Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 40,523		$ 35,787
Other comprehensive gain, net of tax:
Unrealized derivatives gain	12	[1]	15	[1]
Foreign currency translation gain	9,615	[2]	4,631	[2]
Marketable securities unrealized gain	750	[3]	466	[3]
Total other comprehensive gain, net of tax	10,377		5,112
Comprehensive income	50,900		40,899
Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	944		591
Foreign currency translation gain, net of tax, attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(21)		(232)
Comprehensive loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest	923		359
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Cash America International, Inc.	$ 51,823		$ 41,258

[1] Net of tax (provision) of $(6) and $(8) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

[2] Net of tax (provision)/benefit of $(1,105) and $148 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

[3] Net of tax (provision) of $(403) and $(251) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.