Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ (206,492)	$ 194,564	$ 351,201
Change in unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(44,478)	36,385	12,835
Income tax effect	4,891	(407)	(2,165)
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments, net of tax	(39,587)	35,978	10,670
Change in foreign currency translation:
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	15,376	(78,232)	(15,309)
Income tax effect	(893)	(3,014)	0
Removal of other comprehensive loss in connection with divestiture	0	0	19,904
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation, net of divestiture	14,483	(81,246)	4,595
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(25,104)	(45,268)	15,265
Comprehensive (loss) income	(231,596)	149,296	366,466
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	(419)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	(419)
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders	$ (231,596)	$ 149,296	$ 366,047