Document and Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Feb. 25, 2014
Jun. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document period end date Dec. 31, 2013    
Amendment flag false    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Current fiscal year end date --12-31    
Entity central index key 0001260968    
Entity current reporting status Yes    
Entity filer category Accelerated Filer    
Entity registrant name MARLIN BUSINESS SERVICES CORP.    
Entity voluntary filers No    
Entity well known seasoned issuer No    
Entity common stock shares outstanding   13,056,538  
Entity public float     $ 189,321,824