Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss)	$ 94,765	$ (10,579)
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments:
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments	1,761	(5,051)
Income tax effect	(378)	1,497
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net of tax	1,383	(3,554)
Change in foreign currency translation:
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	2,890	(61,038)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	4,273	(64,592)
Comprehensive income (loss)	99,038	(75,171)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	(135)	125
Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency translation	(1)	3
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest:	(136)	128
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders	$ 98,902	$ (75,043)