Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 18,830	$ 19,448
Other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax:
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments	1,588	620
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	149	(114)
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax	1,737	506
Comprehensive income	20,567	19,954
Comprehensive loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	4,350	0
Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation	148	0
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,498	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders	$ 25,065	$ 19,954