| Document And Entity Information | Jan. 24, 2024 |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity, Registrant Name | Atlanticus Holdings Corporation |
| Document, Type | 8-K |
| Document, Period End Date | Jan. 24, 2024 |
| Entity, Incorporation, State or Country Code | GA |
| Entity, File Number | 000-53717 |
| Entity, Tax Identification Number | 58-2336689 |
| Entity, Address, Address Line One | Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 300 |
| Entity, Address, City or Town | Atlanta, |
| Entity, Address, State or Province | GA |
| Entity, Address, Postal Zip Code | 30328 |
| City Area Code | 770 |
| Local Phone Number | 828-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity, Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity, Central Index Key | 0001464343 |
| CommonStock Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock |
| Trading Symbol | ATLC |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| SeriesBCumulativePerpetualPreferredStock7625 Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7.625% Series B Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock |
| Trading Symbol | ATLCP |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| SeniorNotesDue20266125 Custom [Member] | |
| Document Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.125% Senior Notes due 2026 |
| Trading Symbol | ATLCL |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
