Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Note A: Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Our management has included all adjustments it considers necessary for a fair presentation. These adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except for those related to acquired businesses (described in Note B). The accompanying financial statements should be read with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011. The balance sheet at September 30, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Our business is subject to seasonal variations and operating results for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2012 (the “current quarter” and “current six-month period”) are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full fiscal year. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EZCORP, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We own 60% of the outstanding equity interests in Prestaciones Finmart, S.A.P.I. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. (“Crediamigo”) and, therefore, include its results in our consolidated financial statements. We account for our investments in Albemarle & Bond Holdings, PLC and Cash Converters International Limited using the equity method. With the exception of the policies described in the section below, there have been no changes in significant accounting policies as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011. Consumer Loans We provide a variety of short-term consumer loans including payday loans, installment loans and auto title loans, and in Texas only, fee-based credit services to customers seeking loans. In Mexico, Crediamigo enters into agreements with employers that permit it to market long-term consumer loans to employees. Payments are withheld by the employers through payroll deductions and remitted to Crediamigo. With the exception of the incorporation of Crediamigo, there have been no changes to our consumer loans policy. Revenue Recognition We recognize consumer loan fees related to loans we directly originate in accordance with state and provincial laws on the percentage of consumer loans made that we believe to be collectible. We earn credit service fees when we assist customers in obtaining consumer loans from unaffiliated lenders, and we recognize the fee revenue ratably over the life of the related loans. We reserve the percentage of interest and credit service fees we expect not to collect. Accrued fees related to defaulted loans reduce fee revenue upon loan default and increase fee revenue upon collection. Allowance for Losses and Bad Debt Expense See note K “Allowance for Losses and Credit Quality of Financing Receivables” for a discussion of the Company’s allowance for losses and bad debt expense on consumer loans. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We record all derivative instruments according to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-20-25, “Derivatives and Hedging – Recognition.” Accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives is determined by the intended use of the derivative, whether it is designated as a hedge and whether the hedging relationship is effective in achieving offsetting changes for the risk being hedged. Derivatives designated to hedge the changes in the fair value of an asset, liability or firm commitment due to an identified risk in the hedged item, such as interest rate risk or foreign currency exchange rate risk are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of our risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting. We acquire significant amounts of gold either through purchases or from forfeited pawn loan collateral and sell it to refiners. In our first fiscal quarter of 2012, we began using derivate financial instruments in order to manage our commodity price risk associated with the forecasted sales of gold scrap. From time to time, we purchase put options related to the future market price of gold, and simultaneously, we sell a call option for the same future period for a premium to offset the cost of the put. The combined put and call options, or collar, has the effect of providing us protection from the future downward gold price movement but also limits the extent we can participate in future upward price movement. These collars are not designated as hedges as they do not meet the hedge accounting requirements FASB ASC 851-20-25. The fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in “Prepaid expenses and other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in fair value are recognized in “Other” in our consolidated statements of operations. Reclassifications Previously, we reported segment information based primarily on product offerings. Beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we redefined our reportable operating segments based on geography as our company is increasingly being organized and managed along geographic lines, with product offerings and channels based on local custom and regulation. For this reason, we concluded that segment reporting based on geography more closely aligns with our management organization and strategic direction. In connection with the new segment structure, we have changed the accountability for, and reporting of, certain items including administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest and our equity in the net income of unconsolidated affiliates. When practical, these items are allocated to segments. Interest is also allocated to operating segments when debt is incurred at the local country level and is non-recourse to EZCORP, Inc. These items are now included in the segment’s measure of profit or loss (“segment contribution”). Expenses that cannot be allocated are included as corporate expenses. In our second fiscal quarter of 2011, we reclassified fees from our Product Protection Plan and Jewelry VIP Program as well as layaway fees from “Other” revenue to “Sales,” as fees from these products are incidental to sales of merchandise. Prior year figures have been reclassified to conform to this presentation and margins have been recalculated accordingly throughout management’s discussion and analysis. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This update, which amends FASB ASC 210 (Balance Sheet), requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements and the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The amendments in ASU 2011-11 enhance disclosures required by FASB ASC 210 by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset in accordance with FASB ASC 210-20-45 or 815-10-45 or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU 2011-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Disclosures are required retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. Currently, we do not enter into any right of offset arrangements and we do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2011-11 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This update amends FASB ASC 350 (Intangibles – Goodwill and Other) by allowing entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2011. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2011-08 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This update amends FASB ASC 820 (Fair Value Measurement) by providing common principles and requirements for measuring fair value, as well as similar disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. It changes certain fair value measurement principles, clarifies the application of existing fair value concepts, and expands disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. We adopted ASU 2011-04 in our interim period beginning January 1, 2012 with no material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05. This update supersedes certain content in ASU 2011-05 Presentation of Comprehensive Income that requires entities to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05, including the requirement to report comprehensive income in either a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements, were not affected by ASU 2011-12. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2011. We early adopted this amended standard in our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2011 with no effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations. The amendments in this update specify that, when presenting comparative financial statements, entities should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combinations that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. ASU 2010-29 also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The amendments are effective prospectively for material (on an individual or an aggregate basis) business combinations entered into in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2010. We adopted this amended standard on October 1, 2011, resulting in no effect on our financial position, operations or cash flows.

Significant Accounting Policies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Note A: Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Our management has included all adjustments it considers necessary for a fair presentation. These adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature except for those related to acquired businesses (described in Note B). The accompanying financial statements should be read with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011. The balance sheet at September 30, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. Our business is subject to seasonal variations and operating results for the three and six-month periods ended March 31, 2012 (the “current quarter” and “current six-month period”) are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full fiscal year.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of EZCORP, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. We own 60% of the outstanding equity interests in Prestaciones Finmart, S.A.P.I. de C.V., SOFOM, E.N.R. (“Crediamigo”) and, therefore, include its results in our consolidated financial statements. We account for our investments in Albemarle & Bond Holdings, PLC and Cash Converters International Limited using the equity method.

With the exception of the policies described in the section below, there have been no changes in significant accounting policies as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2011.

Consumer Loans

We provide a variety of short-term consumer loans including payday loans, installment loans and auto title loans, and in Texas only, fee-based credit services to customers seeking loans. In Mexico, Crediamigo enters into agreements with employers that permit it to market long-term consumer loans to employees. Payments are withheld by the employers through payroll deductions and remitted to Crediamigo. With the exception of the incorporation of Crediamigo, there have been no changes to our consumer loans policy.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize consumer loan fees related to loans we directly originate in accordance with state and provincial laws on the percentage of consumer loans made that we believe to be collectible. We earn credit service fees when we assist customers in obtaining consumer loans from unaffiliated lenders, and we recognize the fee revenue ratably over the life of the related loans. We reserve the percentage of interest and credit service fees we expect not to collect. Accrued fees related to defaulted loans reduce fee revenue upon loan default and increase fee revenue upon collection.

Allowance for Losses and Bad Debt Expense

See note K “Allowance for Losses and Credit Quality of Financing Receivables” for a discussion of the Company’s allowance for losses and bad debt expense on consumer loans.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We record all derivative instruments according to Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815-20-25, “Derivatives and Hedging – Recognition.” Accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives is determined by the intended use of the derivative, whether it is designated as a hedge and whether the hedging relationship is effective in achieving offsetting changes for the risk being hedged. Derivatives designated to hedge the changes in the fair value of an asset, liability or firm commitment due to an identified risk in the hedged item, such as interest rate risk or foreign currency exchange rate risk are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a cash flow hedge. We may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of our risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or we elect not to apply hedge accounting.

We acquire significant amounts of gold either through purchases or from forfeited pawn loan collateral and sell it to refiners. In our first fiscal quarter of 2012, we began using derivate financial instruments in order to manage our commodity price risk associated with the forecasted sales of gold scrap. From time to time, we purchase put options related to the future market price of gold, and simultaneously, we sell a call option for the same future period for a premium to offset the cost of the put. The combined put and call options, or collar, has the effect of providing us protection from the future downward gold price movement but also limits the extent we can participate in future upward price movement. These collars are not designated as hedges as they do not meet the hedge accounting requirements FASB ASC 851-20-25. The fair value of the derivative instruments is recognized in “Prepaid expenses and other assets” in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in fair value are recognized in “Other” in our consolidated statements of operations.

Reclassifications

Previously, we reported segment information based primarily on product offerings. Beginning with the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we redefined our reportable operating segments based on geography as our company is increasingly being organized and managed along geographic lines, with product offerings and channels based on local custom and regulation. For this reason, we concluded that segment reporting based on geography more closely aligns with our management organization and strategic direction. In connection with the new segment structure, we have changed the accountability for, and reporting of, certain items including administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, interest and our equity in the net income of unconsolidated affiliates. When practical, these items are allocated to segments. Interest is also allocated to operating segments when debt is incurred at the local country level and is non-recourse to EZCORP, Inc. These items are now included in the segment’s measure of profit or loss (“segment contribution”). Expenses that cannot be allocated are included as corporate expenses.

In our second fiscal quarter of 2011, we reclassified fees from our Product Protection Plan and Jewelry VIP Program as well as layaway fees from “Other” revenue to “Sales,” as fees from these products are incidental to sales of merchandise. Prior year figures have been reclassified to conform to this presentation and margins have been recalculated accordingly throughout management’s discussion and analysis.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This update, which amends FASB ASC 210 (Balance Sheet), requires entities to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements and the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. The amendments in ASU 2011-11 enhance disclosures required by FASB ASC 210 by requiring improved information about financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset in accordance with FASB ASC 210-20-45 or 815-10-45 or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. ASU 2011-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. Disclosures are required retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. Currently, we do not enter into any right of offset arrangements and we do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2011-11 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This update amends FASB ASC 350 (Intangibles – Goodwill and Other) by allowing entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this update are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2011. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2011-08 will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). This update amends FASB ASC 820 (Fair Value Measurement) by providing common principles and requirements for measuring fair value, as well as similar disclosure requirements between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. It changes certain fair value measurement principles, clarifies the application of existing fair value concepts, and expands disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-04 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2011. We adopted ASU 2011-04 in our interim period beginning January 1, 2012 with no material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in ASU 2011-05. This update supersedes certain content in ASU 2011-05 Presentation of Comprehensive Income that requires entities to present on the face of the financial statements reclassification adjustments for items that are reclassified from other comprehensive income to net income in the statements where the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income are presented. This update is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. All other requirements in ASU 2011-05, including the requirement to report comprehensive income in either a single continuous financial statement or in two separate but consecutive financial statements, were not affected by ASU 2011-12. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2011. We early adopted this amended standard in our fiscal year beginning October 1, 2011 with no effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-29, Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations. The amendments in this update specify that, when presenting comparative financial statements, entities should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combinations that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. ASU 2010-29 also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The amendments are effective prospectively for material (on an individual or an aggregate basis) business combinations entered into in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2010. We adopted this amended standard on October 1, 2011, resulting in no effect on our financial position, operations or cash flows.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

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