Aarons 10-Q 1 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Trading Symbol	'AAN	'
Entity Registrant Name	'AARON'S INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000706688	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	76,270,648

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$309,244	$129,534
Investments	106,677	85,861
Accounts Receivable (net of allowances of $6,997 in 2013 and $6,001 in 2012)	59,698	74,157
Lease Merchandise (net of accumulated depreciation of $597,581 in 2013 and $575,527 in 2012)	898,413	964,067
Property, Plant and Equipment at Cost (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $193,300 in 2013 and $173,915 in 2012)	231,352	230,598
Goodwill	239,094	234,195
Other Intangibles, Net	4,207	6,026
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	62,013	77,387
Assets Held For Sale	6,783	11,104
Total Assets	1,917,481	1,812,929
LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	'	'
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	224,018	225,532
Accrued Regulatory Expense	28,400	0
Deferred Income Taxes Payable	244,037	263,721
Customer Deposits and Advance Payments	39,519	46,022
Debt	141,101	141,528
Total Liabilities	677,075	676,803
Commitments and Contingencies	'	'
Shareholders’ Equity:	'	'
Common Stock, Par Value $.50 Per Share; Authorized: 225,000,000 Shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012; Shares Issued: 90,752,123 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012	45,376	45,376
Additional Paid-in Capital	223,758	220,362
Retained Earnings	1,181,149	1,087,032
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-72	-69
Stockholders' Equity before Treasury Stock, Total	1,450,211	1,352,701
Common Stock: 14,559,725 Shares at September 30, 2013 and 15,031,741 Shares at December 31, 2012	-209,805	-216,575
Total Shareholders’ Equity	1,240,406	1,136,126
Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity	$1,917,481	$1,812,929

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Receivable, allowances	$6,997	$6,001
Lease Merchandise, Accumulated Depreciation	597,581	575,527
Property, Plant and Equipment at Cost, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$193,300	$173,915
Common Stock, Par Value	$0.50	$0.50
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	225,000,000	225,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	90,752,123	90,752,123
Treasury Shares	14,559,725	15,031,741

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
REVENUES:	'	'	'	'
Lease Revenues and Fees	$425,734	$414,490	$1,330,526	$1,264,564
Retail Sales	9,315	7,912	32,618	30,119
Non-Retail Sales	84,412	87,221	262,152	299,160
Franchise Royalties and Fees	16,530	15,981	51,564	49,628
Other	3,467	3,906	9,803	10,654
Revenues	539,458	529,510	1,686,663	1,654,125
COSTS AND EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Retail Cost of Sales	5,696	4,696	19,357	17,120
Non-Retail Cost of Sales	77,009	79,681	239,207	273,143
Operating Expenses	258,257	237,291	764,135	709,774
Legal and Regulatory Expense/(Income)	13,400	0	28,400	-35,500
Retirement and Vacation Charges	0	10,394	4,917	10,394
Depreciation of Lease Merchandise	154,898	150,783	477,523	457,350
Costs and Expenses, Total	509,260	482,845	1,533,539	1,432,281
OPERATING PROFIT	30,198	46,665	153,124	221,844
Interest Income	719	932	2,241	2,708
Interest Expense	-1,497	-1,553	-4,516	-4,889
EARNINGS BEFORE INCOME TAXES	29,420	46,044	150,849	219,663
INCOME TAXES	8,282	17,103	52,857	83,252
NET EARNINGS	$21,138	$28,941	$97,992	$136,411
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.28	$0.38	$1.29	$1.80
Assuming Dilution	$0.28	$0.38	$1.28	$1.77
CASH DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE:	'	'	'	'
Common Stock	$0.02	$0.02	$0.05	$0.05
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:	'	'	'	'
Basic	76,101	75,828	75,922	75,908
Assuming Dilution	76,676	76,918	76,611	77,007

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net Earnings	$21,138	$28,941	$97,992	$136,411
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment	14	1,395	-3	1,030
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	14	1,395	-3	1,030
Comprehensive Income	$21,152	$30,336	$97,989	$137,441

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net Earnings	$97,992	$136,411
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to Cash Provided by Operating Activities:	'	'
Depreciation of Lease Merchandise	477,523	457,350
Other Depreciation and Amortization	42,569	42,874
Bad Debt Expense	25,685	23,486
Stock-Based Compensation	2,293	5,276
Loss on Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment and Assets Held for Sale	467	762
Gain on Asset Dispositions	-698	-2
Change in Deferred Income Taxes	-19,684	-38,170
Excess Tax Benefits from Stock-Based Compensation	-1,717	-3,766
Other Changes, Net	5,733	-1,917
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effects of Acquisitions and Dispositions:	'	'
Additions to Lease Merchandise	-709,177	-825,605
Book Value of Lease Merchandise Sold or Disposed	299,673	332,251
Accounts Receivable	-11,151	-3,588
Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets	-3,545	-14,668
Income Tax Receivable	18,951	2,615
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses	-2,046	19,958
Accrued Legal and Regulatory Expenses	28,400	-41,720
Customer Deposits and Advance Payments	-6,791	-4,907
Cash Provided by Operating Activities	244,477	86,640
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of Investments	-59,337	-73,178
Proceeds from Maturities and Calls of Investments	37,909	70,618
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment	-42,992	-45,280
Acquisitions of Businesses and Contracts	-10,469	-27,557
Dispositions of Businesses and Contracts	2,151	1,166
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant and Equipment	5,402	3,526
Cash Used in Investing Activities	-67,336	-70,705
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from Debt	0	12,039
Repayments on Debt	-1,429	-24,214
Dividends Paid	-3,875	-3,415
Acquisition of Treasury Stock	0	-34,131
Excess Tax Benefits from Stock-Based Compensation	1,717	3,766
Issuance of Stock Under Stock Option Plans	6,156	9,407
Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	2,569	-36,548
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	179,710	-20,613
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	129,534	176,257
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$309,244	$155,644

Basis_and_Summary_of_Significa

Basis and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	NOTE 1:	BASIS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of Business
	Aaron’s, Inc. (the “Company” or “Aaron’s”) is a leading specialty retailer primarily engaged in the business of leasing and selling consumer electronics, computers, residential furniture, appliances and household accessories throughout the United States and Canada. The Company’s major operating divisions are the Sales & Lease Ownership division (established as a monthly payment concept), the HomeSmart division (established as a weekly payment concept) and the Woodhaven Furniture Industries division, which manufactures upholstered furniture and bedding predominantly for use by Company-operated and franchised stores. The Company’s Sales & Lease Ownership division includes the Company’s RIMCO stores, which lease automobile tires, wheels and rims under sales and lease ownership agreements.
	Basis of Presentation
	The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Generally, actual experience has been consistent with management’s prior estimates and assumptions. Management does not believe these estimates or assumptions will change significantly in the future absent unsurfaced and unforeseen events.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all information required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "2012 Annual Report"). The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full year.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. In all periods presented, the Company’s RIMCO operations have been reclassified from the Sales and Lease Ownership segment to the RIMCO segment in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.
	Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aaron’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.
	On October 14, 2011, the Company purchased 11.5% of the common stock of Perfect Home Holdings Limited (“Perfect Home”), a privately-held rent-to-own company that is primarily financed by share capital and subordinated debt. Perfect Home is based in the United Kingdom and operated 64 retail stores as of September 30, 2013. As part of the transaction, the Company also received notes and an option to acquire the remaining interest in Perfect Home at any time through December 31, 2013. If the Company does not exercise the option prior to December 31, 2013, it will be obligated to sell the common stock and notes back to Perfect Home at the original purchase price plus interest. The Company’s investment is denominated in British pounds.
	Perfect Home is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) as it does not have sufficient equity at risk; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and lacks the power through voting or similar rights to direct those activities of Perfect Home that most significantly affect its economic performance. As such, the VIE is not consolidated by the Company.
	Because the Company is not able to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial decisions of Perfect Home, the equity portion of the investment in Perfect Home, totaling less than $1,000 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, is accounted for as a cost method investment and is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The notes purchased from Perfect Home totaling £12.2 million ($19.7 million) and £11.4 million ($18.4 million) at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320, Debt and Equity Securities, and are included in investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in the Company’s British pound-denominated notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 relates to accretion of the original discount on the notes with a face value of £10 million. Utilizing a Black-Scholes model, the options to buy the remaining interest in Perfect Home and to sell the Company’s interest in Perfect Home were determined to have only nominal values.
	The Company’s maximum exposure to any potential losses associated with this VIE is equal to its total recorded investment which totals $19.7 million at September 30, 2013.
	Accounting Policies and Estimates
	See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2012 Annual Report.
	Income Taxes
	The Company files a federal consolidated income tax return in the United States, and the Company and its subsidiaries file in various state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the amount of uncertain tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, including interest and penalties. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
	Earnings Per Share
	Earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The computation of earnings per share assuming dilution includes the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and restricted stock awards (RSAs) as determined under the treasury stock method. The following table shows the calculation of dilutive stock awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (shares in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013	2012
	Weighted average shares outstanding	76,101			75,828			75,922	75,908
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	374			816			459	847
	RSUs	182			267			214	245
	RSAs	19			7			16	7
	Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	76,676			76,918			76,611	77,007
	For all periods presented, no stock options, RSUs or RSAs were anti-dilutive. In addition, approximately 292,000 and 286,000 performance-based RSUs are not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, due to the fact that the revenue and pre-tax profit margin targets applicable to these awards either have not been met or relate to future performance periods as of September 30, 2013. Refer to Note 10 in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report for additional information regarding the Company’s restricted stock arrangements.
	Lease Merchandise
	All lease merchandise is available for lease or sale. On a monthly basis, all damaged, lost or unsalable merchandise identified is written off. The Company records lease merchandise adjustments on the allowance method. Lease merchandise write-offs totaled $17.4 million and $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $42.0 million and $39.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Lease merchandise adjustments are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company classifies highly liquid investments with maturity dates of less than three months when purchased as cash equivalents.
	The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in a limited number of banks. Bank balances typically exceed coverage provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, due to the size and strength of the banks where the balances are held, such exposure to loss is considered minimal.
	Investments
	The Company maintains investments in various corporate debt securities, or bonds. The Company has the positive intent and ability to hold its investments in debt securities to maturity. Accordingly, the Company classifies its investments in debt securities, which mature at various dates from 2013 to 2015, as held-to-maturity securities and carries the investments at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases.
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable consist primarily of receivables due from customers of Company-operated stores, corporate receivables incurred during the normal course of business and franchisee obligations. Accounts receivable, net of allowances, consist of the following:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Customers	$	8,534			$	7,840
	Corporate	14,505				17,215
	Franchisee	36,659				49,102
		$	59,698			$	74,157
	Assets Held for Sale
	Certain properties, primarily consisting of parcels of land and commercial buildings, met the held for sale classification criteria at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. After adjustment to fair value, the $6.8 million and $11.1 million carrying value of these properties has been classified as assets held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The Company estimated the fair values of these properties using the market values for similar properties and these are considered Level 2 assets as defined in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, and as explained further below under "Fair Value Measurement."
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded impairment charges of $3.0 million within operating expenses. Such impairment charges related primarily to the impairment of various land outparcels and buildings included in the Sales and Lease Ownership segment that the Company decided not to utilize for future expansion. The Company did not record any significant fair value adjustments to assets held for sale during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded a $600,000 impairment charge related to assets held for sale included in the Other segment. The Company did not record any impairment charges related to assets held for sale during the three months ended September 30, 2012.
	Deferred Compensation
	The Company maintains the Aaron’s, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of management, highly compensated employees and non-employee directors. On a pre-tax basis, eligible employees can defer receipt of up to 75% of their base compensation and up to 100% of their incentive pay compensation, and eligible non-employee directors can defer receipt of up to 100% of both their cash and stock director fees. In addition, the Company makes restoration matching contributions on behalf of eligible employees to compensate such employees for certain limitations on the amount of matching contributions an employee can receive under the Company’s tax-qualified 401(k) plan.
	Compensation deferred under the plan is credited to each participant’s deferral account and a deferred compensation liability is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred compensation liability was $11.8 million and $9.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Liabilities under the plan are recorded at amounts due to participants, based on the fair value of participants’ selected investments. The Company has established a rabbi trust to fund obligations under the plan with Company-owned life insurance. The obligations are unsecured general obligations of the Company and the participants have no right, interest or claim in the assets of the Company, except as unsecured general creditors. The cash surrender value of these insurance contracts totaled $12.9 million and $10.4 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
	During the three month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, deferred compensation expense charged to operations for the Company’s matching contributions totaled $34,000 and $78,000, respectively. Deferred compensation expense charged to operations for the Company’s matching contributions totaled $107,000 and $240,000 in the nine months periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total benefits of $783,000 and $565,000 were paid in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	(In Thousands)	Foreign Currency				Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(69	)		$	(69	)
	Other comprehensive loss	(3		)		(3		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(72	)		$	(72	)
	There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
	Fair Value Measurement
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:
	Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.
The Company measures assets held for sale at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and records impairment charges when they are deemed to be impaired. The Company maintains certain financial assets and liabilities, including investments and fixed-rate long term debt, that are not measured at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed.
The fair values of the Company’s other current financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 requires preparers to report, in one place, information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). ASU 2013-02 also requires companies to report changes in AOCI balances. For significant items reclassified out of AOCI to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, reporting (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) is required about the effect of the reclassifications on the respective line items in the statement where net income is presented. For items that are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, a cross reference to other disclosures currently required under U.S. GAAP is required in the notes. The above information must be presented in one place (parenthetically on the face of the financial statements by income statement line item or in a note). ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Acquisitions	'
	NOTE 2.	ACQUISITIONS
	The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisitions of lease contracts, merchandise and the related assets of sales and lease ownership stores, none of which was individually material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	(In Thousands, except for store data)	2013			2012
	Number of stores acquired, net	9			20
	Aggregate purchase price (primarily cash consideration)	$	10,469		$	28,375
	Purchase price allocation:
	Lease Merchandise	3,687			10,717
	Property, Plant and Equipment	710			739
	Other Current Assets and Current Liabilities	(212		)	5
	Identifiable Intangible Assets1
	Customer Relationships	506			1,543
	Non-Compete Agreements	389			1,079
	Acquired Franchise Development Rights	232			708
	Goodwill2	5,157			13,584
	1	The Company amortizes customer relationship intangible assets on a straight-line basis over a two-year estimated useful life. The Company amortizes non-compete intangible assets on a straight-line basis over a three-year estimated useful life. The Company amortizes acquired franchise development rights on a straight-line basis over the unexpired life of the franchisee’s ten year area development agreement.
	2	Goodwill recognized from acquisitions primarily relates to the future strategic benefits expected to be realized upon integrating the businesses. All goodwill resulting from the Company’s 2013 and 2012 acquisitions is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, goodwill of approximately $5.2 million was assigned to the Company’s Sales and Lease Ownership operating segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, goodwill of approximately $12.8 million and $687,000 was assigned to the Company’s Sales and Lease Ownership and HomeSmart operating segments, respectively.
	Acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations, and the results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the Company’s results of operations from their dates of acquisition. The effect of these acquisitions on the consolidated financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was not significant. The purchase price allocations related to current year acquisitions are tentative and preliminary. The Company anticipates finalizing the purchase price allocations prior to December 31, 2013.

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurement	'
	NOTE 3.	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
	Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
	The following table summarizes financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Deferred Compensation Liability	$	—	$	(11,808	)	$	—		$	—	$	(9,518	)	$	—
	The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan as described in Note 1 to these consolidated financial statements. The liability representing benefits accrued for plan participants is valued at the quoted market prices of the participants’ investment elections, which consist of equity and debt "mirror" funds. As such, the Company has classified the deferred compensation liability as a Level 2 liability.
	Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
	The following table summarizes non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets Held for Sale	$	—	$	6,783		$	—		$	—	$	11,104		$	—
	Assets held for sale represents real estate properties that consist mostly of parcels of land and commercial buildings. The highest and best use of these assets is as real estate land parcels for development or real estate properties for use or lease; however, the Company has chosen not to develop or use these properties. In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, assets held for sale are written down to fair value less cost to sell, and the adjustment is recorded in operating expenses. The Company estimated the fair values of these properties using market values for similar properties.
	Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
	The following table summarizes the fair value of assets (liabilities) that are not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, but for which the fair value is disclosed:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Corporate Bonds1	$	—	$	86,911		$	—		$	—	$	67,470		$	—
	Perfect Home Notes2	—		—			19,732			—		—			18,449
	Fixed-Rate Long Term Debt3	—		(128,762		)	—			—		(127,261		)	—
	1	The fair value of corporate bonds is determined through the use of model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
	2	The Perfect Home notes were initially valued at cost. The Company periodically reviews the valuation utilizing company-specific transactions or changes in Perfect Home’s financial performance to determine if fair value adjustments are necessary.
	3	The fair value of fixed-rate long term debt is estimated using the present value of underlying cash flows discounted at a current market yield for similar instruments. The carrying value of fixed-rate long term debt was $125 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	Held-to-Maturity Securities
	The Company classifies its investments in debt securities as held-to-maturity securities based on its intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Accordingly, the debt securities, which mature at various dates during 2013 through 2015, are recorded at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investments classified as held-to-maturity securities consisted of the following:
				Gross Unrealized
	(In Thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gains			Losses			Fair Value
	30-Sep-13
	Corporate Bonds	$	86,945	$	61		$	(95	)	$	86,911
	Perfect Home Notes	19,732		—			—			19,732
	Total	$	106,677	$	61		$	(95	)	$	106,643
	31-Dec-12
	Corporate Bonds	$	67,412	$	99		$	(41	)	$	67,470
	Perfect Home Notes	18,449		—			—			18,449
	Total	$	85,861	$	99		$	(41	)	$	85,919
	The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	(In Thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	27,812	$	27,799
	Due in years one through two	78,865		78,844
	Total	$	106,677	$	106,643
	Information pertaining to held-to-maturity debt securities with gross unrealized losses is as follows:
		Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
	(In Thousands)	Fair Value		Gross			Fair Value			Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized						Unrealized					Unrealized
				Losses						Losses					Losses
	September 30, 2013
	Corporate Bonds	$	44,295	$	(95	)	$	—		$	—	$	44,295		$	(95	)
	December 31, 2012
	Corporate Bonds	$	22,785	$	(41	)	$	—		$	—	$	22,785		$	(41	)
	The unrealized losses relate principally to the increases in short-term market interest rates that occurred since the securities were purchased. As of September 30, 2013, 22 of the 45 bonds were in an unrealized loss position and at December 31, 2012, 16 of the 38 securities were in an unrealized loss position. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity or if market yields for such investments decline. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred. The Company has the intent and ability to hold the investments until their amortized cost basis is recovered on the maturity date. As a result of management’s analysis and review, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.
	The Company has estimated that the carrying value of its Perfect Home notes approximates fair value and, therefore, no impairment is considered to have occurred as of September 30, 2013. While no impairment was noted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, if profitability is delayed as a result of the significant start-up expenses associated with Perfect Home, there could be a change in the valuation of the Perfect Home notes that may result in the recognition of an impairment loss in future periods.

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Indebtedness	'
	NOTE 4.	INDEBTEDNESS
	See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2012 Annual Report.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	NOTE 5.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Leases
	The Company leases warehouse and retail store space for substantially all of its operations under operating leases expiring at various times through 2028. Most of the leases contain renewal options for additional periods ranging from one to 20 years or provide for options to purchase the related property at predetermined purchase prices that do not represent bargain purchase options. The Company also leases transportation and computer equipment under operating leases expiring during the next five years. The Company expects that most leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases in the normal course of business.
	Guarantees
	The Company has guaranteed certain debt obligations of some of its franchisees under a franchisee loan program with several banks. In the event these franchisees are unable to meet their debt service payments or otherwise experience an event of default, the Company would be unconditionally liable for the outstanding balance of the franchisees’ debt obligations under the franchisee loan program, which would be due in full within 90 days of the event of default. At September 30, 2013, the maximum amount that the Company would be obligated to repay in the event franchisees defaulted was $104.1 million. The Company has recourse rights to franchisee assets securing the debt obligations, which consist primarily of lease merchandise and fixed assets. As a result, the Company has never incurred, nor does management expect to incur, any significant losses under these guarantees. The carrying amount of the franchise-related borrowings guarantee, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheet, is approximately $3.1 million as of September 30, 2013. The guarantee facility was amended subsequent to September 30, 2013, as described below in Note 8.
	Legal Proceedings
	From time to time, the Company is party to various legal and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.
	Some of the proceedings to which we are currently a party are described below. We believe we have meritorious defenses to all of the claims described below, and intend to vigorously defend against the claims. However, these proceedings are still developing and due to the inherent uncertainty in litigation, regulatory and similar adversarial proceedings, there can be no guarantee that we will ultimately be successful in these proceedings, or in others to which we are currently a party. Substantial losses from these proceedings or the costs of defending them could have a material adverse impact upon our business, financial position and results of operations.
	The Company establishes an accrued liability for legal and regulatory proceedings when the Company determines that a loss is both probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. We continually monitor our litigation and regulatory exposure, and review the adequacy of our legal and regulatory reserves on a quarterly basis in accordance with applicable accounting rules. The amount of any loss ultimately incurred in relation to matters for which an accrual has been established may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued for such matters.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had accrued $32.9 million for pending legal and regulatory matters for which it believes losses are probable, which is our best estimate of our exposure to loss, and mostly relates to the regulatory investigation by the California Attorney General described below. The Company estimates that the aggregate range of possible loss in excess of accrued liabilities for such probable loss contingencies is between $0 and $3.5 million.
	Finally, at September 30, 2013, the Company estimated that the aggregate range of loss for all material pending legal and regulatory proceedings for which a loss is reasonably possible, but less likely than probable (i.e., excluding the contingencies described in the preceding paragraph), is between $710,000 to $10.8 million. Those matters for which a reasonable estimate is not possible are not included within estimated ranges and, therefore, the estimated ranges do not represent the Company's maximum loss exposure. Our estimates as to legal and regulatory accruals, as to aggregate probable loss amounts and as to reasonably possible loss amounts are all subject to the uncertainties and variables described above.
	Labor and Employment
	In Kunstmann et al v. Aaron Rents, Inc., filed with the United States District Court, Northern District of Alabama (Case No.: 2:08-CV-01969-KOB-JEO) on October 22, 2008, plaintiffs alleged that the Company improperly classified store general managers as exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). The case was conditionally certified as an FLSA collective action on January 25, 2010, and it now includes 227 individuals, nearly all of whom terminated from the general manager position more than two years ago. Plaintiffs seek to recover unpaid overtime compensation and other damages. On October 4, 2012, the Court denied the Company's motion for summary judgment as to the claims of Kunstmann, the named plaintiff.  On January 23, 2013, the Court denied the Company's motion to decertify the class. The Company has since filed two additional motions for summary judgment, including one that seeks summary judgment in the entirety on all class members' claims, or alternatively, on matters that will reduce the size of the class or exposure arising from the class claims. Briefing on these motions began in July 2013.
	The matter of Kurtis Jewell v. Aaron's, Inc. was originally filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division on October 27, 2011 and was transferred on February 23, 2012 to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Civil No.:1:12-CV-00563-AT). Plaintiff, on behalf of himself and all other non-exempt employees who worked in Company stores, alleges that the Company violated the FLSA when it automatically deducted 30 minutes from employees' time for meal breaks on days when plaintiffs allegedly did not take their meal breaks. Plaintiff claims he and other employees actually worked through meal breaks or were interrupted during the course of their meal breaks and asked to perform work. As a result of the automatic deduction, plaintiff alleges that the Company failed to account for all of his working hours when it calculated overtime, and consequently underpaid him. Plaintiffs seek to recover unpaid overtime compensation and other damages for all similarly situated employees nationwide for the applicable time period. On June 28, 2012, the Court issued an order granting conditional certification of a class consisting of all hourly store employees from June 28, 2009 to the present. The class size is approximately 1,788 opt-in plaintiffs, which is less than seven percent of the potential class members. The parties are engaging in discovery.  Discovery is expected to continue until April 2014.
	In Sowell, et al. v. Aaron's, Inc., United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia (Civil No.:1:12-CV-03867-CAP-ECS), two former Company associates filed separate lawsuits on November 5, 2012; Elizabeth Cook filed in Fulton County Georgia State Court and Brittany Sowell filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.  Plaintiff Sowell then filed a First Amended Complaint in the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Georgia on November 28, 2012. Thereafter, Plaintiff Sowell filed a Second Amended Complaint on December 21, 2012, which included Cook's claims and consolidated the cases. The case tentatively settled on October 22, 2013, although such settlement is subject to negotiation and execution of definitive settlement documentation.
	Consumer
	In Margaret Korrow, et al. v. Aaron's, Inc., originally filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex County, Law Division on October 26, 2010, plaintiff filed suit on behalf of herself and others similarly situated alleging that the Company is liable in damages to plaintiff and each class member because the Company's lease agreements issued after March 16, 2006 purportedly violated certain New Jersey state consumer statutes. Plaintiff's complaint seeks treble damages under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, and statutory penalty damages of $100 per violation of all contracts issued in New Jersey, and also claim that there are multiple violations per contract. The Company removed the lawsuit to the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on December 6, 2010 (Civil Action No.: 10-06317(JAP)(LHG)). Plaintiff on behalf of herself and others similarly situated seeks equitable relief, statutory and treble damages, pre- and post-judgment interest and attorneys' fees. Discovery on this matter is closed. On July 31, 2013, the Court certified a class comprising all persons who entered into a rent-to-own contract with the Company in New Jersey from March 16, 2006 through March 31, 2011. In August 2013, the Court of Appeals denied the Company’s request for an interlocutory appeal of the class certification issue.
	Privacy and Related Matters
	In Crystal and Brian Byrd v. Aaron's, Inc., Aspen Way Enterprises, Inc., John Does (1-100) Aaron's Franchisees and Designerware, LLC, filed on May 16, 2011, in the United States District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania (Case No. 1:11-CV-00101-SPB), plaintiffs alleged that the Company and its independently owned and operated franchisee Aspen Way Enterprises (“Aspen Way”) knowingly violated plaintiffs' privacy in violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and the Computer Fraud Abuse Act and sought certification of a putative nationwide class.  Plaintiffs based these claims on Aspen Way's use of a software program called “PC Rental Agent.” The District Court dismissed the Company from the lawsuit on March 20, 2012. On September 14, 2012, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint against the Company and its franchisee Aspen Way, asserting claims for violation of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act and common law invasion of privacy by intrusion upon seclusion. Plaintiffs also asserted certain vicarious liability claims against the Company based on Aspen Way's alleged conduct. On October 15, 2012, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, and on February 27, 2013, plaintiffs filed a motion for leave of the Court to file a third amended complaint against the Company.  On May 23, 2013, the Court granted plaintiffs' motion for leave to file a third amended complaint, which asserts the same claims against the Company as the second amended complaint but also adds a request for injunction and names additional independently owned and operated Company franchisees as defendants. Plaintiffs filed the third amended complaint, and the Company has moved to dismiss that complaint on substantially the same grounds as it sought to dismiss plaintiffs' second amended complaint. That motion remains pending. Plaintiffs filed their motion for class certification on July 1, 2013, and the Company's response was filed in August 2013. A hearing on plaintiffs' motion for class certification has not been held, but is expected in the fourth quarter of 2013. Plaintiffs seek monetary damages as well as injunctive relief.
	In Michael Winslow and Fonda Winslow v. Sultan Financial Corporation, Aaron's, Inc., John Does (1-10), Aaron's Franchisees and Designerware, LLC, filed on March 5, 2013 in the Los Angeles Superior Court (Case No. BC502304), plaintiffs assert claims against the Company and its independently owned and operated franchisee, Sultan Financial Corporation (as well as certain John Doe franchisees), for unauthorized wiretapping, eavesdropping, electronic stalking, and violation of California's Comprehensive Computer Data Access and Fraud Act and its Unfair Competition Law. Each of these claims arises out of the alleged use of PC Rental Agent software. The plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief and damages in connection with the allegations of the complaint. Plaintiffs are also seeking certification of a putative California class. Plaintiffs are represented by the same counsel as in the above described Byrd litigation. In April 2013, the Company timely removed this matter to federal Court. On May 8, 2013, the Company filed a motion to stay this litigation pending resolution of the Byrd litigation, a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim, and a motion to strike certain allegations in the complaint. The Court subsequently stayed the case. The Company's motions to dismiss and strike certain allegations remain pending.
	In Lomi Price v. Aaron's, Inc. and NW Freedom Corporation, filed on February 27, 2013, in the State Court of Fulton County, Georgia (Case No. 13-EV-016812B), an individual plaintiff asserts claims against the Company and its independently owned and operated franchisee, NW Freedom Corporation, for invasion of privacy/intrusion on seclusion, computer invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress.  Each of these claims arises out of the alleged use of PC Rental Agent software.  The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of not less than $250,000. On April 3, 2013, the Company filed an answer and affirmative defenses. On that same day, the Company also filed a motion to stay the litigation pending resolution of the Byrd litigation, a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and a motion to strike certain allegations in the complaint. All three motions remain pending.
	Regulatory Investigations
	Federal Trade Commission Investigation. The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") investigated the Company in connection with the alleged use of PC Rental Agent software by certain independently owned and operated Company franchisees, as noted above under "Privacy and Related Matters," and the Company's alleged responsibility for that use. On October 22, 2013, the FTC published a proposed consent agreement that would close the investigation. Pursuant to FTC administrative procedure, the consent agreement will be subject to public comment through November 21, 2013, after which the FTC will decide whether to make the proposed consent agreement final.
	California Attorney General Investigation. The California Attorney General has been investigating the Company's retail transactional practices, including various leasing and marketing practices, information security and privacy policies and practices related to the alleged use of PC Rental Agent software by certain independently owned and operated Company franchisees. The Company is continuing to cooperate with the investigation, including producing documents for the Attorney General's office and engaging in discussions about a possible resolution of this matter. The Company currently anticipates achieving a comprehensive resolution without litigation.
	Pennsylvania Attorney General Investigation. There is a pending, active investigation by the Pennsylvania Attorney General relating to the Company's privacy practices in Pennsylvania. The privacy issues are related to the alleged use of PC Rental Agent software by certain independently owned and operated Company franchisees, and the Company's alleged responsibility for that use. The Company is continuing to cooperate in the investigation.
	Other Commitments
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had non-cancelable commitments primarily related to certain advertising and marketing programs of $35.2 million.
	The Company is a party to various claims and legal and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management regularly assesses the Company’s insurance deductibles, analyzes litigation information with the Company’s attorneys and evaluates its loss experience. The Company also enters into various contracts in the normal course of business that may subject it to risk of financial loss if counterparties fail to perform their contractual obligations.
	See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2012 Annual Report for further information.

Segments

Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segments	'
	NOTE 6.	SEGMENTS
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had five operating and reportable segments: Sales and Lease Ownership, HomeSmart, RIMCO, Franchise and Manufacturing. In the first quarter of 2013, the Company determined that the RIMCO segment no longer meets the aggregation criteria in ASC 280, Segment Reporting. Accordingly, for all periods presented, RIMCO has been reclassified from the Sales and Lease Ownership segment to the RIMCO segment.
	The Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership division offers electronics, residential furniture, appliances and computers to consumers primarily on a monthly payment basis with no credit requirements. The HomeSmart division was established to offer electronics, residential furniture, appliances and computers to consumers primarily on a weekly payment basis with no credit requirements. The Company’s RIMCO stores lease automobile tires, wheels and rims to customers under sales and lease ownership agreements. The Company’s Franchise operation awards franchises and supports franchisees of its sales and lease ownership concept. The Manufacturing segment manufactures upholstered furniture and bedding predominantly for use by Company-operated and franchised stores. Therefore, the Manufacturing segment's revenues and earnings before income taxes are primarily the result of intercompany transactions, substantially all of which revenues and earnings are eliminated through the elimination of intersegment revenues and intersegment profit.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In Thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues From External Customers:
	Sales and Lease Ownership	$	499,979		$	485,326		$	1,559,951		$	1,539,702
	HomeSmart	15,098			14,104			47,623			40,384
	RIMCO	5,054			4,127			15,447			12,430
	Franchise	16,530			15,981			51,564			49,628
	Manufacturing	23,501			20,030			78,622			72,124
	Other	888			887			2,120			3,230
	Revenues of Reportable Segments	561,050			540,455			1,755,327			1,717,498
	Elimination of Intersegment Revenues	(22,673		)	(20,030		)	(76,427		)	(72,124		)
	Cash to Accrual Adjustments	1,081			9,085			7,763			8,751
	Total Revenues from External Customers	$	539,458		$	529,510		$	1,686,663		$	1,654,125
	Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes:
	Sales and Lease Ownership	$	34,521		$	39,580		$	145,795		$	190,690
	HomeSmart	(1,480		)	(2,264		)	(2,468		)	(5,222		)
	RIMCO	(221		)	170			(18		)	596
	Franchise	13,084			12,417			40,841			39,137
	Manufacturing	22			53			67			579
	Other	(19,071		)	(11,359		)	(50,019		)	(13,786		)
	Earnings Before Income Taxes for Reportable Segments	26,855			38,597			134,198			211,994
	Elimination of Intersegment Profit	(5		)	(53		)	(55		)	(579		)
	Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments	2,570			7,500			16,706			8,248
	Total Earnings Before Income Taxes	$	29,420		$	46,044		$	150,849		$	219,663
	(In Thousands)	September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	Sales and Lease Ownership	$	1,453,869		$	1,410,075
	HomeSmart	47,743			58,347
	RIMCO	13,584			11,737
	Franchise	41,776			53,820
	Manufacturing1	28,211			24,787
	Other	332,298			254,163
	Total Assets	$	1,917,481		$	1,812,929
	1	Includes inventory (principally raw materials and work-in-process) that has been classified within lease merchandise in the consolidated balance sheets of $17.2 million and $14.1 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
	Earnings (loss) before income taxes for each reportable segment are determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States with the following adjustments:
	•	Revenues in the Sales and Lease Ownership, HomeSmart and RIMCO segments are reported on the cash basis for management reporting purposes.
	•	A predetermined amount of each reportable segment’s revenues is charged to the reportable segment as an allocation of corporate overhead. This allocation was approximately 5% in 2013 and 2012.
	•	Accruals related to store closures are not recorded on the reportable segments’ financial statements, but are maintained and controlled by corporate headquarters.
	•	The capitalization and amortization of manufacturing variances are recorded on the consolidated financial statements as part of Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments and are not allocated to the segment that holds the related lease merchandise.
	•	Advertising expense in the Sales and Lease Ownership, HomeSmart and RIMCO segments is estimated at the beginning of each year and then allocated to the division ratably over time for management reporting purposes. For financial reporting purposes, advertising expense is recognized when the related advertising activities occur. The difference between these two methods is reflected as part of Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments.
	•	Sales and lease ownership lease merchandise write-offs are recorded using the direct write-off method for management reporting purposes and using the allowance method for financial reporting purposes. The difference between these two methods is reflected as part of Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments.
	•	Interest on borrowings is estimated at the beginning of each year. Interest is then allocated to reportable segments based on relative total assets.
	Revenues in the “Other” category are primarily revenues from leasing space to unrelated third parties in the corporate headquarters building, revenues of the Aaron’s Office Furniture division through the date of sale in August 2012 and revenues from several minor unrelated activities. The pre-tax losses or earnings in the “Other” category are the net result of the activity mentioned above, net of the portion of corporate overhead not allocated to the reportable segments for management purposes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the pre-tax losses of the "Other" category include $28.4 million related to an accrual for loss contingencies for a pending regulatory investigation, of which $13.4 million was recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2013. "Other" pre-tax losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 also include $4.9 million related to retirement expense and a change in vacation policies.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the pre-tax losses of the "Other" category include $10.4 million related to retirement charges. Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes above for the Sales and Lease Ownership segment includes $35.5 million related to the reversal of a lawsuit accrual during the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Related Party Transactions	'
	NOTE 7.	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	The Company leases certain properties under capital leases from related parties that are described in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2012 Annual Report.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	Senior Unsecured Notes
	On October 8, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to a note purchase agreement dated as of July 5, 2011 with several insurance companies. Pursuant to the note purchase agreement, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries as co-obligors issued $125.0 million in senior unsecured notes to the purchasers in a private placement. The notes bear interest at the rate of 3.75% per year and mature on April 27, 2018.
	The amendment revises the note purchase agreement to, among other things, (i) remove the “Minimum Consolidated Net Worth” financial covenant which previously required that the Company maintain a certain minimum consolidated net worth and (ii) change the “Restricted Payments” negative covenant, which imposes certain restrictions on the amount of payments that can be made in respect of dividends, distributions, redemptions and stock repurchases paid in cash, to make such covenant less restrictive. The Company remains subject to other financial covenants under the note purchase agreement, including maintaining a minimum ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.
	Bank Debt and Franchise Loan Agreement
	On October 8, 2013, the Company entered into the fifth amendment to its revolving credit agreement dated May 23, 2008, as previously amended. The revolving credit facility is with several banks and provides for unsecured borrowings up to $140.0 million (including a letter of credit and swingline loan subfacility). The amendment changes the “Restricted Payments” negative covenant, which imposes certain restrictions on the amount of payments that can be made in respect of dividends, distributions, redemptions and stock repurchases paid in cash, to make such covenant less restrictive.
	On October 8, 2013, the Company entered into the sixth amendment to its second amended and restated loan facility and guaranty, dated June 18, 2010, as previously amended. Pursuant to the franchise loan agreement, subject to certain terms and conditions, the Company’s franchisees can borrow funds guaranteed by the Company. The amendment relaxes the “Restricted Payments” negative covenant, which imposes certain restrictions on the amount of payments that can be made in respect of dividends, distributions, redemptions and stock repurchases paid in cash.
	In addition, as of October 8, 2013, the “Minimum Consolidated Net Worth” financial covenant that required the Company to maintain a certain minimum consolidated net worth level in each of the revolving credit facility and franchise loan agreement was automatically removed pursuant to the terms of such facilities, after notice was duly given to remove such financial covenant. The Company remains subject to other financial covenants under these facilities, including maintaining a minimum ratio of debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.
	Share Repurchase Authorization
	The Company purchases its stock in the market from time to time as authorized by its Board of Directors. In October 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 10,955,345 shares of common stock over the previously authorized repurchase amount of 4,044,655 shares, increasing the total number of shares of common stock authorized for repurchase to 15,000,000.

Basis_and_Summary_of_Significa1

Basis and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Description of Business	'
	Description of Business
	Aaron’s, Inc. (the “Company” or “Aaron’s”) is a leading specialty retailer primarily engaged in the business of leasing and selling consumer electronics, computers, residential furniture, appliances and household accessories throughout the United States and Canada. The Company’s major operating divisions are the Sales & Lease Ownership division (established as a monthly payment concept), the HomeSmart division (established as a weekly payment concept) and the Woodhaven Furniture Industries division, which manufactures upholstered furniture and bedding predominantly for use by Company-operated and franchised stores. The Company’s Sales & Lease Ownership division includes the Company’s RIMCO stores, which lease automobile tires, wheels and rims under sales and lease ownership agreements.
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") for interim financial information requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in these financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Generally, actual experience has been consistent with management’s prior estimates and assumptions. Management does not believe these estimates or assumptions will change significantly in the future absent unsurfaced and unforeseen events.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements do not include all information required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended December 31, 2012 (the "2012 Annual Report"). The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full year.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. In all periods presented, the Company’s RIMCO operations have been reclassified from the Sales and Lease Ownership segment to the RIMCO segment in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Variable Interest Entities
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Aaron’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions between consolidated entities have been eliminated.
	On October 14, 2011, the Company purchased 11.5% of the common stock of Perfect Home Holdings Limited (“Perfect Home”), a privately-held rent-to-own company that is primarily financed by share capital and subordinated debt. Perfect Home is based in the United Kingdom and operated 64 retail stores as of September 30, 2013. As part of the transaction, the Company also received notes and an option to acquire the remaining interest in Perfect Home at any time through December 31, 2013. If the Company does not exercise the option prior to December 31, 2013, it will be obligated to sell the common stock and notes back to Perfect Home at the original purchase price plus interest. The Company’s investment is denominated in British pounds.
	Perfect Home is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) as it does not have sufficient equity at risk; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary and lacks the power through voting or similar rights to direct those activities of Perfect Home that most significantly affect its economic performance. As such, the VIE is not consolidated by the Company.
	Because the Company is not able to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial decisions of Perfect Home, the equity portion of the investment in Perfect Home, totaling less than $1,000 at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, is accounted for as a cost method investment and is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The notes purchased from Perfect Home totaling £12.2 million ($19.7 million) and £11.4 million ($18.4 million) at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, are accounted for as held-to-maturity securities in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320, Debt and Equity Securities, and are included in investments in the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in the Company’s British pound-denominated notes during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 relates to accretion of the original discount on the notes with a face value of £10 million. Utilizing a Black-Scholes model, the options to buy the remaining interest in Perfect Home and to sell the Company’s interest in Perfect Home were determined to have only nominal values.
	The Company’s maximum exposure to any potential losses associated with this VIE is equal to its total recorded investment which totals $19.7 million at September 30, 2013.
Accounting Policies and Estimates	'
	Accounting Policies and Estimates
	See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the 2012 Annual Report.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company files a federal consolidated income tax return in the United States, and the Company and its subsidiaries file in various state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.
	As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the amount of uncertain tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $1.3 million and $1.0 million, respectively, including interest and penalties. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to uncertain tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The computation of earnings per share assuming dilution includes the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs) and restricted stock awards (RSAs) as determined under the treasury stock method. The following table shows the calculation of dilutive stock awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (shares in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013	2012
	Weighted average shares outstanding	76,101			75,828			75,922	75,908
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	374			816			459	847
	RSUs	182			267			214	245
	RSAs	19			7			16	7
	Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	76,676			76,918			76,611	77,007
	For all periods presented, no stock options, RSUs or RSAs were anti-dilutive. In addition, approximately 292,000 and 286,000 performance-based RSUs are not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, due to the fact that the revenue and pre-tax profit margin targets applicable to these awards either have not been met or relate to future performance periods as of September 30, 2013. Refer to Note 10 in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report for additional information regarding the Company’s restricted stock arrangements.
Lease Merchandise	'
	Lease Merchandise
	All lease merchandise is available for lease or sale. On a monthly basis, all damaged, lost or unsalable merchandise identified is written off. The Company records lease merchandise adjustments on the allowance method. Lease merchandise write-offs totaled $17.4 million and $15.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $42.0 million and $39.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Lease merchandise adjustments are included in operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company classifies highly liquid investments with maturity dates of less than three months when purchased as cash equivalents.
	The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in a limited number of banks. Bank balances typically exceed coverage provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. However, due to the size and strength of the banks where the balances are held, such exposure to loss is considered minimal.
Investments	'
	Investments
	The Company maintains investments in various corporate debt securities, or bonds. The Company has the positive intent and ability to hold its investments in debt securities to maturity. Accordingly, the Company classifies its investments in debt securities, which mature at various dates from 2013 to 2015, as held-to-maturity securities and carries the investments at amortized cost in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The Company evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. The Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases.
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable consist primarily of receivables due from customers of Company-operated stores, corporate receivables incurred during the normal course of business and franchisee obligations. Accounts receivable, net of allowances, consist of the following:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Customers	$	8,534			$	7,840
	Corporate	14,505				17,215
	Franchisee	36,659				49,102
		$	59,698			$	74,157
Assets Held for Sale	'
	Assets Held for Sale
	Certain properties, primarily consisting of parcels of land and commercial buildings, met the held for sale classification criteria at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. After adjustment to fair value, the $6.8 million and $11.1 million carrying value of these properties has been classified as assets held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The Company estimated the fair values of these properties using the market values for similar properties and these are considered Level 2 assets as defined in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, and as explained further below under "Fair Value Measurement."
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded impairment charges of $3.0 million within operating expenses. Such impairment charges related primarily to the impairment of various land outparcels and buildings included in the Sales and Lease Ownership segment that the Company decided not to utilize for future expansion. The Company did not record any significant fair value adjustments to assets held for sale during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded a $600,000 impairment charge related to assets held for sale included in the Other segment. The Company did not record any impairment charges related to assets held for sale during the three months ended September 30, 2012.
Deferred Compensation	'
	Deferred Compensation
	The Company maintains the Aaron’s, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan, an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of management, highly compensated employees and non-employee directors. On a pre-tax basis, eligible employees can defer receipt of up to 75% of their base compensation and up to 100% of their incentive pay compensation, and eligible non-employee directors can defer receipt of up to 100% of both their cash and stock director fees. In addition, the Company makes restoration matching contributions on behalf of eligible employees to compensate such employees for certain limitations on the amount of matching contributions an employee can receive under the Company’s tax-qualified 401(k) plan.
	Compensation deferred under the plan is credited to each participant’s deferral account and a deferred compensation liability is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The deferred compensation liability was $11.8 million and $9.5 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Liabilities under the plan are recorded at amounts due to participants, based on the fair value of participants’ selected investments. The Company has established a rabbi trust to fund obligations under the plan with Company-owned life insurance. The obligations are unsecured general obligations of the Company and the participants have no right, interest or claim in the assets of the Company, except as unsecured general creditors. The cash surrender value of these insurance contracts totaled $12.9 million and $10.4 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
	During the three month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, deferred compensation expense charged to operations for the Company’s matching contributions totaled $34,000 and $78,000, respectively. Deferred compensation expense charged to operations for the Company’s matching contributions totaled $107,000 and $240,000 in the nine months periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total benefits of $783,000 and $565,000 were paid in the first nine months of 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	(In Thousands)	Foreign Currency				Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(69	)		$	(69	)
	Other comprehensive loss	(3		)		(3		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(72	)		$	(72	)
	There were no reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Fair Value Measurement
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:
	Level 1—Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2—Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3—Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.
	The Company measures assets held for sale at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and records impairment charges when they are deemed to be impaired. The Company maintains certain financial assets and liabilities, including investments and fixed-rate long term debt, that are not measured at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed.
	The fair values of the Company’s other current financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximate their carrying values due to their short-term nature.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 requires preparers to report, in one place, information about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). ASU 2013-02 also requires companies to report changes in AOCI balances. For significant items reclassified out of AOCI to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, reporting (either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes) is required about the effect of the reclassifications on the respective line items in the statement where net income is presented. For items that are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period, a cross reference to other disclosures currently required under U.S. GAAP is required in the notes. The above information must be presented in one place (parenthetically on the face of the financial statements by income statement line item or in a note). ASU 2013-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Basis_and_Summary_of_Significa2

Basis and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Calculation of Dilutive Stock Awards	'
	The following table shows the calculation of dilutive stock awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (shares in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013	2012
	Weighted average shares outstanding	76,101			75,828			75,922	75,908
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	374			816			459	847
	RSUs	182			267			214	245
	RSAs	19			7			16	7
	Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	76,676			76,918			76,611	77,007
Accounts Receivable Net of Allowances	'
	Accounts receivable, net of allowances, consist of the following:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13				31-Dec-12
	Customers	$	8,534			$	7,840
	Corporate	14,505				17,215
	Franchisee	36,659				49,102
		$	59,698			$	74,157
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component	'
	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	(In Thousands)	Foreign Currency				Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(69	)		$	(69	)
	Other comprehensive loss	(3		)		(3		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(72	)		$	(72	)

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Acquisitions of Lease Contracts, Merchandise and Related Assets of Sales and Lease Ownership Stores	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s acquisitions of lease contracts, merchandise and the related assets of sales and lease ownership stores, none of which was individually material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
	(In Thousands, except for store data)	2013			2012
	Number of stores acquired, net	9			20
	Aggregate purchase price (primarily cash consideration)	$	10,469		$	28,375
	Purchase price allocation:
	Lease Merchandise	3,687			10,717
	Property, Plant and Equipment	710			739
	Other Current Assets and Current Liabilities	(212		)	5
	Identifiable Intangible Assets1
	Customer Relationships	506			1,543
	Non-Compete Agreements	389			1,079
	Acquired Franchise Development Rights	232			708
	Goodwill2	5,157			13,584
	1	The Company amortizes customer relationship intangible assets on a straight-line basis over a two-year estimated useful life. The Company amortizes non-compete intangible assets on a straight-line basis over a three-year estimated useful life. The Company amortizes acquired franchise development rights on a straight-line basis over the unexpired life of the franchisee’s ten year area development agreement.
	2	Goodwill recognized from acquisitions primarily relates to the future strategic benefits expected to be realized upon integrating the businesses. All goodwill resulting from the Company’s 2013 and 2012 acquisitions is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, goodwill of approximately $5.2 million was assigned to the Company’s Sales and Lease Ownership operating segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, goodwill of approximately $12.8 million and $687,000 was assigned to the Company’s Sales and Lease Ownership and HomeSmart operating segments, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Deferred Compensation Liability	$	—	$	(11,808	)	$	—		$	—	$	(9,518	)	$	—
Assets Measured at Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis	'
	The following table summarizes non-financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Assets Held for Sale	$	—	$	6,783		$	—		$	—	$	11,104		$	—
Fair Value of Assets (Liabilities) Not Measured at Fair Value In Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	The following table summarizes the fair value of assets (liabilities) that are not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, but for which the fair value is disclosed:
	(In Thousands)	30-Sep-13								31-Dec-12
		Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	Corporate Bonds1	$	—	$	86,911		$	—		$	—	$	67,470		$	—
	Perfect Home Notes2	—		—			19,732			—		—			18,449
	Fixed-Rate Long Term Debt3	—		(128,762		)	—			—		(127,261		)	—
	1	The fair value of corporate bonds is determined through the use of model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
	2	The Perfect Home notes were initially valued at cost. The Company periodically reviews the valuation utilizing company-specific transactions or changes in Perfect Home’s financial performance to determine if fair value adjustments are necessary.
	3	The fair value of fixed-rate long term debt is estimated using the present value of underlying cash flows discounted at a current market yield for similar instruments. The carrying value of fixed-rate long term debt was $125 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Investments Classified as Held to Maturity Securities	'
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, investments classified as held-to-maturity securities consisted of the following:
				Gross Unrealized
	(In Thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gains			Losses			Fair Value
	30-Sep-13
	Corporate Bonds	$	86,945	$	61		$	(95	)	$	86,911
	Perfect Home Notes	19,732		—			—			19,732
	Total	$	106,677	$	61		$	(95	)	$	106,643
	31-Dec-12
	Corporate Bonds	$	67,412	$	99		$	(41	)	$	67,470
	Perfect Home Notes	18,449		—			—			18,449
	Total	$	85,861	$	99		$	(41	)	$	85,919
Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held to Maturity Securities	'
	The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity debt securities by contractual maturity at September 30, 2013 are as follows:
	(In Thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	27,812	$	27,799
	Due in years one through two	78,865		78,844
	Total	$	106,677	$	106,643
Held to Maturity Securities with Gross Unrealized Losses	'
	Information pertaining to held-to-maturity debt securities with gross unrealized losses is as follows:
		Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
	(In Thousands)	Fair Value		Gross			Fair Value			Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized						Unrealized					Unrealized
				Losses						Losses					Losses
	September 30, 2013
	Corporate Bonds	$	44,295	$	(95	)	$	—		$	—	$	44,295		$	(95	)
	December 31, 2012
	Corporate Bonds	$	22,785	$	(41	)	$	—		$	—	$	22,785		$	(41	)

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Information on Segments and Reconciliation to Earnings Before Income Taxes from Continuing Operations	'
	(In Thousands)	September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Assets:
	Sales and Lease Ownership	$	1,453,869		$	1,410,075
	HomeSmart	47,743			58,347
	RIMCO	13,584			11,737
	Franchise	41,776			53,820
	Manufacturing1	28,211			24,787
	Other	332,298			254,163
	Total Assets	$	1,917,481		$	1,812,929
	1	Includes inventory (principally raw materials and work-in-process) that has been classified within lease merchandise in the consolidated balance sheets of $17.2 million and $14.1 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(In Thousands)	2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenues From External Customers:
	Sales and Lease Ownership	$	499,979		$	485,326		$	1,559,951		$	1,539,702
	HomeSmart	15,098			14,104			47,623			40,384
	RIMCO	5,054			4,127			15,447			12,430
	Franchise	16,530			15,981			51,564			49,628
	Manufacturing	23,501			20,030			78,622			72,124
	Other	888			887			2,120			3,230
	Revenues of Reportable Segments	561,050			540,455			1,755,327			1,717,498
	Elimination of Intersegment Revenues	(22,673		)	(20,030		)	(76,427		)	(72,124		)
	Cash to Accrual Adjustments	1,081			9,085			7,763			8,751
	Total Revenues from External Customers	$	539,458		$	529,510		$	1,686,663		$	1,654,125
	Earnings (Loss) Before Income Taxes:
	Sales and Lease Ownership	$	34,521		$	39,580		$	145,795		$	190,690
	HomeSmart	(1,480		)	(2,264		)	(2,468		)	(5,222		)
	RIMCO	(221		)	170			(18		)	596
	Franchise	13,084			12,417			40,841			39,137
	Manufacturing	22			53			67			579
	Other	(19,071		)	(11,359		)	(50,019		)	(13,786		)
	Earnings Before Income Taxes for Reportable Segments	26,855			38,597			134,198			211,994
	Elimination of Intersegment Profit	(5		)	(53		)	(55		)	(579		)
	Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments	2,570			7,500			16,706			8,248
	Total Earnings Before Income Taxes	$	29,420		$	46,044		$	150,849		$	219,663

Basis_and_Summary_of_Significa3

Basis and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 14, 2011

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Sales and Lease Ownership

Restricted stock units

Restricted stock units

Employee

Non Employee Director

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary

Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary

USD ($)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

USD ($)

GBP (£)

Maximum

Maximum

store

USD ($)

USD ($)

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of common stock outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of retail stores

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

64

64

'

'

'

'

Held to maturity securities

$106,677,000

'

$106,677,000

'

$85,861,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

$19,700,000

£ 12,200,000

$18,400,000

£ 11,400,000

'

'

Held to maturity securities, face value

106,677,000

'

106,677,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

Investment included in prepaid expenses and other assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

1,000

Maximum exposure to any potential losses associated with VIE

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

Uncertain tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect effective tax rate

1,300,000

'

1,300,000

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Anti-dilutive Securities excluded from the computation of earnings per share assuming dilution

'

'

'

'

'

'

292,000

286,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lease merchandise adjustments

17,400,000

15,800,000

42,000,000

39,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assets Held For Sale

6,783,000

'

6,783,000

'

11,104,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impairment charge

600,000

'

600,000

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of receipt of base compensation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

75.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of receipt of incentive pay compensation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred compensation plan liability

11,800,000

'

11,800,000

'

9,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance ("COLI") contracts

12,900,000

'

12,900,000

'

10,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred compensation expense charged to operations for Company's matching contributions

34,000

78,000

107,000

240,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Benefits paid

$783,000

$565,000

$783,000

$565,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Calculation_of_Dilutive_Stock_

Calculation of Dilutive Stock Awards (Detail)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding	76,101	75,828	75,922	75,908
Weighted average shares outstanding assuming dilution	76,676	76,918	76,611	77,007
Stock Option	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	374	816	459	847
Restricted stock units	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	182	267	214	245
Restricted stock awards	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effect of dilutive securities	19	7	16	7

Accounts_Receivable_Net_of_All

Accounts Receivable Net of Allowances (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$59,698	$74,157
Customer	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	8,534	7,840
Corporate	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	14,505	17,215
Franchise	'	'
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable, net of allowances	$36,659	$49,102

Changes_in_Accumulated_Other_C

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	'	'	($69)	'
Other comprehensive loss	14	1,395	-3	1,030
Balance at June 31, 2013	-72	'	-72	'
Foreign Currency	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Balance at January 1, 2013	'	'	-69	'
Other comprehensive loss	'	'	-3	'
Balance at June 31, 2013	($72)	'	($72)	'

Summary_of_Acquisitions_of_Lea

Summary of Acquisitions of Lease Contracts, Merchandise and Related Assets of Sales and Lease Ownership Stores (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
	store		store
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Number of stores acquired, net	9		20
Aggregate purchase price (primarily cash consideration)	$10,469		$28,375
Lease Merchandise	3,687		10,717
Property, Plant and Equipment	710		739
Other Current Assets and Current Liabilities	-212		5
Goodwill	5,157	[1]	13,584	[1]
Customer relationship intangibles	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Identifiable intangible assets	506	[2]	1,543	[2]
Non-compete intangibles	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Identifiable intangible assets	389	[2]	1,079	[2]
Acquired franchise development rights	'		'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'
Identifiable intangible assets	$232	[2]	$708	[2]
[1]	The Company amortizes customer relationship intangible assets on a straight-line basis over a two-year estimated useful life. The Company amortizes non-compete intangible assets on a straight-line basis over a three-year estimated useful life. The Company amortizes acquired franchise development rights on a straight-line basis over the unexpired life of the franchisee’s ten year area development agreement.
[2]	Goodwill recognized from acquisitions primarily relates to the future strategic benefits expected to be realized upon integrating the businesses. All goodwill resulting from the Company’s 2013 and 2012 acquisitions is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, goodwill of approximately $5.2 million was assigned to the Company’s Sales and Lease Ownership operating segment. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, goodwill of approximately $12.8 million and $687,000 was assigned to the Company’s Sales and Lease Ownership and HomeSmart operating segments, respectively.

Summary_of_Acquisitions_of_Lea1

Summary of Acquisitions of Lease Contracts, Merchandise and Related Assets of Sales and Lease Ownership Stores (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Customer relationship intangibles	Non-compete intangibles	Acquired franchise development rights	Sales and Lease Ownership	Sales and Lease Ownership	HomeSmart
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization period of intangible assets	'	'	'2 years	'3 years	'10 years	'	'	'
Goodwill	$239,094	$234,195	'	'	'	$5,200	$12,800	$687

Summary_of_Financial_Assets_an

Summary of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Level 2, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 2	'	'
Fair Value Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred Compensation Liability	($11,808)	($9,518)

Assets_Measured_At_Fair_Value_

Assets Measured At Fair Value on Nonrecurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Assets Held For Sale	$6,783	$11,104

Fair_Value_of_Assets_Liabiliti

Fair Value of Assets (Liabilities) Not Measured at Fair Value In Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	$106,643		$85,919
Corporate Bond | Level 2	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	86,911	[1]	67,470	[1]
Perfect Home Bonds | Level 3	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value	19,732	[2]	18,449	[2]
Fixed Rate | Level 2	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'		'
Long term debt, fair value	($128,762)	[3]	($127,261)	[3]
[1]	The fair value of corporate bonds is determined through the use of model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
[2]	The Perfect Home notes were initially valued at cost. The Company periodically reviews the valuation utilizing company-specific transactions or changes in Perfect Home’s financial performance to determine if fair value adjustments are necessary.
[3]	The fair value of fixed-rate long term debt is estimated using the present value of underlying cash flows discounted at a current market yield for similar instruments. The carrying value of fixed-rate long term debt was $125 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Fair_Value_of_Assets_Liabiliti1

Fair Value of Assets (Liabilities) Not Measured at Fair Value In Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Fixed Rate, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fixed Rate	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Long term debt, carrying value	$125	$125

Amortized_Cost_Gross_Unrealize

Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses, and Fair Value of Investment Securities Held to Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$106,677	$85,861
Gross Unrealized Gains	61	99
Gross Unrealized Losses	-95	-41
Fair Value	106,643	85,919
Corporate Bond	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	86,945	67,412
Gross Unrealized Gains	61	99
Gross Unrealized Losses	-95	-41
Fair Value	86,911	67,470
Perfect Home Bonds	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	19,732	18,449
Fair Value	$19,732	$18,449

Amortized_Cost_and_Fair_Value_

Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Held to Maturity Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	$106,677	'
Fair Value	106,643	85,919
Due in one year or less	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	27,812	'
Fair Value	27,799	'
Due in years one through two	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Amortized Cost	78,865	'
Fair Value	$78,844	'

Information_Pertaining_to_Held

Information Pertaining to Held to Maturity Securities With Gross Unrealized Losses (Detail) (Corporate Bond, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Corporate Bond	'	'
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities [Line Items]	'	'
Less than 12 months Fair Value	$44,295	$22,785
Less than 12 months Gross Unrealized Losses	-95	-41
12 months or longer Fair Value	0	0
12 months or longer Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Total Fair Value	44,295	22,785
Total Gross Unrealized Losses	($95)	($41)

Fair_Value_Measurement_Additio

Fair Value Measurement - Additional Information (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	securities	securities
Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Number of securities in unrealized loss position	22	16
Number of securities	45	38

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Leases of warehouse and retail store space under operating lease, expiring time	'2028
Portion that Company might be obligated to repay in the event franchisees defaulted	$104,100,000
Fair value of franchise related borrowings	3,100,000
Loss contingency accrual	32,900,000
Minimum range of possible loss	0
Maximum range of possible loss	3,500,000
Marketing and Advertising Expense	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Contractual commitments future minimum payments due	35,200,000
Minimum	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Renewal options of leases for additional periods	'1 year
Range of possible loss	710,000
Maximum	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Renewal options of leases for additional periods	'20 years
Leases of transportation and computer equipment under operating leases, expiring period	'5 years
Range of possible loss	$10,800,000
Kunstmann et al	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Plaintiffs	227
Kurtis Jewell	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of employees opted for lawsuit	1,788
Maximum percentage of class size expected to represent class members in lawsuit	7.00%
Litigation Case Three [Member]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Number of Plaintiffs	2

Segments_Additional_Informatio

Segments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
			segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Operating segments	'	'	5	'	'
Approximate percentage of segment revenue charged as an allocation of corporate overhead	'	'	5.00%	'	5.00%
Reversal of a lawsuit accrual	($13,400)	$0	($28,400)	$35,500	'
All Other Segments	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Reversal of a lawsuit accrual	10,400	'	10,400	'	'
Sales and Lease Ownership	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Reversal of a lawsuit accrual	'	'	35,500	'	'
Pending Legal and Regulatory Contingency	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Reversal of a lawsuit accrual	'	'	-28,400	'	'
Retirement Expenses	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Reversal of a lawsuit accrual	'	'	$4,900	'	'

Information_on_Segments_and_Re

Information on Segments and Reconciliation to Earnings Before Income Taxes from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	$539,458		$529,510	$1,686,663		$1,654,125	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	29,420		46,044	150,849		219,663	'
Assets	1,917,481		'	1,917,481		'	1,812,929
Sales and Lease Ownership	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	499,979		485,326	1,559,951		1,539,702	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	34,521		39,580	145,795		190,690	'
Assets	1,453,869		'	1,453,869		'	1,410,075
HomeSmart	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	15,098		14,104	47,623		40,384	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-1,480		-2,264	-2,468		-5,222	'
Assets	47,743		'	47,743		'	58,347
RIMCO	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	5,054		4,127	15,447		12,430	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-221		170	-18		596	'
Assets	13,584		'	13,584		'	11,737
Franchise	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	16,530		15,981	51,564		49,628	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	13,084		12,417	40,841		39,137	'
Assets	41,776		'	41,776		'	53,820
Manufacturing	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	23,501		20,030	78,622		72,124	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	22		53	67		579	'
Assets	28,211	[1]	'	28,211	[1]	'	24,787	[1]
All Other Segments	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	888		887	2,120		3,230	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-19,071		-11,359	-50,019		-13,786	'
Assets	332,298		'	332,298		'	254,163
Reportable Segments	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	561,050		540,455	1,755,327		1,717,498	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	26,855		38,597	134,198		211,994	'
Elimination of Intersegment	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	-22,673		-20,030	-76,427		-72,124	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	-5		-53	-55		-579	'
Cash to Accrual and Other Adjustments	'		'	'		'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Revenues	1,081		9,085	7,763		8,751	'
Earnings Before Income Taxes	$2,570		$7,500	$16,706		$8,248	'
[1]	Includes inventory (principally raw materials and work-in-process) that has been classified within lease merchandise in the consolidated balance sheets of $17.2 million and $14.1 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Information_on_Segments_and_Re1

Information on Segments and Reconciliation to Earnings Before Income Taxes from Continuing Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Manufacturing, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Manufacturing	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Inventory (principally raw materials)	$17.20	$14.10

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 08, 2013	Oct. 08, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified		Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
			Unsecured Debt	Line of Credit
				Revolving Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt instrument, face amount	'	'	$125	'
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	'	'	3.75%	'
Line of credit facility, current borrowing capacity	'	'	'	$140
Stock repurchase program, additional number of shares authorized to be repurchased	'	10,955,345	'	'
Stock repurchase program, number of shares authorized to be repurchased	4,044,655	15,000,000	'	'