| Cover Page | Aug. 11, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 11, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | PRA Group, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 000-50058 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 75-3078675 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 120 Corporate Boulevard |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Norfolk, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 23502 |
| City Area Code | (888) |
| Local Phone Number | 772-7326 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | PRAA |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001185348 |
