Summary of Franchised Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership store Activity (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Store	Dec. 31, 2010 Store	Dec. 31, 2009 Store
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Franchised stores open at January 1,	664	597	504
Opened	55	62	84
Added through acquisition		10
Purchased from the Company	9	10	37
Purchased by the Company	(7)	(12)	(19)
Closed, sold or merged	(8)	(3)	(9)
Franchised stores open at December 31,	713	664	597