v3.19.3
Cover Page - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2019
Oct. 30, 2019
Cover page.    
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Entity Central Index Key 0001084961  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2019  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 000-26489  
Entity Registrant Name ENCORE CAPITAL GROUP, INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 48-1090909  
Entity Address, Address Line One 350 Camino De La Reina  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 100  
Entity Address, City or Town San Diego  
Entity Address, State or Province CA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 92108  
City Area Code 877  
Local Phone Number 445 - 4581  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Per Share  
Trading Symbol ECPG  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Small Business false  
Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   31,058,771