Acquisition Limit

No definition available.

Name:	ecpg_AcquisitionLimit
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Additional Borrowing Capacity

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_AdditionalBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Basket Allowed for Investments Under Laws of Canada

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_BasketAllowedforInvestmentsUnderLawsofCanada
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Borrowing base as percentage of eligible estimated collection range end.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_BorrowingBaseAsPercentageOfEligibleEstimatedCollectionRangeEnd
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cash Flow Leverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_CashFlowLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cash Flow Secured Leverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_CashFlowSecuredLeverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt instrument borrowing base as percentage of receivables.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_DebtInstrumentBorrowingBaseAsPercentageOfReceivables
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Percentage of Consolidated Net Worth

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_DebtInstrumentCovenantMaximumPercentageofConsolidatedNetWorth
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Debt Instrument, Covenant, Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_DebtInstrumentCovenantMinimumInterestCoverageRatio
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum Additional Unsecured Debt

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_MaximumAdditionalUnsecuredDebt
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum Senior Secured Notes

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_MaximumSeniorSecuredNotes
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Percentage Of Outstanding Voting Stock

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_PercentageOfOutstandingVotingStock
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage to be added to adjusted base rate for alternate base rate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_PercentageToBeAddedToAdjustedBaseRateForAlternateBaseRate
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage to be added to base rate for alternate base rate.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_PercentageToBeAddedToBaseRateForAlternateBaseRate
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Proceeds From Line of Credit Facility, Accordion Provision

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_ProceedsFromLineofCreditFacilityAccordionProvision
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Stock repurchase program maximum amount of common stock.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ecpg_StockRepurchaseProgramMaximumAmountOfCommonStock
Namespace Prefix:	ecpg_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The average effective interest rate during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of current borrowing capacity under the credit facility considering any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed (for example, borrowings may be limited by the amount of current assets), but without considering any amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityCurrentBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInNextTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearTwo
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt classified as other.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ecpg_TermLoanMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ecpg_TermLoanOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ecpg_TermLoanTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ecpg_JuniorLienPortionMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=us-gaap_RevolvingCreditFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ecpg_RestatedCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=ecpg_RevolvingCreditFacilityOneMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis=ecpg_RevolvingCreditFacilityTwoMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_BaseRateMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Debt, Net - Encore Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan Facility - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 29, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 20, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage to be added to base rate for alternate base rate (as a percent)			0.50%
Percentage to be added to adjusted base rate for alternate base rate (as a percent)			1.00%
Borrowing base as percentage of eligible estimated collection range end (as a percent)			35.00%
Eligible estimated remaining collections for consumer receivables (as a percent)			55.00%
Maximum cash flow leverage ratio			300.00%
Maximum cash flow secured leverage ratio			200.00%
Minimum interest coverage ratio			175.00%
Maximum senior secured notes	$ 350,000,000		$ 350,000,000
Allowance of additional unsecured indebtedness (not to exceed)	1,100,000,000		1,100,000,000
Company's repurchases, common stock (up to)			$ 150,000,000
Maximum acquisitions excluded (as a percent)			50.00%
Acquisition limit	225,000,000		$ 225,000,000
Credit facility, provision, investments not to exceed maximum percentage of consolidated net worth (as a percent)			200.00%
Basket allowed for investments under laws of Canada	50,000,000		$ 50,000,000
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum cash flow leverage ratio			125.00%
Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility	200,799,000		$ 200,799,000		$ 203,700,000	$ 181,687,000
Term Loan One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility	194,600,000.0		194,600,000.0
Principal amount amortized, 2018	5,100,000		5,100,000
Principal amount amortized, 2019	15,300,000		15,300,000
Term Loan Subtranche One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan facility	9,100,000.0		9,100,000.0
Principal amount amortized, 2018	600,000		600,000
Junior Lien Portion
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Allowance of additional unsecured indebtedness (not to exceed)	400,000,000		400,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility							$ 794,600,000.0
Additional borrowing capacity	250,000,000		250,000,000
Amount of exercised of the additional borrowing capacity			150,300,000
Revolving credit facility	$ 376,000,000		$ 376,000,000			$ 328,961,000
Weighted average interest rate (as a percent)	4.92%	4.06%	4.78%	3.90%
Revolving Credit Facility \| Restated Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Current borrowing capacity	$ 243,500,000		$ 243,500,000
Revolving Credit Facility One
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	677,100,000.0		677,100,000.0
Revolving Credit Facility Two
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 117,600,000.0		$ 117,600,000.0
LIBOR \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			300.00%
LIBOR \| Term Loan One \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			250.00%
LIBOR \| Term Loan One \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			300.00%
LIBOR \| Term Loan Subtranche One \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			250.00%
LIBOR \| Term Loan Subtranche One \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			300.00%
LIBOR \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			250.00%
Base Rate \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			150.00%
Base Rate \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			200.00%
Base Rate \| Term Loan One \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			150.00%
Base Rate \| Term Loan One \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			200.00%
Base Rate \| Term Loan Subtranche One \| Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			150.00%
Base Rate \| Term Loan Subtranche One \| Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent)			200.00%