2. Finance Receivables (Details - Repossessions) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finance Receivables
Gross balance of repossessions in inventory	$ 33,673	$ 33,679
Allowance for losses on repossessed inventory	(24,063)	(24,024)
Net repossessed inventory included in other assets	$ 9,610	$ 9,655

No definition available.

Name:	cpss_FinanceReceivablesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	cpss_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of all assets obtained in full or partial satisfaction of a debt arrangement through foreclosure proceedings or defeasance; includes real and personal property; equity interests in corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures; and beneficial interests in trusts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84173941&loc=d3e5162-111524

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 310
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82891408&loc=d3e4437-111522

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ForeclosedAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of assets other than real property that were received in full or partial satisfaction of a debt arrangement through foreclosure proceedings or defeasance.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherForeclosedAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of increase (decrease) in valuation and qualifying accounts and reserves from adjustment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-09)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24092-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesAdjustments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration