Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 72,968	$ 95,396
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,167 and $3,593 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	69,823	69,785
Prepaid expenses and other assets	64,577	54,989
Rental merchandise, net [Abstract]
On rent	701,803	795,118
Held for rent	167,188	206,836
Merchandise held for installment sale	4,025	3,629
Property assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $525,673 and $522,101 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	282,901	316,428
Goodwill	56,614	55,308
Other intangible assets, net	882	5,252
Total assets	1,420,781	1,602,741
LIABILITIES [Abstract]
Accounts payable - trade	90,352	108,238
Accrued liabilities	298,018	332,196
Deferred income taxes	87,081	173,144
Secured debt, net	134,125	186,747
Senior notes, net	538,762	537,483
Total liabilities	1,148,338	1,337,808
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Common stock, $.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 109,681,559 and 109,519,369 shares issued in 2017 and 2016, respectively	1,097	1,095
Additional paid-in capital	831,271	827,107
Retained earnings	798,743	800,640
Treasury stock at cost, $56,369,752 shares in 2017 and 2016	1,347,677	1,347,677
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(10,991)	(16,232)
Total stockholders' equity	272,443	264,933
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,420,781	$ 1,602,741