Debt Instrument, Discount Rate

No definition available.

Name:	ecpg_DebtInstrumentDiscountRate
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Percentage of Face Value Issued

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_DebtInstrumentPercentageofFaceValueIssued
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of noncash expense included in interest expense to amortize debt discount and premium associated with the related debt instruments. Excludes amortization of financing costs. Alternate captions include noncash interest expense.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1A
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.8)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremium
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount by which the convertible debt's if-converted value exceeds its principle amount at the balance sheet date, regardless of whether the instrument is currently convertible. This element applies to public companies only.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109500613&loc=SL6031898-161870

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleIfConvertedValueInExcessOfPrincipal
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt discount.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Gross amount of debt extinguished.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ExtinguishmentOfDebtAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense for debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109500613&loc=SL6036836-161870

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.8)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the portion of interest incurred in the period on debt arrangements that was charged against earnings, excluding amortization of debt discount (premium) and financing costs.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115205541&loc=SL114868664-224227

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebtExcludingAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SeniorNotes
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_CabotTwoThousandTwentySeniorSecuredNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_CabotTwoThousandTwentyOneNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_CabotTwoThousandTwentyThreeNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_CabotSeniorSecuredNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_ExchangeNotesdue2023Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_AdditionalNotesdue2023Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_SeniorSecuredNotesdue2023Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_SeniorSecuredCabotFloatingRateNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=ecpg_ThreeMonthEURIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_InterestIncomeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityAxis=ecpg_CabotSeniorSecuredNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=ecpg_EncoreFinanceMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt - Cabot Senior Debt (Details) $ in Thousands					1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
Debt - Cabot Senior Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 18, 2018 USD ($)	Jul. 18, 2018 GBP (£)	Oct. 06, 2016 USD ($)	Nov. 11, 2015 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2018 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jul. 18, 2018 GBP (£)	Oct. 06, 2016 GBP (£)	Nov. 11, 2015 EUR (€)	Mar. 27, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 27, 2014 GBP (£)	Aug. 02, 2013 USD ($)	Aug. 02, 2013 GBP (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes							$ 325,000		$ 326,029
Convertible senior notes sold							656,000		483,500
Unamortized debt discount							36,361		32,720
Total interest expense							11,710		0	$ 0
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt discount							36,400		32,700
Senior Notes \| Cabot 2020 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes																$ 151,700	£ 100,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate																8.375%	8.375%
Extinguishment of debt	$ 42,400	£ 32,200,000			$ 86,500	£ 67,800,000
Senior Notes \| Cabot 2021 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes														$ 291,800	£ 175,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate														6.50%	6.50%
Extinguishment of debt	125,200	95,000,000
Senior Notes \| Cabot 2023 Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes			$ 442,600									£ 350,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate			7.50%									7.50%
Percentage of face value issued			100.00%
Senior Notes \| Cabot senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes							1,111,399
Total interest expense							85,115		91,293
Senior Notes \| Exchangeable Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
If-converted value in excess of principal	$ 169,200	£ 128,400,000
Total interest expense \| £								£ 9,200,000
Senior Notes \| Additional Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of face value issued	99.00%	99.00%
Convertible senior notes sold	$ 45,500										£ 34,500,000
Senior Notes \| Senior Secured Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate			7.50%									7.50%
Convertible senior notes sold \| £												£ 350,000,000.0
Secured Debt \| Senior Secured Cabot Floating Rate Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes				$ 332,200									€ 310,000,000
Debt instrument, discount rate				1.00%
Unamortized debt discount				$ 3,400									€ 3,100,000
Secured Debt \| Cabot senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes							1,109,922		1,214,558
Three-Month EURIBOR \| Secured Debt \| Senior Secured Cabot Floating Rate Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				5.875%
Interest Income \| Senior Notes \| Cabot senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest income— amortization of debt discount (accretion of debt premium)							0		(2,865)
Interest expense \| Senior Notes \| Cabot senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense—stated coupon rate							84,772		93,691
Interest income— amortization of debt discount (accretion of debt premium)							343		467
Cabot senior secured notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior secured notes									1,216,485
Unamortized debt discount							$ 1,477		$ 1,927
Encore Finance \| Senior Notes \| Additional Notes due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	7.50%										7.50%