| Cover | Oct. 19, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 19, 2020 |
| Entity File Number | 1-14116 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000889609 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 33-0459135 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | CA |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 3800 Howard Hughes Parkway |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 1400 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Las Vegas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | NV |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 89169 |
| City Area Code | (949) |
| Local Phone Number | 753-6800 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, no par value |
| Trading Symbol | CPSS |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Information, Former Legal or Registered Name | Not Applicable |
