Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 27, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000889609
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity File Number	1-14116
Entity's Reporting Status Current	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	CA
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,728,109
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020