Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 36,822	$ 26,974	$ 86,264	$ 50,687
Change in unrealized gains/losses on derivative instruments:
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments	(3,560)	(1,485)	(5,762)	(2,154)
Income tax effect	849	699	1,021	539
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax	(2,711)	(786)	(4,741)	(1,615)
Change in foreign currency translation:
Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation	(8,845)	(35,022)	(1,265)	(16,517)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(11,556)	(35,808)	(6,006)	(18,132)
Comprehensive (loss) income	25,266	(8,834)	80,258	32,555
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(161)	(676)	(349)	(2,562)
Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency translation	(7)	371	(434)	(1,412)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(168)	(305)	(783)	(3,974)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders	$ 25,098	$ (9,139)	$ 79,475	$ 28,581