Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 73,740	$ 69,477	$ 60,958
Other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax:
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments	(817)	194	(2,119)
Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation	7,692
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax	6,875	194	(2,119)
Comprehensive income	80,615	69,671	58,839
Comprehensive loss (gain) attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Net loss	1,559
Unrealized gain on foreign currency translation	(1,398)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	161
Comprehensive income attributable to Encore Capital Group, Inc. stockholders	$ 80,776	$ 69,671	$ 58,839