Earnings Per Share Computation (Reconciliation Of Numerators And Denominators For Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share Computation [Abstract]
Net income attributable to Cash America International, Inc.	$ 43,926		$ 41,467
Total weighted average basic shares	29,100,000		29,616,000
Shares applicable to stock-based compensation	144,000	[1]	297,000	[1]
Convertible debt	2,127,000	[2]	1,999,000	[2]
Total weighted average diluted shares	31,371,000		31,912,000
Net income - basic	$ 1.51	[3]	$ 1.40	[3]
Net income - diluted	$ 1.40	[4]	$ 1.30	[4]
Vested restricted stock units, in shares	310		279
Non-qualified savings plan, in shares	31		32
Anti-dilutive shares	87		0

[1] For the three months ended March 31, 2013, includes shares related to unvested restricted stock unit awards. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, includes shares related to outstanding option awards that are exercisable and shares related to unvested restricted stock unit awards.

[2] The shares issuable with respect to the Company's 2009 Convertible Notes due 2029 (the "2009 Convertible Notes") have been calculated using the treasury stock method. The Company intends to settle the principal portion of the convertible debt in cash; therefore, only the shares related to the conversion spread have been included in weighted average diluted shares.

[3] Includes vested and deferred restricted stock units of 310 and 279, as well as 31 and 32 shares held in the Company's nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

[4] There were 87 anti-dilutive shares for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and no anti-dilutive shares for the three months ended March 31, 2012.