Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues [Abstract]
Pawn loan fees and service charges	$ 80,990		$ 72,728		$ 161,177		$ 148,642
Proceeds from disposition of merchandise	146,772		131,532		323,227		310,249
Consumer loan fees	225,339		202,431		459,521		412,636
Other	1,989		3,689		4,265		6,981
Total revenue	455,090		410,380		948,190		878,508
Cost of Revenue [Abstract]
Disposed merchandise	104,510		88,961		229,074		210,296
Consumer loan loss provision	74,689		77,229		148,189		152,081
Total Cost of Revenue	179,199		166,190		377,263		362,377
Gross Profit [Abstract]
Net revenue	275,891		244,190		570,927		516,131
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Operations and administration	194,975		176,942		386,561		353,766
Depreciation and amortization	19,497		18,000		38,758		35,531
Total Expenses	214,472		194,942		425,319		389,297
Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Income from Operations	61,419		49,248		145,608		126,834
Income from Continuing Operations
Interest expense	(12,828)		(8,903)		(22,896)		(16,348)
Interest income	8		5		18		68
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain	(179)		65		(280)		(312)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(15,016)		0		(16,562)		0
Equity in loss of unconsolidated subsidiary	0		(25)		0		(136)
Income from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest
Income before Income Taxes	33,404		40,390		105,888		110,106
Provision for income taxes	12,433		14,946		39,180		40,740
Net Income, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net Income	20,971		25,444		66,708		69,366
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest	0		(312)		0		(308)
Net Income Attributable to Cash America International, Inc.	$ 20,971		$ 25,132		$ 66,708		$ 69,058
Earnings Per Share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.73		$ 0.88		$ 2.33		$ 2.39
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.72		$ 0.81		$ 2.27		$ 2.23
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	28,823	[1]	28,721	[1]	28,616	[1]	28,910	[1]
Diluted (in shares)	29,256	[2]	30,845	[2]	29,365	[2]	31,023	[2]
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.035000		$ 0.035000		$ 0.070		$ 0.070

[1] Includes (i) vested and deferred restricted stock units of 309 and 313, as well as 32 and 31 shares held in the Company’s nonqualified savings plan for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively

[2] There were 7 and 13 anti-dilutive shares for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014, respe