<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.23.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>325</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>311</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>94</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>8</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-document-and-entity-information</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>002 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-consolidated-balance-sheets-current-period-unaudited-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-income-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Temporary Equity (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-shareholders-equity-and-temporary-equity-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity and Temporary Equity (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>005 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows-unaudited</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>006 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Description of Our Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-1-description-of-our-business</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Description of Our Business</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>007 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>008 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Segment Reporting</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-3-segment-reporting</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Segment Reporting</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>009 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Shareholders' Equity and Preferred Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-4-shareholders-equity-and-preferred-stock</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Shareholders' Equity and Preferred Stock</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Redeemable Preferred Stock</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-5-redeemable-preferred-stock</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Redeemable Preferred Stock</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>011 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-6-fair-values-of-assets-and-liabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>012 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Variable Interest Entities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-7-variable-interest-entities</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Variable Interest Entities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>013 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-8-leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>014 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Notes Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-9-notes-payable</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Notes Payable</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>015 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-10-commitments-and-contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>016 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-11-net-income-attributable-to-controlling-interests-per-common-share</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>017 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-12-stockbased-compensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>018 - Disclosure - Note 13 - ATM Program</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-13-atm-program</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - ATM Program</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>019 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-14-subsequent-events</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>020 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components</ParentRole>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>021 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components</ParentRole>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>022 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-3-segment-reporting-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-3-segment-reporting</ParentRole>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>023 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-6-fair-values-of-assets-and-liabilities-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-6-fair-values-of-assets-and-liabilities</ParentRole>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>024 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-7-variable-interest-entities-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-7-variable-interest-entities</ParentRole>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>025 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-8-leases-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-8-leases</ParentRole>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>026 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Notes Payable (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-9-notes-payable-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Notes Payable (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-9-notes-payable</ParentRole>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>027 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-11-net-income-attributable-to-controlling-interests-per-common-share-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-11-net-income-attributable-to-controlling-interests-per-common-share</ParentRole>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>028 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-12-stockbased-compensation-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-12-stockbased-compensation</ParentRole>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>029 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components - Summary of Allowance for Uncollectible Loans and Fees Receivable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components-summary-of-allowance-for-uncollectible-loans-and-fees-receivable-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components - Summary of Allowance for Uncollectible Loans and Fees Receivable (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>031 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components - Summary of Aging of Delinquent Loans and Fees Receivable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components-summary-of-aging-of-delinquent-loans-and-fees-receivable-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components - Summary of Aging of Delinquent Loans and Fees Receivable (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>032 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components - Summary of Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components-summary-of-troubled-debt-restructurings-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components - Summary of Troubled Debt Restructurings (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>033 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components - Components of Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-2-significant-accounting-policies-and-consolidated-financial-statement-components-components-of-revenue-from-contracts-with-customers-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components - Components of Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>034 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-3-segment-reporting-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Segment Reporting (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-3-segment-reporting-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>035 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Segment Reporting - Summary of Operating Segment Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-3-segment-reporting-summary-of-operating-segment-information-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Segment Reporting - Summary of Operating Segment Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>036 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Shareholders' Equity and Preferred Stock (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-4-shareholders-equity-and-preferred-stock-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Shareholders' Equity and Preferred Stock (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-4-shareholders-equity-and-preferred-stock</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>037 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-5-redeemable-preferred-stock-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Redeemable Preferred Stock (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-5-redeemable-preferred-stock</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>038 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Summary of Fair Value Hierarchy for Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-6-fair-values-of-assets-and-liabilities-summary-of-fair-value-hierarchy-for-assets-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Summary of Fair Value Hierarchy for Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>039 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-6-fair-values-of-assets-and-liabilities-reconciliation-of-level-3-assets-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Reconciliation of Level 3 Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Measurements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-6-fair-values-of-assets-and-liabilities-quantitative-information-about-level-3-assets-and-liabilities-fair-value-measurements-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Quantitative Information about Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Fair Value Measurements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>041 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Summary of Fair Value Hierarchy for Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-6-fair-values-of-assets-and-liabilities-summary-of-fair-value-hierarchy-for-liabilities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Summary of Fair Value Hierarchy for Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>042 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Summary of Other Relevant Data (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-6-fair-values-of-assets-and-liabilities-summary-of-other-relevant-data-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities - Summary of Other Relevant Data (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>043 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Variable Interest Entities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-7-variable-interest-entities-summary-of-variable-interest-entities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Variable Interest Entities - Summary of Variable Interest Entities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>044 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Leases (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-8-leases-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Leases (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-8-leases-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>045 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Leases - Lease Cost (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-8-leases-lease-cost-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Leases - Lease Cost (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>046 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-8-leases-maturities-of-lease-liabilities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Leases - Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>047 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Notes Payable (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-9-notes-payable-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Notes Payable (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-9-notes-payable-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>048 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Notes Payable - Schedule of Notes Payable at Face Value and Notes Payable to Related Parties (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-9-notes-payable-schedule-of-notes-payable-at-face-value-and-notes-payable-to-related-parties-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Notes Payable - Schedule of Notes Payable at Face Value and Notes Payable to Related Parties (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>049 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Notes Payable - Schedule of Notes Payable at Face Value and Notes Payable to Related Parties (Details) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-9-notes-payable-schedule-of-notes-payable-at-face-value-and-notes-payable-to-related-parties-details-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Notes Payable - Schedule of Notes Payable at Face Value and Notes Payable to Related Parties (Details) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>050 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-10-commitments-and-contingencies-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-10-commitments-and-contingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>051 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-11-net-income-attributable-to-controlling-interests-per-common-share-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-11-net-income-attributable-to-controlling-interests-per-common-share-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>052 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share - Summary of Earning Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-11-net-income-attributable-to-controlling-interests-per-common-share-summary-of-earning-per-share-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share - Summary of Earning Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>053 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-12-stockbased-compensation-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-12-stockbased-compensation-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>054 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Outstanding Options (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-12-stockbased-compensation-summary-of-outstanding-options-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Stock-based Compensation - Summary of Outstanding Options (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>055 - Disclosure - Note 13 - ATM Program (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-13-atm-program-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - ATM Program (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-13-atm-program</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>056 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-14-subsequent-events-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://www.atlanticus.com/20230331/role/statement-note-14-subsequent-events</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Warning">[ix-0514-Hidden-Fact-Eligible-For-Transform] WARN: 141 fact(s) appearing in ix:hidden were eligible for transformation: atlc:AssetBackedSecuritiesTermOfRevolvingStructure, atlc:CarryingAmountOfReceivablesAsSecurityForStructuredFinancingNotes, atlc:LoansAndFeesReceivableMeasurementInput, atlc:OperatingLeasesOptionsToExtendForAdditionalPeriodsRevolvingPeriods, atlc:SharebasedCompensationTaxChargesToAdditionalPaidInCapitalFromExerciseAndVesting, dei:EntityRegistrantName, us-gaap:CashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue, us-gaap:CommonStockNoParValue, us-gaap:CommonStockSharesAuthorized, us-gaap:CommonStockSharesIssued, us-gaap:CommonStockSharesOutstanding, us-gaap:DebtInstrumentMaturityDate, us-gaap:DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate, us-gaap:EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedStockOptions, us-gaap:IncrementalCommonSharesAttributableToConversionOfPreferredStock, us-gaap:LineOfCreditFacilityExpirationDate1, us-gaap:LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity, us-gaap:LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure, us-gaap:NotesPayableToBank, us-gaap:NumberOfReportableSegments, us-gaap:PreferredStockLiquidationPreferenceValue, us-gaap:PreferredStockNoParValue, us-gaap:PreferredStockSharesIssued, us-gaap:PreferredStockSharesOutstanding, us-gaap:RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents, us-gaap:TemporaryEquityLiquidationPreference, us-gaap:TemporaryEquitySharesAuthorized, us-gaap:TemporaryEquitySharesIssued, us-gaap:TemporaryEquitySharesOutstanding -  atlc20230403b_10q.htm 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File doctype="10-Q" original="atlc20230403b_10q.htm">atlc20230403b_10q.htm</File>
    <File>atlc-20230331.xsd</File>
    <File>atlc-20230331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>atlc-20230331_def.xml</File>
    <File>atlc-20230331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>atlc-20230331_pre.xml</File>
    <File>ex_496649.htm</File>
    <File>ex_496650.htm</File>
    <File>ex_496651.htm</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles>
    <File>atlanticus.jpg</File>
  </SupplementalFiles>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="764">http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy items="35">http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
