Summary of Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounting Policies (Details) [Abstract]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$ 1.0
Advertising expense		74.1	75.9	77.3
Prior Period Stock Comp Reclassification			$ 5.0	$ 3.2
Nature of Operations (Details) [Abstract]
Number of company-owned stores nationwide & in Puerto Rico		2,990
Number of retail installment sales stores		41
Number of RAC Acceptance locations		966
Number of rent-to-own stores in Canada		18
Number of rent-to-own stores in Mexico		90
Number of ColorTyme franchised stores		224
Number of states with ColorTyme franchised stores		33
Receivables and Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Policy (Details) [Abstract]
Minimum period of past due required to charge off installment notes (in days)		90
Maximum period of current status allowed to ColorTyme franchisees for payments of accounts receivable (in days)		30
Minimum period of past due required to write off accounts receivable from ColorTyme franchisees (in days)		120
Rental Merchandise Policy (Details) [Abstract]
Minimum age needed to start straight line method depreciation of merchandise held for rent (except for computers) (in days)		270
Minimum period in held for rent status needed to start straight line method depreciation of merchandise (except for computers) (in days)		180
Maximum depreciation period used in straight line method for merchandise held for rent (except for computers) (in months)		20
Minimum age needed to start straight line method depreciation of computers (in days)		24
Minimum depreciation period used in straight line method for computers (in months)		6
Maximum aggregate depreciation period used in straight line method for computers (in months)		30
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicle [Member]
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]
Depreciation period		5 years
Building [Member]
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]
Depreciation period		40 years
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]
Depreciation period		10 years