5,614	'	6,693
Summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	303	228	874	533	'
Less allowance for deconsolidated subsidiary-Note H	'	'	-48	'	'
Charge-offs	-2	-171	-318	-373	'
Recoveries	80	276	155	410	'
Net charge-offs	78	105	-163	37	'
Provision for loan losses	-167	-97	-444	-266	'
Net change in unallocated allowance	2	-43	-3	-111	'
Ending balance	216	193	216	193	'
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	187	'	187	'	3
Total allowance for loan losses	187	'	187	'	3
Portfolio loans:	'	'	'	'	'
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	1,950	'	1,950	'	1,993
Total Portfolio Loans	1,950	'	1,950	'	1,993
Summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	391	368	3	12	'
Charge-offs	0	23	-7	-656	'
Recoveries	0	63	0	70	'
Net charge-offs	0	86	-7	-586	'
Provision for loan losses	-205	-428	192	621	'
Net change in unallocated allowance	1	-12	-1	-33	'
Ending balance	187	14	187	14	'
Unallocated [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Allowance for loan losses:	'	'	'	'	'
Collectively evaluated for probable incurred losses	9,070	'	9,070	'	20,895
Total allowance for loan losses	9,070	'	9,070	'	20,895
Summarize activity in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	9,378	13,114	20,895	4,447	'
Provision for loan losses	0	'	-12,200	'	'
Net change in unallocated allowance	-308	5,327	375	13,994	'
Ending balance	$9,070	$18,441	$9,070	$18,441	'

Loans_Credit_Quality_Indicator

Loans, Credit Quality Indicator (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Other [Member]

Other [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Nonperforming loans [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Pass [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Watch [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Substandard [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Other [Member]

Other [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Commercial [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Residential (including multi-family) [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Construction, land development and other land [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Consumer [Member]

Other [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Secured by Real Estate [Member]

Nonaccrual loans:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total nonaccrual loans

$69,291,000

'

$100,507,000

$64,478,000

$92,159,000

$46,944,000

$65,443,000

$12,242,000

$21,049,000

$5,292,000

$5,667,000

$4,680,000

$8,159,000

$133,000

$189,000

$0

'

$69,291,000

$82,333,000

$90,618,000

$100,507,000

$64,478,000

$76,956,000

$84,269,000

$92,159,000

$46,944,000

$55,172,000

$60,045,000

$65,443,000

$12,242,000

$15,847,000

$18,063,000

$21,049,000

$5,292,000

$5,937,000

$6,161,000

$5,667,000

$4,680,000

$5,238,000

$6,021,000

$8,159,000

$133,000

$139,000

$328,000

$189,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Past due (>90 days) loans and accruing interest, Loans secured by real estate:

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total past due loans

0

'

670,000

0

600,000

0

515,000

'

85,000

'

'

'

70,000

'

0

0

'

0

0

1,017,000

670,000

0

0

1,017,000

600,000

0

0

1,017,000

515,000

0

0

0

85,000

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

70,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total nonperforming loans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

69,291,000

82,333,000

91,635,000

101,177,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Real estate owned and other repossessed assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47,815,000

46,775,000

54,887,000

63,306,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

Total nonperforming assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

117,106,000

129,108,000

146,522,000

164,483,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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'

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'

Recent analysis, the risk categories of loans [Abstract]

'

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'

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'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total Portfolio Loans

704,728,000

'

931,325,000

629,139,000

819,994,000

452,002,000

572,476,000

146,635,000

207,341,000

30,502,000

40,177,000

68,025,000

102,645,000

5,614,000

6,693,000

1,950,000

1,993,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

499,131,000

670,780,000

439,625,000

581,323,000

315,889,000

408,689,000

106,607,000

150,861,000

17,129,000

21,773,000

52,603,000

82,931,000

4,953,000

4,533,000

1,950,000

1,993,000

80,388,000

93,933,000

74,026,000

87,274,000

52,327,000

60,929,000

17,576,000

18,951,000

4,123,000

7,394,000

6,188,000

4,894,000

174,000

1,765,000

125,209,000

166,612,000

115,488,000

151,397,000

83,786,000

102,858,000

22,452,000

37,529,000

9,250,000

11,010,000

9,234,000

14,820,000

487,000

395,000

0

Average total portfolio loans

$785,800,000

$1,100,000,000

'

'

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'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net charge-offs to average portfolio loans outstanding, ratio (in hundredths)

0.68%

1.71%

'

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'

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'

'

'

'

Loans_Impaired_Financing_Recei

Loans, Impaired Financing Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Carrying Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, carrying value	$72,103,000	'	$72,103,000	'	$94,382,000
With no allowance recorded, carrying value	76,950,000	'	76,950,000	'	84,035,000
Total, carrying value	149,053,000	'	149,053,000	'	178,417,000
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	107,708,000	'	107,708,000	'	136,976,000
With no related allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	97,830,000	'	97,830,000	'	120,627,000
Total, unpaid principal balance	205,538,000	'	205,538,000	'	257,603,000
Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, related allowance for loan losses	10,825,000	'	10,825,000	'	12,936,000
Impaired loans modified as troubled debt restructurings	119,900,000	'	119,900,000	'	138,900,000
Loans modified as TDR and not reported as toubled debt restructuring due to being in compliance with modified terms	5,100,000	'	5,100,000	'	0
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Average recorded investment	170,436,000	219,173,000	187,959,000	221,971,000	'
Interest Income Recorded [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Interest income recorded	2,550,000	2,402,000	7,175,000	6,657,000	'
Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, carrying value	66,808,000	'	66,808,000	'	86,566,000
With no allowance recorded, carrying value	73,776,000	'	73,776,000	'	77,780,000
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	95,273,000	'	95,273,000	'	118,491,000
With no related allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	94,018,000	'	94,018,000	'	112,506,000
Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, related allowance for loan losses	9,577,000	'	9,577,000	'	11,305,000
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Average recorded investment	158,957,000	200,678,000	173,826,000	203,138,000	'
Interest Income Recorded [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Interest income recorded	2,443,000	2,341,000	6,758,000	5,979,000	'
Commercial [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, carrying value	46,502,000	'	46,502,000	'	61,640,000
With no allowance recorded, carrying value	57,782,000	'	57,782,000	'	53,108,000
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	59,377,000	'	59,377,000	'	75,459,000
With no related allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	75,745,000	'	75,745,000	'	81,579,000
Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, related allowance for loan losses	5,276,000	'	5,276,000	'	7,563,000
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Average recorded investment	111,720,000	126,443,000	117,185,000	128,941,000	'
Interest Income Recorded [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Interest income recorded	2,003,000	1,715,000	5,472,000	3,717,000	'
Residential (including multi-family) [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, carrying value	14,770,000	'	14,770,000	'	17,776,000
With no allowance recorded, carrying value	11,524,000	'	11,524,000	'	18,690,000
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	26,603,000	'	26,603,000	'	31,470,000
With no related allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	12,391,000	'	12,391,000	'	21,791,000
Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, related allowance for loan losses	3,382,000	'	3,382,000	'	2,706,000
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Average recorded investment	32,733,000	49,098,000	38,059,000	48,687,000	'
Interest Income Recorded [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Interest income recorded	380,000	596,000	1,057,000	1,722,000	'
Construction, land development and other land [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, carrying value	5,536,000	'	5,536,000	'	7,150,000
With no allowance recorded, carrying value	4,470,000	'	4,470,000	'	5,982,000
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	9,293,000	'	9,293,000	'	11,562,000
With no related allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	5,882,000	'	5,882,000	'	9,136,000
Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, related allowance for loan losses	919,000	'	919,000	'	1,036,000
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Average recorded investment	14,504,000	25,137,000	18,582,000	25,510,000	'
Interest Income Recorded [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Interest income recorded	60,000	30,000	229,000	540,000	'
Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, carrying value	5,096,000	'	5,096,000	'	7,609,000
With no allowance recorded, carrying value	3,123,000	'	3,123,000	'	6,246,000
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	11,986,000	'	11,986,000	'	17,134,000
With no related allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	3,761,000	'	3,761,000	'	8,112,000
Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, related allowance for loan losses	1,217,000	'	1,217,000	'	1,574,000
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Average recorded investment	11,243,000	18,315,000	13,937,000	18,661,000	'
Interest Income Recorded [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Interest income recorded	100,000	61,000	410,000	671,000	'
Consumer [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, carrying value	199,000	'	199,000	'	207,000
With no allowance recorded, carrying value	51,000	'	51,000	'	9,000
Unpaid Principal Balance [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
With an allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	449,000	'	449,000	'	1,351,000
With no related allowance recorded, unpaid principal balance	51,000	'	51,000	'	9,000
Related Allowance for Loan Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, related allowance for loan losses	31,000	'	31,000	'	57,000
Average Recorded Investment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Average recorded investment	236,000	180,000	196,000	172,000	'
Interest Income Recorded [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total, Interest income recorded	$7,000	$0	$7,000	$7,000	'

Loans_Receivables_Past_Due_Det

Loans, Receivables Past Due (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans [Abstract]	'	'
More Than 29 Days, and Less Than 90 Days	$8,231	$25,353
More Than 89 Days (Accruing)	0	670
Loans on Nonaccrual Status (Generally, 90 Days or More)	69,291	100,507
Total Amount of Loans More Than 29 Days Past Due or on Nonaccrual Status	77,522	126,530
Loans Either Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due	627,206	804,795
Total Portfolio Loans	704,728	931,325
Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans [Abstract]	'	'
More Than 29 Days, and Less Than 90 Days	7,077	22,140
More Than 89 Days (Accruing)	0	600
Loans on Nonaccrual Status (Generally, 90 Days or More)	64,478	92,159
Total Amount of Loans More Than 29 Days Past Due or on Nonaccrual Status	71,555	114,899
Loans Either Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due	557,584	705,095
Total Portfolio Loans	629,139	819,994
Commercial [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans [Abstract]	'	'
More Than 29 Days, and Less Than 90 Days	4,798	12,534
More Than 89 Days (Accruing)	0	515
Loans on Nonaccrual Status (Generally, 90 Days or More)	46,944	65,443
Total Amount of Loans More Than 29 Days Past Due or on Nonaccrual Status	51,742	78,492
Loans Either Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due	400,260	493,984
Total Portfolio Loans	452,002	572,476
Residential (including multi-family) [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans [Abstract]	'	'
More Than 29 Days, and Less Than 90 Days	1,582	5,364
More Than 89 Days (Accruing)	'	85
Loans on Nonaccrual Status (Generally, 90 Days or More)	12,242	21,049
Total Amount of Loans More Than 29 Days Past Due or on Nonaccrual Status	13,824	26,498
Loans Either Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due	132,811	180,843
Total Portfolio Loans	146,635	207,341
Construction, land development and other land [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'
Summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans [Abstract]	'	'
More Than 29 Days, and Less Than 90 Days	697	4,242
Loans on Nonaccrual Status (Generally, 90 Days or More)	5,292	5,667
Total Amount of Loans More Than 29 Days Past Due or on Nonaccrual Status	5,989	9,909
Loans Either Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due	24,513	30,268
Total Portfolio Loans	30,502	40,177
Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]	'	'
Summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans [Abstract]	'	'
More Than 29 Days, and Less Than 90 Days	772	2,933
More Than 89 Days (Accruing)	'	70
Loans on Nonaccrual Status (Generally, 90 Days or More)	4,680	8,159
Total Amount of Loans More Than 29 Days Past Due or on Nonaccrual Status	5,452	11,162
Loans Either Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due	62,573	91,483
Total Portfolio Loans	68,025	102,645
Consumer [Member]	'	'
Summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans [Abstract]	'	'
More Than 29 Days, and Less Than 90 Days	382	280
More Than 89 Days (Accruing)	'	0
Loans on Nonaccrual Status (Generally, 90 Days or More)	133	189
Total Amount of Loans More Than 29 Days Past Due or on Nonaccrual Status	515	469
Loans Either Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due	5,099	6,224
Total Portfolio Loans	5,614	6,693
Other [Member]	'	'
Summarize the aging and amounts of past due loans [Abstract]	'	'
More Than 29 Days, and Less Than 90 Days	0	'
More Than 89 Days (Accruing)	0	'
Loans on Nonaccrual Status (Generally, 90 Days or More)	0	'
Total Amount of Loans More Than 29 Days Past Due or on Nonaccrual Status	0	'
Loans Either Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due	1,950	1,993
Total Portfolio Loans	$1,950	$1,993

Loans_Troubled_Debt_Restructur

Loans, Troubled Debt Restructuring (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	Numberofcontracts	Numberofcontracts	Numberofcontracts	Numberofcontracts
Summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings related payment default [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings	22	45	97	187	'
Pre-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	$8,020,000	$15,425,000	$23,127,000	$42,821,000	'
Post-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	7,229,000	12,394,000	18,493,000	36,940,000	'
Loan Loss Reserve, troubled debt restructurings	785,000	656,000	1,606,000	2,382,000	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	8	32	36	72	'
Recorded Investment troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	2,864,000	6,466,000	8,291,000	9,629,000	'
Substandard extended loan, amount	8,400,000	15,600,000	8,400,000	15,600,000	'
Percentage of loan extended (in hundredths)	45.00%	42.00%	45.00%	42.00%	'
Substandard extended loan contracts	52	71	52	71	'
Percentage of loan contracts extended	54.00%	38.00%	54.00%	38.00%	'
Troubled debt restructurings as loan type and accrual status [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings, On-non accrual status	45,217,000	'	45,217,000	'	61,014,000
Troubled debt restructurings, On accrual status	74,700,000	'	74,700,000	'	77,909,000
Troubled debt restructurings, Total	119,917,000	'	119,917,000	'	138,923,000
Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings related payment default [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings	17	35	74	161	'
Pre-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	7,789,000	14,665,000	21,251,000	41,035,000	'
Post-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	6,998,000	11,630,000	17,406,000	35,295,000	'
Loan Loss Reserve, troubled debt restructurings	784,000	591,000	1,308,000	2,292,000	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	8	27	35	60	'
Recorded Investment troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	2,864,000	6,204,000	8,291,000	9,140,000	'
Troubled debt restructurings as loan type and accrual status [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings, On-non accrual status	42,551,000	'	42,551,000	'	57,049,000
Troubled debt restructurings, On accrual status	71,174,000	'	71,174,000	'	72,187,000
Troubled debt restructurings, Total	113,725,000	'	113,725,000	'	129,236,000
Commercial [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings related payment default [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings	7	17	31	82	'
Pre-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	6,941,000	11,325,000	17,200,000	30,669,000	'
Post-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	6,211,000	8,522,000	13,916,000	25,620,000	'
Loan Loss Reserve, troubled debt restructurings	749,000	404,000	1,066,000	1,746,000	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	5	13	12	28	'
Recorded Investment troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	2,570,000	4,574,000	4,874,000	6,073,000	'
Troubled debt restructurings as loan type and accrual status [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings, On-non accrual status	31,670,000	'	31,670,000	'	41,350,000
Troubled debt restructurings, On accrual status	53,394,000	'	53,394,000	'	49,305,000
Troubled debt restructurings, Total	85,064,000	'	85,064,000	'	90,655,000
Residential (including multi-family) [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings related payment default [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings	10	15	41	67	'
Pre-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	848,000	2,427,000	3,957,000	8,398,000	'
Post-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	787,000	2,195,000	3,399,000	7,838,000	'
Loan Loss Reserve, troubled debt restructurings	35,000	154,000	230,000	489,000	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	3	8	19	21	'
Recorded Investment troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	294,000	549,000	1,990,000	1,761,000	'
Troubled debt restructurings as loan type and accrual status [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings, On-non accrual status	7,651,000	'	7,651,000	'	12,902,000
Troubled debt restructurings, On accrual status	13,694,000	'	13,694,000	'	15,417,000
Troubled debt restructurings, Total	21,345,000	'	21,345,000	'	28,319,000
Construction, land development and other land [Member] | Secured by Real Estate [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings related payment default [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings	0	3	2	12	'
Pre-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	0	913,000	94,000	1,968,000	'
Post-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	0	913,000	91,000	1,837,000	'
Loan Loss Reserve, troubled debt restructurings	0	33,000	12,000	57,000	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	0	6	4	11	'
Recorded Investment troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	0	1,081,000	1,427,000	1,306,000	'
Troubled debt restructurings as loan type and accrual status [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings, On-non accrual status	3,230,000	'	3,230,000	'	2,797,000
Troubled debt restructurings, On accrual status	4,086,000	'	4,086,000	'	7,465,000
Troubled debt restructurings, Total	7,316,000	'	7,316,000	'	10,262,000
Commercial and other business-purpose loans [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings related payment default [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings	2	10	20	25	'
Pre-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	129,000	760,000	1,774,000	1,784,000	'
Post-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	129,000	764,000	985,000	1,644,000	'
Loan Loss Reserve, troubled debt restructurings	0	65,000	297,000	90,000	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	0	4	1	10	'
Recorded Investment troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	0	215,000	0	441,000	'
Troubled debt restructurings as loan type and accrual status [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings, On-non accrual status	2,666,000	'	2,666,000	'	3,965,000
Troubled debt restructurings, On accrual status	3,409,000	'	3,409,000	'	5,695,000
Troubled debt restructurings, Total	6,075,000	'	6,075,000	'	9,660,000
Consumer [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Summarizes loans modified as troubled debt restructurings related payment default [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings	3	0	3	1	'
Pre-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	102,000	0	102,000	2,000	'
Post-restructuring outstanding recorded investment, troubled debt restructurings	102,000	0	102,000	1,000	'
Loan Loss Reserve, troubled debt restructurings	1,000	0	1,000	0	'
Number of Contracts, troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	0	1	0	2	'
Recorded Investment troubled debt restructurings that subsequently defaulted	0	47,000	0	48,000	'
Troubled debt restructurings as loan type and accrual status [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Troubled debt restructurings, On accrual status	117,000	'	117,000	'	27,000
Troubled debt restructurings, Total	$117,000	'	$117,000	'	$27,000

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Sale of Bank Subsidiary [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale Proceeds	'	'	$1,000	$8,940	'	'
Gain (Loss)	-4,653	29	-5,911	155	'	'
Income Statement of Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest income	10,436	14,720	33,750	45,440	'	'
Interest expense	1,504	3,303	5,107	14,450	'	'
Net interest income	8,932	11,417	28,643	30,990	'	'
Provision for loan losses	'	'	-12,764	2,247	'	'
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	8,929	11,140	40,826	30,199	'	'
Noninterest income	2,589	5,063	8,619	11,304	'	'
Gain (Loss)	-4,653	29	-5,911	155	'	'
Noninterest expense	12,400	17,361	42,675	56,171	'	'
Less income tax expense	0	39	0	101	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-4,561	-1,442	-5,453	-6,135	'	'
Net income from discontinued operations per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	($0.11)	($0.03)	($0.12)	($0.12)	'	'
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	215,131	285,019	215,131	285,019	258,067	271,211
Portfolio loans	704,728	'	704,728	'	931,325	'
Less allowance for loan losses	-32,265	'	-32,265	'	-51,508	'
Net portfolio loans	672,463	'	672,463	'	879,817	'
Premises and equipment	15,563	'	15,563	'	17,715	'
Other real estate owned	47,783	'	47,783	'	63,242	'
Other assets	10,122	'	10,122	'	14,438	'
TOTAL ASSETS	984,205	'	984,205	'	1,621,302	'
Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noninterest-bearing deposits	190,745	'	190,745	'	246,538	'
Interest-bearing deposits	723,744	'	723,744	'	947,603	'
Total deposits	914,489	'	914,489	'	1,194,141	'
Total liabilities	1,126,868	'	1,126,868	'	1,758,850	'
Discontinued Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of Bank Subsidiary [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss)	-4,653	29	-5,911	155	'	'
Income Statement of Discontinued Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest income	1,316	5,247	7,798	19,402	'	'
Interest expense	125	875	958	3,585	'	'
Net interest income	1,191	4,372	6,840	15,817	'	'
Provision for loan losses	0	248	-581	1,455	'	'
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	1,191	4,124	7,421	14,362	'	'
Noninterest income	78	564	1,055	2,037	'	'
Gain (Loss)	-4,653	29	-5,911	155	'	'
Noninterest expense	1,177	6,120	8,018	22,588	'	'
Income (loss) before income taxes	-4,561	-1,403	-5,453	-6,034	'	'
Less income tax expense	0	39	0	101	'	'
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-4,561	-1,442	-5,453	-6,135	'	'
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	0	395	327	1,412	'	'
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	-4,561	-1,047	-5,126	-4,723	'	'
Net income from discontinued operations per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	($0.11)	($0.03)	($0.12)	($0.12)	'	'
Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	'	'	68,780	'
Investment securities	'	'	'	'	44	'
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	'	'	'	'	3,075	'
Portfolio loans	'	'	'	'	278,392	'
Less allowance for loan losses	'	'	'	'	-11,947	'
Net portfolio loans	'	'	'	'	266,445	'
Premises and equipment	'	'	'	'	3,114	'
Other real estate owned	'	'	'	'	17,721	'
Other assets	'	'	'	'	2,688	'
TOTAL ASSETS	'	'	'	'	361,867	'
Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noninterest-bearing deposits	'	'	'	'	76,873	'
Interest-bearing deposits	'	'	'	'	272,854	'
Total deposits	'	'	'	'	349,727	'
Other liabilities	'	'	'	'	4,293	'
Total liabilities	'	'	'	'	$354,020	'

DECONSOLIDATION_OF_SUBSIDIARIE

DECONSOLIDATION OF SUBSIDIARIES (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
		Capitol National Bank [Member]	Capitol National Bank [Member]	Capitol National Bank [Member]
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiary	'	'	$1,000,000	'
Net loss on sale and subsequent deconsolidation	'	703,000	2,200,000	1,300,000
Assets and Equity removed from consolidation	'	'	$146,000,000	'
Percentage of Sale Proceeds to FDIC	85.00%	'	'	85.00%

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair value, assets measured on recurring and nonrecurring basis [Abstract]	'		'
Investment securities available for sale, Assets	$14,552		$15,662
Carrying Value [Member]	'		'
Fair value, assets measured on recurring and nonrecurring basis [Abstract]	'		'
Investment securities available for sale, Assets	14,552		15,662
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Estimate Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair value, assets measured on recurring and nonrecurring basis [Abstract]	'		'
Investment securities available for sale, Assets	14,552		15,662
Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Liabilities measured at fair value	0		0
Recurring [Member] | Estimate Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair value, assets measured on recurring and nonrecurring basis [Abstract]	'		'
United States Treasury	3,250		3,500
United States Government Agency	4,682		3,987
Mortgage-backed	6,620		8,175
Investment securities available for sale, Assets	14,552		15,662
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Estimate Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair value, assets measured on recurring and nonrecurring basis [Abstract]	'		'
United States Treasury	3,250	[1]	3,500	[1]
United States Government Agency	4,682	[1]	3,987	[1]
Mortgage-backed	6,620	[1]	8,175	[1]
Investment securities available for sale, Assets	14,552		15,662
Nonrecurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Liabilities measured at fair value	0		0
Nonrecurring [Member] | Estimate Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair value, assets measured on recurring and nonrecurring basis [Abstract]	'		'
Impaired Loans	76,950	[2]	84,035	[2]
Other real estate owned	47,783	[3]	63,242	[3]
Nonrecurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Estimate Fair Value [Member]	'		'
Fair value, assets measured on recurring and nonrecurring basis [Abstract]	'		'
Impaired Loans	76,950	[2]	84,035	[2]
Other real estate owned	$47,783	[3]	$63,242	[3]
[1]	Level 2 inputs for investment securities available for sale include pricing models from independent pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency.
[2]	Level 3 inputs for impaired loans include appraised value of the applicable collateral or other unobservable estimates of fair value.
[3]	Level 3 inputs for other real estate owned include appraised value of the foreclosed property or other unobservable estimates of fair value. Fair value is reduced by estimated costs to sell the properties (including delinquent real estate taxes).

Fair_Value_by_Balance_Sheet_Gr

Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	$14,552	$15,662
Loans secured by real estate:	'	'
Less allowance for loan losses	32,265	51,508
Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Financial assets:	'	'
Cash	22,282	43,727
Cash equivalents	192,849	214,340
Loans held for sale	73	'
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	14,552	15,662
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock	6,262	7,456
Loans secured by real estate:	'	'
Commercial	452,002	572,476
Residential (including multi-family)	146,635	207,341
Construction, land development and other land	30,502	40,177
Total loans secured by real estate	629,139	819,994
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	68,025	102,645
Consumer	5,614	6,693
Other	1,950	1,993
Total portfolio loans	704,728	931,325
Less allowance for loan losses	-32,265	-51,508
Net portfolio loans	672,463	879,817
Deposits:	'	'
Noninterest-bearing	190,745	246,538
Interest-bearing:	'	'
Demand accounts	279,916	362,710
Time certificates of less than $100,000	187,919	256,261
Time Deposits 100000 Or More Fair Value Disclosure	255,909	328,632
Total interest-bearing	723,744	947,603
Total deposits	914,489	1,194,141
Notes payable and other borrowings	8,908	5,426
Estimate Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Loans secured by real estate:	'	'
Total loans secured by real estate	625,671	817,747
Total portfolio loans	700,927	928,799
Net portfolio loans	668,662	877,291
Interest-bearing:	'	'
Total interest-bearing	726,159	952,519
Total deposits	916,904	1,199,057
Estimate Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Financial assets:	'	'
Cash	22,282	43,727
Deposits:	'	'
Noninterest-bearing	190,745	246,538
Estimate Fair Value [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Financial assets:	'	'
Cash equivalents	192,849	214,340
Loans held for sale	73	'
Investment securities:	'	'
Available for sale	14,552	15,662
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock	6,262	7,456
Interest-bearing:	'	'
Demand accounts	279,916	362,710
Estimate Fair Value [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Loans secured by real estate:	'	'
Commercial	448,343	569,789
Residential (including multi-family)	146,848	207,737
Construction, land development and other land	30,480	40,221
Commercial and other business-purpose loans	67,709	102,352
Consumer	5,712	6,836
Other	1,835	1,864
Less allowance for loan losses	-32,265	-51,508
Interest-bearing:	'	'
Time certificates of less than $100,000	188,997	258,728
Time Deposits 100000 Or More Fair Value Disclosure	257,246	331,081
Notes payable and other borrowings	$10,106	$6,667

Net_Income_Loss_Per_Common_Sha2

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income loss from continuing and discontinuing operations per basic share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Numerator-net income (loss) attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited for the period	($5,703)	($4,923)	$1,130	($21,724)
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares and potential dilution (in shares)	41,169	41,070	41,169	41,037
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited:	'	'	'	'
From continuing operations (in dollars per share)	($0.03)	($0.09)	$0.15	($0.41)
From discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	($0.11)	($0.03)	($0.12)	($0.12)
Total net income (loss) per common share attributable to Capitol Bancorp Limited	($0.14)	($0.12)	$0.03	($0.53)
Stock options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Number of antidilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	878	1,445	878	1,445
Unvested restricted shares [Member]	'	'	'	'
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Number of antidilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	2	9	2	9
Warrants [Member]	'	'	'	'
Denominator	'	'	'	'
Number of antidilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share computation	0	1,250	0	1,250

TrustPreferred_Securities_and_1

Trust-Preferred Securities and Debt Extinguishment (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule Of Trust Preferred Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum deferred period of payment of interest	'5 years	'
Accrued interest payable on trust preferred securities	$33.30	$33.30

Pending_Sale_of_Subsidiary_Ban1

Pending Sale of Subsidiary Banks (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Pending Sale of Subsidiary Banks [Abstract]	'
Proceeds From Pending Sale of Bank of Maumee	$81,000
Projected Loss From Pending sale	$405,000
Percentage of Sale Proceeds to FDIC	85.00%

Regulatory_and_Operating_Matte1

Regulatory and Operating Matters (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 28, 2013
Regulatory and Operating Matters [Abstract]	'	'
Maximum number of days for notification after the end of any quarter under which capital ratios fall below approved capital plan's minimum ratios	'30 days	'
Maximum amount of assets of entity's that issued trust preferred securities	$10	'
Number of preferred shares for each outstanding common share for declared dividend (in shares)	'one	'
Capital Injection For Capital Adequacy	'	$1
Risk Based Capital Required For Capital Adequacy	'	4.00%

Regulatory_Capital_Matters_Det

Regulatory Capital Matters (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets:	'		'
Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets, minimum required amount	$42,326,000	[1]	$66,520,000	[1],[2]
Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets, actual amount	-142,572,000		-144,341,000	[2]
Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets, ratio (in hundredths)	-13.47%		-8.68%	[2]
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets:	'		'
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, Minimum required amount	29,020,000	[3]	49,402,000	[2],[3]
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, Actual amount	-142,572,000		-144,341,000	[2]
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, Ratio (in hundredths)	-19.65%		-11.69%	[2]
Combined Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets:	'		'
Combined Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets, Minimum required amount	58,041,000	[4]	98,805,000	[2],[4]
Combined Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets, Actual amount	-142,572,000		-144,341,000	[2]
Combined Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets, Ratio (in hundredths)	-19.65%		-11.69%	[2]
Minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (in hundredths)	4.00%		4.00%
Minimum required ratio of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets (in hundredths)	8.00%		8.00%
Tier One Leverage Capital Required for Capital Adequacy to Average Assets	4.00%		4.00%
Previously qualifying Tier 2 capital	$160,700,000		$167,300,000
Tier two risk based capital specified as percentage of tier one risk based capital, maximum (in hundredths)	100.00%		100.00%
[1]	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to average adjusted total assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 4%.
[2]	As originally filed with regulatory agency.
[3]	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 4%.
[4]	The minimum required ratio of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets to be considered "adequately-capitalized" is 8%