Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Propel Facility I [Member] Propel Facility I [Member] Propel Facility I [Member] Propel Facility II, Amended [Member] Propel Facility II, Amended [Member] Propel Facility II, Amended [Member] Propel Facility II [Member] Propel Facility II [Member] Propel Facility II [Member] Propel securitized notes [Member] Propel Securitized Financing Facility [Member] Propel Securitized Financing Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Accordion feature [Member] Accordion Feature [Member] Accordion Feature [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Federal funds rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] Federal Funds Rate [Member] One month LIBOR [Member] One Month LIBOR [Member] One Month LIBOR [Member] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Following Expiration Date [Member] Following Expiration Date [Member] Following Expiration Date [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Propel Term Loan Facility [Member] Propel Term Loan Facility [Member] Propel Term Loan Facility [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Texas [Member] TEXAS Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Revolving credit facility Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Basis spread on variable rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Borrowing base of the face value of the tax lien collateralized notes (percent) Borrowing Base Of Face Value Of Tax Lien Collateralized Notes Borrowing base of the face value of the tax lien collateralized notes. Credit facility, outstanding amount Long-term Line of Credit Weighted average interest rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period Additional draws Additional Loan Amount Drawn Additional Loan Amount Drawn Debt instrument, extension period Debt Instrument Term Extension Period Debt Instrument Term Extension Period Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Convertible senior notes sold Debt Instrument, Face Amount Receivables secured by property tax liens, net Property Tax Payment Agreements Receivable, Net Property Tax Payment Agreements Receivable, Net Term loan facility Other Long-term Debt Receivable secured by property tax liens, principal amount Property Tax Payment Agreements Receivable, Principal Balance Property Tax Payment Agreements Receivable, Principal Balance Securitized notes Senior Notes Debt instrument, collateral amount Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Cabot Acquisition [Member] Cabot Acquisition [Member] Propel Entities [Member] Janus Holdings [Member] Janus Holdings [Member] Janus Holdings [Member] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Axis] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Axis] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Domain] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions [Domain] Cabot Holdings [Member] Cabot Holdings [Member] Cabot Holdings [Member] Cabot Credit Management [Member] Cabot Credit Management [Member] Cabot Credit Management [Member] E Bridge Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] E Bridge Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] E- Bridge Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] E Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] E Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] E- Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] J Bridge PECs [Member] J Bridge Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] J- Bridge Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] J Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] J Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] J- Preferred Equity Certificates [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class E [Member] Common Class E [Member] Common Class E [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class J [Member] Common Class J [Member] Common Class J [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] J C Flowers And Company Limited Liability Company [Member] J C Flowers And Company Limited Liability Company [Member] J - C - Flowers and Company Limited Liability Company [Member] Preferred Equity Certificate [Member] Preferred Equity Certificate [Member] Preferred Equity Certificate [Member] Business acquisition, equity interest (percent) Business Acquisition Percentage Of Equity Interests Acquired Business Acquisition Percentage Of Equity Interests Acquired Business acquisition, face value Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Business acquisition, number of shares acquired Business Combination Number Of Shares Acquired Business Combination Number Of Shares Acquired Business combination, consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Equity certificates with a face value Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Financial Liabilities Still Held By Minority Interest Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Financial Liabilities Still Held By Minority Interest Business combination number of shares still held by minority interest Business Combination Number Of Shares Still Held By Minority Interest Business Combination Number Of Shares Still Held By Minority Interest Preferred equity certificates Preferred Equity Certificates Preferred Equity Certificates Capital lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations Debt instrument, stated interest rate, minimum (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Debt instrument, stated interest rate, maximum (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Effective Tax Rates Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Assets Assets [Abstract] Foreign currency exchange contracts Foreign Currency Contract, Asset, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Foreign currency exchange contracts Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure Temporary Equity Temporary Equity [Abstract] Redeemable noncontrolling interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Fair Value Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred court costs, not recovered, term prior to write off Deferred Court Costs Not Recovered Write Off Years Deferred court costs not recovered write-off years. Court costs advanced Deferred Court Costs Advanced Deferred court costs, advanced. Court costs recovered Deferred Court Costs Recovered Deferred court costs, recovered. Court costs reserve Deferred Court Costs Reserve Deferred court costs, reserve. Deferred court costs, net Other Deferred Costs, Net Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities Disclosure [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Receivables [Abstract] Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Table] Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Table] Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Table] Hillesden Securities Ltd (dlc) [Member] Hillesden Securities Ltd (dlc) [Member] Hillesden Securities Ltd (dlc) [Member] Marlin [Member] Marlin [Member] Marlin [Member] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Domain] Accrual Basis Portfolios [Member] Accrual Basis Portfolios [Member] Accrual Basis Portfolios [Member] Estimate of Zero Basis Cash Flows [Member] Estimate Of Zero Basis Cash Flows [Member] Estimate Of Zero Basis Cash Flows [Member] Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items] Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items] Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items] Investment in receivable portfolios Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables Collection forecast estimated on receivable portfolios Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net Collection Forecast Estimated Period Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net Collection Forecast Estimated Period Income recognized under cost recovery method Income Recognized Under Cost Recovery Method Income recognized under cost recovery method. Purchase price of receivable portfolios Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Purchases Of Receivable Portfolios Certain loans acquired in transfer not accounted for as debt securities, purchases of receivable portfolios. Face value of receivable portfolios Face Value Of Receivable Portfolios Face value of receivable portfolios. Purchase cost as a percentage of face value Receivable Portfolios Percentage Of Face Value On Purchase Cost Receivable portfolios, percentage of face value on purchase cost. Estimated future collections at acquisition for receivable portfolios Estimated Future Collections At Acquisition For Receivable Portfolios Estimated future collections at acquisition for receivable portfolios. Revenue recognized, net Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield, Accretion Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivatives and Hedging Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Convertible preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Convertible preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Convertible preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Convertible preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Cost Recovery Portfolios [Member] Cost Recovery Portfolios [Member] Cost Recovery Portfolios [Member] Zero Basis Portfolios [Member] Zero Basis Portfolios [Member] Zero Basis Portfolios [Member] Investment in Receivables Portfolio [Roll Forward] Investment in Receivables Portfolio [Roll Forward] Investment in Receivables Portfolio [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net Purchases of receivable portfolios Transfer of portfolios Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Transfers Of Receivable Portfolios Net Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Transfers Of Receivable Portfolios Net Gross collections Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Gross Collections Certain loans acquired in transfer not accounted for as debt securities, gross collections. Put-backs and recalls Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Put Backs And Recalls Certain loans acquired in transfer not accounted for as debt securities, put-backs and recalls. Foreign currency adjustments Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Revenue recognized Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Revenue Recognized Certain loans acquired in transfer not accounted for as debt securities, revenue recognized. Portfolio allowance reversals, net Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Portfolio Allowances Portfolio Allowance Reversals Net Certain loans acquired in transfer not accounted for as debt securities, (portfolio allowances) portfolio allowance reversals, net. Balance, end of period Revenue as a percentage of collections Revenue As Percentage Of Collections Revenue as a percentage of collections. Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets [Roll Forward] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets [Roll Forward] Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Provision for court costs Provision For Court Cost Spent Provision for court cost spent. Net down of reserve after 60 months Write Off Of Reserve After Sixty Months Write-off of reserve after the 60th month. Effect of foreign currency translation Deferred Court Costs, Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Court Costs, Foreign Currency Translation Balance at end of period Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] 2017 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Two Thousand Seventeen Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Two Thousand Seventeen Convertible Senior Notes [Member] 2020 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Two Thousand Twenty Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Two Thousand Twenty Convertible Senior Notes [Member] 2021 Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Two Thousand Twenty One Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Two Thousand Twenty One Convertible Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instruments, Affected by Hedging Activities [Axis] Debt Instruments, Affected by Hedging Activities [Axis] Debt Instruments, Affected by Hedging Activities [Axis] Debt Instruments, Affected by Hedging Activities [Domain] Debt Instruments, Affected by Hedging Activities [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Instruments, Affected by Hedging Activities [Axis] Adjusted Debt Conversion Rate Following Hedge Transactions [Member] Adjusted Debt Conversion Rate Following Hedge Transactions [Member] Adjusted Debt Conversion Rate Following Hedge Transactions [Member] Before Amendment [Member] Before Amendment [Member] Before Amendment [Member] After Amendment [Member] After Amendment [Member] After Amendment [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Stock repurchase program, amount authorized Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock repurchased during period (shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchased during period (value) Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Anti-dilutive securities, employee stock options excluded from EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Debt component Convertible Debt Conversion price (in dollars per share) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Warrants sold to purchase common stock (in shares) Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Warrants exercise price (in dollars per share) Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Atlantic Credit and Finance, Inc. [Member] Atlantic Credit and Finance, Inc. [Member] Atlantic Credit and Finance, Inc. [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Components of Purchase Price Allocation Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Developed Technologies [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Trade Name and Other [Member] Trade Name And Other [Member] Trade Name And Other [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross Carrying Amount, finite-lived intangibles Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization, finite-lived intangibles Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount, finite-lived intangibles Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other intangibles—indefinite lived Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Gross Carrying Amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Net Carrying Amount Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging of Convertible Debt Instrument [Member] Hedging of Convertible Debt Instrument [Member] Hedging of Convertible Debt Instrument [Member] Cost of the hedge transaction(s) Derivative, Cost of Hedge Convertible debt, threshold of stock price trigger (percent) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Percentage of Stock Price Trigger Convertible debt, threshold trading days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Trading Days Convertible debt, threshold consecutive trading days Debt Instrument, Convertible, Threshold Consecutive Trading Days Convertible notes, fair value Notes Payable, Fair Value Disclosure Reclassifications of equity to temporary equity, debt conversion Reclassifications of Permanent to Temporary Equity, Debt Conversion Reclassifications of Permanent to Temporary Equity, Debt Conversion Dilutive effect of convertible senior notes (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Debt Securities Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and entity information. Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Segment Reporting [Abstract] Reconciliation of Revenue and Operating Income from Segments to Consolidated Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block] Schedule of Geographical Areas of Which Company Operates Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Forward Contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Number of interest rate cap contracts held Number of Interest Rate Derivatives Held Derivative instrument, notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Net derivative gain included in OCI expected to be reclassified into earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred Gains or losses were reclassified from OCI into earnings Derivative Instruments, Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion Propel facilities [Member] Propel facilities [Member] Propel facilities [Member] Cabot Senior Secured Notes [Member] Cabot Senior Secured Notes [Member] Cabot Senior Secured Notes [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Cabot Credit Facility [Member] Cabot Credit Facility [Member] Cabot Credit Facility [Member] Senior Secured Bridge Facility [Member] Bridge Facility [Member] Bridge Facility [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Other [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Encore revolving credit facility Encore term loan facility Encore senior secured notes Encore convertible notes Convertible Notes Payable Less: Debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Add: Debt premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Other Long-term Debt Debt and capital lease obligations, total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Deferred Court Costs Schedule Of Deferred Court Costs Table [Text Block] Schedule of deferred court costs. Schedule of Court Cost Reserve Schedule Of Court Cost Reserve Table [Text Block] Schedule of court cost reserve. Accretable Yield [Member] Accretable Yield [Member] Accretable yield. Balance at beginning of period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Accretable Yield Revenue recognized, net Net additions on existing portfolios Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Net Additions To Existing Portfolios Accretable Yield Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Net Additions To Existing Portfolios Accretable Yield Additions for current purchases(2) Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Additions For Current Purchases Accretable Yield Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Additions For Current Purchases Accretable Yield Balance at end of period Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Restated Credit Agreement [Member] Restated Credit Agreement [Member] Restated Credit Agreement [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Term Loan Subtranche One [Member] Term Loan Two [Member] Term loan two. Term loan Subtranche Two [Member] Term Loan Three [Member] Term Loan Three [Member] Term Loan One [Member] Term Loan One [Member] Term loan one. Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Revolving credit facility Additional line of revolving credit facility Additional Borrowing Capacity Additional Borrowing Capacity Maximum borrowing capacity including accordion agreement after amendment Line Of Credit Facility Maximum Borrowing Capacity Including Accordion Facility Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity including accordion facility. Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Line of credit facility expiration date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Debt Instrument, number of subtranches Debt Instrument, Number of Subtranches Debt Instrument, Number of Subtranches Percentage to be added to base rate for alternate base rate (percent) Percentage To Be Added To Base Rate For Alternate Base Rate Percentage to be added to base rate for alternate base rate. Percentage to be added to adjusted base rate for alternate base rate (percent) Percentage To Be Added To Adjusted Base Rate For Alternate Base Rate Percentage to be added to adjusted base rate for alternate base rate. Principal amount amortized, 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year Principal amount amortized, 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Principal amount amortized, 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Principal amount amortized, 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Borrowing base as percentage of eligible estimated collection range start (percent) Borrowing Base As Percentage Of Eligible Estimated Collection Range Start Borrowing base as percentage of eligible estimated collection range start Borrowing base as percentage of eligible estimated collection range end (percent) Borrowing Vase As Percentage Of Eligible Estimated Collection Range End Borrowing base as percentage of eligible estimated collection range end. Percentage of eligible estimated remaining collections (percent) Percentage Of Eligible Estimated Remaining Collections Percentage of eligible estimated remaining collections. Eligible estimated remaining collections for consumer receivables (percent) Debt Instrument Borrowing Base As Percentage Of Receivables Debt instrument borrowing base as percentage of receivables. Percentage of multiplying factor (percent) Percentage Of Multiplying Factor Percentage of multiplying factor. Cash flow leverage ratio Cash Flow Leverage Ratio Cash Flow Leverage Ratio Allowance of additional unsecured indebtedness Maximum Additional Unsecured Debt Maximum Additional Unsecured Debt Company's repurchases, common stock Stock Repurchase Program Maximum Amount Of Common Stock Stock repurchase program maximum amount of common stock. Percentage of acquisitions excluded Percentage Of Outstanding Voting Stock Percentage Of Outstanding Voting Stock Acquisition limit Acquisition Limit Acquisition Limit Credit facility, provision, investments not to exceed maximum percentage of consolidated net worth (percent) Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Percentage of Consolidated Net Worth Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Percentage of Consolidated Net Worth Amount outstanding Other Long Term Debt And Line Of Credit Facility Amount Outstanding Other Long Term Debt And Line Of Credit Facility Amount Outstanding Convertible Notes [Member] Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Debt instrument, face amount Initial conversion price (in dollars per share) Closing stock price at date of issuance (in dollars per share) Share Price Conversion rate (shares per $1,000 principal amount) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Valuation Allowance for Investment in Receivable Portfolios [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses Reversal of prior allowances Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Allowance for Loan Losses, Decreases Balance at end of period Cabot and Marlin Acquisitions [Member] Cabot and Marlin Acquisitions [Member] Cabot and Marlin Acquisitions [Member] Schedule of Obligation Under Borrowings Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Convertible Notes - Interest Rates, Hedging, Liability and Equity Components Convertible Debt [Table Text Block] Interest Expense Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Other Significant Reconciling Items from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Portfolio Purchasing and Recovery [Member] Portfolio Purchasing And Recovery [Member] Portfolio Purchasing And Recovery [Member] Tax Lien Transfer [Member] Tax Lien Business [Member] Tax Lien Business [Member] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Revenues Revenues Operating income loss before depreciation and amortization Operating Income Loss Before Depreciation And Amortization Stock Compensation And Other Expense Operating Income (Loss) Before Depreciation and Amortization Stock Compensation and Other Expense Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Stock-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Other expense Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Non-cash interest expense, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Stock-based compensation expense Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Reversal of allowances on receivable portfolios, net Reversal Provision For Allowances On Receivable Portfolios Net Reversal provision for allowances on receivable portfolios net. Changes in operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Deferred court costs and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Prepaid income tax and income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchases of receivable portfolios, net of put-backs Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Collections applied to investment in receivable portfolios, net Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Originations and purchases of receivables secured by tax liens Payments to Acquire Notes Receivable Collections applied to receivables secured by tax liens Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable Purchases of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Payment of loan costs Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from credit facilities Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Repayment of credit facilities Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Proceeds from senior secured notes Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Repayment of senior secured notes Repayments of Senior Debt Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes Proceeds from Convertible Debt Proceeds from issuance of securitized notes Proceeds from Secured Notes Payable Repayment of securitized notes Repayments of Secured Debt Purchases of convertible hedge instruments Payments for Hedge, Financing Activities Repurchase of common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation Excess tax benefit from stock-based payment arrangements Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash paid for interest Interest Paid Cash paid for income taxes, net Income Taxes Paid, Net Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fixed assets acquired through capital lease Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired Federal provision Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State provision Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent State benefit Benefit For State Taxes Benefit For State Taxes International benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Permanent items Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Percent Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation,Other Reconciling Items, Percent Effective rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Deferred Court Costs, Net Deferred Court Costs [Text Block] Deferred court costs. Receivables Secured by Property Tax Liens, Net Financing Receivables [Text Block] Interest expense—stated coupon rate Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Interest expense—amortization of debt discount Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Total interest expense—convertible notes Interest Expense, Debt Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Table] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Table] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Table] United States [Member] UNITED STATES Europe [Member] Europe [Member] Cost to collect [Member] Cost To Collect [Member] Cost to Collect [Member] Discount rate [Member] Discount Rate [Member] Discount Rate [Member] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Estimated market participant cost to collect (percent) Fair Value Of Estimated Market Participant Rate Fair Value Of Estimated Market Participant Rate Discount rate (percent) Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Increase or decrease of the fair value (100 basis points) Asset at Fair Value, Changes in Fair Value Resulting from Changes in Assumptions Carrying value of investment in receivable portfolios Convertible senior notes, carrying value Unamortized debt discount Fair value estimate of convertible senior notes incorporates quoted market prices Convertible Debt, Fair Value Disclosures Senior secured notes, carrying value Senior secured notes, debt premium Accounting Policies [Abstract] Ownership, Description of Business, and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Accretable Yield and an Estimate of Zero Basis Future Cash Flows Schedule Of Accretable Yield And Estimate Of Zero Basis Future Cash Flows Table [Text Block] Schedule of accretable yield and estimate of zero basis future cash flows. Summary of Changes in Balance of the Investment in Receivable Portfolios Schedule Of Changes In Balance Of Investment In Receivable Portfolios Table [Text Block] Schedule of changes in balance of investment in receivable portfolios . Summary of Change in the Valuation Allowance for Investment in Receivable Portfolios Schedule Of Change In Valuation Allowance For Investment In Receivable Portfolio Table [Text Block] Schedule of change in valuation allowance for investment in receivable portfolio. Business Combinations Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Portfolio Purchasing and Recovery Loans and Leases Receivable, Nonmortgage Loan, Valuation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Lien Business Tax Lien Transfer Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for determining when transfers between levels are recognized. Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Translation of Foreign Currencies Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] 2011 Senior Secured Notes [Member] Two Thousand Eleven Senior Secured Notes [Member] Two Thousand Eleven Senior Secured Notes [Member] 2010 Senior Secured Notes [Member] Two Thousand Ten Senior Secured Notes [Member] Two Thousand Ten Senior Secured Notes [Member] Senior secured notes, aggregate amount Senior Notes Original Amount Senior Notes Original Amount Debt instrument maturity date Debt Instrument Maturity Year Debt Instrument Maturity Year Senior secured notes, periodic principal repayment Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Basis spread over the current Treasury Rate (percent) Senior Secured Notes Present Value Inputs Discount Rate Spread Senior secured notes present value inputs discount rate spread. Number of agreements Number of Debt Agreements Number of Debt Agreements Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] As previously reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Impact of reclassification [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items] Receivable Portfolios [Abstract] Receivable Portfolios [Abstract] Receivable Portfolios [Abstract] Percentage of payment made for portfolios purchase Percentage Of Payments Made For Portfolio Purchase Percentage Of Payments Made For Portfolio Purchase Receivables portfolio, semi-performing, number of months payment was received within previous four months Receivables Portfolio, Semi-performing, Number of Months Payment was Received Within Previous Four Months Receivables Portfolio, Semi-performing, Number of Months Payment was Received Within Previous Four Months Receivables portfolio, semi-performing, number of months included in review for payments received Receivables Portfolio, Semi-performing, Number of Months Included in Review for Payments Received Receivables Portfolio, Semi-performing, Number of Months Included in Review for Payments Received Reclassifications [Abstract] Reclassifications [Abstract] Reclassifications [Abstract] Net cash flows provided by operating activities Net cash flows provided by financing activities Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Investment in Receivable Portfolios, Net Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of stock-based awards (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Dilutive effect of warrants (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Goodwill Goodwill acquired Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill adjustment Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Effect of foreign currency translation Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Balance at end of period Schedule of Impact from Reclassifications Schedule of Impact From Reclassifications [Table Text Block] Schedule of Impact From Reclassifications [Table Text Block] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Income Taxes [Table] Costa Rica [Member] COSTA RICA Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Tax Holiday Through December 31, 2018 [Member] Tax Holiday Through December Thirty First And Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Tax Holiday Through December Thirty First And Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Subsequent Four Years [Member] Subsequent Four Years From December Thirty First And Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Subsequent Four Years From December Thirty First And Two Thousand Eighteen [Member] Other business combinations [Member] Other Business Combinations [Member] Other Business Combinations [Member] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Income Taxes [Line Items] Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Holiday tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Holiday, Percent Income tax holiday, term Income Tax Holiday, Term Income Tax Holiday, Term Unrecognized tax benefit Unrecognized Tax Benefits Net tax benefit from unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits, increase resulting from acquisition Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition Undistributed earnings Undistributed Earnings, Basic Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Domestic International UNITED KINGDOM Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Property tax liens, collections from foreclosure, percentage of properties (less than) Property Tax Lien, Collection from Foreclosure, Percentage of Properties Property Tax Lien, Collection from Foreclosure, Percentage of Properties Receivables secured by tax liens, typical redemption period Financing Receivable, Secured by Tax Lien, Redemption Period Financing Receivable, Secured by Tax Lien, Redemption Period Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Debt component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Debt Component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Debt Component Equity component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Equity issuance cost Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs Stated interest rate (percent) Effective interest rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts [Member] Foreign currency exchange contracts, liabilities Foreign currency exchange contracts, assets Reconciliation of Shares Used in Calculating Earnings Per Basic and Diluted Shares Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Midland Credit Management Inc. Telephone Consumer Protection Act Litigation [Member] Midland Credit Management Inc. Telephone Consumer Protection Act Litigation [Member] Midland Credit Management Inc. Telephone Consumer Protection Act Litigation [Member] Robinson v. Midland Funding and Tovar v. Midland Credit Management [Member] Robinson v. Midland Funding and Tovar v. Midland Credit Management [Member] Robinson v. Midland Funding and Tovar v. Midland Credit Management [Member] Scardina v. Midland Credit Management & Encore Capital Group and Martin v. Midland Funding [Member] Scardina v. Midland Credit Management & Encore Capital Group and Martin v. Midland Funding [Member] Scardina v. Midland Credit Management & Encore Capital Group and Martin v. Midland Funding [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Estimate of possible charge for penalties and restitution (in excess of) Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Number of class actions filed Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Litigation settlement, estimated cash contribution Litigation Settlement, Estimated Cash Contribution Litigation Settlement, Estimated Cash Contribution Litigation settlement, estimated debt forgiveness Litigation Settlement, Estimated Debt Forgiveness Litigation Settlement, Estimated Debt Forgiveness Litigation settlement, estimated attorney fees Litigation Settlement, Estimated Attorney Fees Litigation Settlement, Estimated Attorney Fees Material reserves for litigation Estimated Litigation Liability Purchase price of receivable portfolios Purchase Commitment Face Amount Purchase Commitment, Face Amount Purchase price Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed Components of Other Assets Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Change in Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Rollforward Table [Text Block] Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Rollforward [Table Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Investment in receivable portfolios, net Property and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Deferred court costs, net Other assets Other Assets Goodwill Total assets Assets Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Debt Other liabilities Other Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Redeemable noncontrolling interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable equity component of convertible senior notes Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Parent Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 25,237 shares and 25,794 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities, redeemable equity and equity Liabilities and Equity Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Salaries and Employee Benefits [Member] Salaries And Employee Benefits [Member] Salaries and employee benefits. General and Administrative Expenses [Member] General And Administrative Expenses [Member] General And Administrative Expenses [Member] Other (expense) income [Member] Other Expense Income [Member] Other Expense Income [Member] Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts 1 [Member] Foreign Exchange Contracts One [Member] Foreign exchange contracts one. Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts 2 [Member] Foreign Exchange Contracts Two [Member] Foreign exchange contracts two. Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI- Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from OCI into Income - Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized - Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Debt issuance costs, net of amortization Deferred Finance Costs, Net Identifiable intangible assets, net Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense Prepaid income taxes Prepaid Taxes Interest receivable Interest Receivable Service fee receivables Service Fee Receivable Service Fee Receivable Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Other Other financial receivables Other Receivables Receivable from seller Other Receivable, Due from Seller Other Receivable, Due from Seller Security deposits Security Deposit Recoverable legal fees Recoverable Legal Fees Recoverable legal fees. Funds held in escrow Escrow Deposit Other Other Assets, Miscellaneous Total other assets Liability component—principal amount Unamortized debt discount Liability component—net carrying amount Convertible Notes Payable Net Convertible Notes Payable Net Equity component Other Assets Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Cabot 2019 Notes [Member] Cabot Two Thousand Nineteen Senior Secured Notes [Member] Cabot Two Thousand Nineteen Senior Secured Notes [Member] Cabot 2020 Notes [Member] Cabot Two Thousand Twenty Senior Secured Notes [Member] Cabot Two Thousand Twenty Senior Secured Notes [Member] Cabot 2021 Notes [Member] Cabot Two Thousand Twenty One Notes [Member] Cabot Two Thousand Twenty One Notes [Member] Senior Secured Notes Due 2020 [Member] Ten Point Five Percent Senior Secured Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty [Member] Ten Point Five Percent Senior Secured Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty [Member] Cabot Corporation [Member] Cabot Financial Uk [Member] Cabot Financial UK [Member] Marlin Acquisition [Member] Repayment of senior credit facility Repayment of preferred equity certificates, net Repayments of Other Debt Debt issuance cost Debt Issuance Cost Long-term debt, fair value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Assets Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments as Recorded on Company's Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Summary of Effects of Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships in Company's Statements of Income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reportable Segments by Reporting Units Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Summary of Acquired Intangible Assets Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill [Table Text Block] Cash paid at acquisition Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Deferred consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Other Total purchase price Allocation of purchase price: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net [Abstract] Cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Deferred court costs Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Other Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Identifiable intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Total net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Acquisition and integration costs Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Additional Disclosures, Acquisition Cost Expensed Revenue of acquiree recognized since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Net income of acquiree recognized since acquisition date Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Initial redeemable noncontrolling interest related to business combinations Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Increase From Business Combination Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Increase From Business Combination Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Adjustment of the redeemable noncontrolling interests to fair value Noncontrolling Interest, Change in Redemption Value Effect of foreign currency translation attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment Noncontrolling Interest, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment Balance at end of period Cabot Credit Agreement [Member] Cabot Credit Agreement [Member] Cabot Credit Agreement [Member] Super Senior Loan [Member] Senior Loans [Member] Line of credit facility, increase to maximum borrowing capacity, accordion provision Line of Credit Facility, Increase to Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Accordion Provision Line of Credit Facility, Increase to Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Accordion Provision Maximum loan to value ratio Maximum Loan To Value Ratio Maximum Loan To Value Ratio Step up in basis spread on variable rate (percent) Debt Instrument, Step Up in Basis Spread On Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Step Up in Basis Spread On Variable Rate Increased basis spread on variable rate, interval period Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Increase Interval Period Debt Instrument Basis Spread On Variable Rate Increase Interval Period Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenue from receivable portfolios, net Other revenues Other Revenue, Net Net interest income Interest Income (Expense), Net Total revenues Operating expenses Operating Expenses [Abstract] Salaries and employee benefits Labor and Related Expense Cost of legal collections Cost Of Legal Collections Contingent fees paid to our nationwide network of attorneys and costs of litigation. Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating Collection agency commissions Collection Agency Commissions Contingent fees paid to our nationwide network of third party collection agencies. General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Depreciation and amortization Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from operations Operating Income (Loss) Other (expense) income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Other income Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense Income before income taxes Provision for income taxes Net income Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net income attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings per share attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc.: Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Diluted (in shares)