Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 34,529		$ 27,478		$ 97,561		$ 80,440
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized derivatives gain (loss)	31	[1]	4	[1]	70	[1]	(114)	[1]
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain	(14,352)	[2]	4,464	[2]	(8,573)	[2]	3,757	[2]
Marketable securities unrealized (loss) gain	(29)	[3]	344	[3]	879	[3]	1,837	[3]
Total other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax	(14,350)		4,812		(7,624)		5,480
Comprehensive income	20,179		32,290		89,937		85,920
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	248		430		575		390
Foreign currency translation loss (gain), net of tax, attributable to the noncontrolling interest	803		(164)		475		(228)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	1,051		266		1,050		162
Comprehensive Income attributable to Cash America International, Inc.	$ 21,230		$ 32,556		$ 90,987		$ 86,082

[1] Net of tax benefit (provision) of $(16) and $(2) for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 respectively, and $(37) and $61 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

[2] Net of tax benefit (provision) of $167 and $(607) for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 respectively, and $17 and $(51) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

[3] Net of tax benefit (provision) of $16 and $(186) for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 respectively, and $(473) and $(990) for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.