Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Net Income Loss [Abstract]
Net income	$ 101,664		$ 135,166		$ 115,244
Other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax:
Unrealized derivatives gain (loss)	12	[1]	98	[1]	(97)	[1]
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain	9,064	[2]	(12,679)	[2]	5,372	[2]
Marketable securities unrealized gain (loss)	1,060	[3]	496	[3]	(1,302)	[3]
Total other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax	10,136		(12,085)		3,973
Comprehensive income	111,800		123,081		119,217
Net loss (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	5,806		797		294
Foreign currency translation loss (gain) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(112)		392		(357)
Total Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	5,694		1,189		(63)
Comprehensive Income attributable to Cash America International, Inc.	$ 117,494		$ 124,270		$ 119,154

[1] Net of tax benefit (provision) of $(6), $(53) and $52 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

[2] Net of tax benefit (provision) of $(1,426), $626 and $219 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

[3] Net of tax benefit (provision) of $(570), $(266) and $700 for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.