| Cover Page | Jun. 15, 2020 | Mar. 31, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Jun. 15, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | Cardtronics plc | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | X0 | |
| Entity File Number | 001-37820 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1304627 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 2050 West Sam Houston Parkway South, Suite 1300 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Houston | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 77042 | |
| City Area Code | 832 | |
| Local Phone Number | 308-4000 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Ordinary Shares, nominal value $0.01 per share | |
| Trading Symbol | CATM | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001671013 |
