Summary of Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Accounting Policies (Details) [Abstract]
Advertising expense	$ 75.9	$ 77.3	$ 78.7
Nature of Operations (Details) [Abstract]
Number of company-owned stores nationwide & in Puerto Rico	2,994
Number of retail installment sales stores	39
Number of rent-to-own stores in Canada	28
Number of rent-to-own stores in Mexico	52
Number of RAC Acceptance locations	750
Number of ColorTyme franchised stores	216
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]
Property Assets and Related Depreciation Policy (Details) [Abstract]
Useful life of property assets	5
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Property Assets and Related Depreciation Policy (Details) [Abstract]
Useful life of property assets	10
Building [Member]
Property Assets and Related Depreciation Policy (Details) [Abstract]
Useful life of property assets	40