Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 30,138	$ 21,064	$ 70,321	$ 51,524
Other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(134)	(768)	2,095	(1,722)
Unrealized (loss) gain on foreign currency translation	(7,529)	4,648	(4,016)	3,951
Other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax	(7,663)	3,880	(1,921)	2,229
Comprehensive income	22,475	24,944	68,400	53,753
Comprehensive loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Net loss	197	822	6,755	822
Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency translation	1,372	(2,633)	902	(2,633)
Comprehensive loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,569	(1,811)	7,657	(1,811)
Comprehensive income attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders	$ 24,044	$ 23,133	$ 76,057	$ 51,942