Upbound (UPBD) 10-K 3 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Company_Informati

Document and Company Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document and Company Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'RENT A CENTER INC DE	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000933036	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,943,206,868
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	52,775,592	'
Trading Symbol	'RCII	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ear

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Store	'	'	'
Rentals and fees	$2,698,395	$2,654,081	$2,496,863
Merchandise sales	278,753	300,077	259,796
Installment sales	72,705	68,356	68,617
Other	18,133	16,391	17,925
Store revenues	3,067,986	3,038,905	2,843,201
Franchise	'	'	'
Merchandise sales	30,991	38,427	33,972
Royalty income and fees	5,206	5,314	5,011
Revenues	3,104,183	3,082,646	2,882,184
Store	'	'	'
Cost of rentals and fees	683,221	646,090	570,493
Cost of merchandise sold	216,206	241,219	201,854
Cost of installment sales	25,771	24,572	24,834
Cost of store revenues	925,198	911,881	797,181
Franchise	'	'	'
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	29,539	36,848	32,487
Cost of revenues	954,737	948,729	829,668
Gross profit	2,149,446	2,133,917	2,052,516
Operating expenses	'	'	'
Salaries and other expenses	1,733,324	1,663,857	1,591,837
General and administrative expenses	158,424	148,500	140,612
Amortization and write-down of intangibles	11,529	5,889	4,675
Restructuring charge	0	0	13,943
Impairment charge	0	0	7,320
Litigation expense	0	0	2,800
Total operating expenses	1,903,277	1,818,246	1,761,187
Operating profit	246,169	315,671	291,329
Interest expense	39,628	32,065	37,234
Interest income	-815	-842	-627
Earnings before income taxes	207,356	284,448	254,722
Income tax expense	79,118	102,745	91,258
NET EARNINGS	$128,238	$181,703	$163,464
Basic earnings per common share	$2.34	$3.08	$2.67
Diluted earnings per common share	$2.32	$3.06	$2.64
Cash dividends paid per common share	$0.84	$0.64	$0.44

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net earnings	$128,238	$181,703	$163,464
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-2,017	2,775	-3,992
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,017	2,775	-3,992
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$126,221	$184,478	$159,472

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$42,274	$61,087
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,700 and $2,920 in 2013 and 2012, respectively	58,686	52,819
Prepaid expenses and other assets	78,471	71,963
Rental merchandise, net	'	'
On rent	914,618	807,397
Held for rent	210,450	200,122
Merchandise held for installment sale	4,038	3,741
Property assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $433,935 and $398,039 in 2013 and 2012, respectively	336,498	309,800
Goodwill, net	1,364,549	1,344,665
Other intangible assets, net	8,969	8,223
Total Assets	3,018,553	2,859,817
LIABILITIES	'	'
Accounts payable - trade	120,166	99,566
Accrued liabilities	315,235	309,066
Deferred income taxes	323,326	299,627
Senior debt	366,275	387,500
Senior notes	550,000	300,000
Total Liabilities	1,675,002	1,395,759
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Common stock, $.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 109,108,218 and 108,530,911 shares issued in 2013 and 2012, respectively	1,091	1,085
Additional paid-in capital	802,124	784,725
Retained earnings	1,888,002	1,806,488
Treasury stock at cost, 56,369,752 and 50,495,378 shares in 2013 and 2012, respectively	-1,347,677	-1,130,268
Accumulated other comprehensive income	11	2,028
Total Stockholders' Equity	1,343,551	1,464,058
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$3,018,553	$2,859,817

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$3,700	$2,920
Accumulated depreciation	$433,935	$398,039
Common stock - par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock - shares authorized	250,000,000	'
Common stock - shares issued	109,108,218	108,530,911
Treasury stock - shares at cost	56,369,752	50,495,378

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$1,350,956	$1,060	$712,600	$1,538,325	($904,274)	$3,245
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	105,991	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	163,464	'	'	163,464	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,992	'	'	'	'	-3,992
Purchase of treasury stock	-164,285	'	-116	'	-164,169	'
Exercise of stock options	34,910	17	34,893	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	1,809	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit related to stock awards	7,036	'	7,036	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	4,471	'	4,471	'	'	'
Dividends declared	-36,357	'	'	-36,357	'	'
Other	-1,010	'	-951	-59	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	1,355,193	1,077	757,933	1,665,373	-1,068,443	-747
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	107,800	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	181,703	'	'	181,703	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,775	'	'	'	'	2,775
Purchase of treasury stock	-61,860	'	-35	'	-61,825	'
Exercise of stock options	14,120	7	14,113	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	604	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted share units	1	1	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted share units, shares	'	127	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit related to stock awards	4,348	'	4,348	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	8,366	'	8,366	'	'	'
Dividends declared	-40,588	'	'	-40,588	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,464,058	1,085	784,725	1,806,488	-1,130,268	2,028
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	'	108,531	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	128,238	'	'	128,238	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,017	'	'	'	'	-2,017
Purchase of treasury stock	-217,421	'	-12	'	-217,409	'
Exercise of stock options	11,932	5	11,927	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	479	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted share units	1	1	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted share units, shares	'	98	'	'	'	'
Excess tax benefit related to stock awards	-972	'	-972	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	6,456	'	6,456	'	'	'
Dividends declared	-46,724	'	'	-46,724	'	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,343,551	$1,091	$802,124	$1,888,002	($1,347,677)	$11
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	'	109,108	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc1

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock (shares)	5,874	1,798	5,852

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities	'	'	'
Net earnings	$128,238	$181,703	$163,464
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities	'	'	'
Depreciation of rental merchandise	655,591	622,261	556,945
Bad debt expense	14,589	12,953	14,227
Stock-based compensation expense	6,456	8,366	4,471
Depreciation of property assets	76,451	73,361	65,214
Loss on sale or disposal of property assets	1,499	465	2,237
Amortization of intangibles	3,559	4,668	4,285
Amortization of financing fees	3,191	2,765	2,344
Deferred income taxes	23,699	4,386	78,105
Tax benefits related to stock option exercises	-406	-4,348	-7,036
Restructuring charge	0	0	13,943
Impairment charge	0	0	7,320
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions	'	'	'
Rental merchandise	-770,879	-686,247	-667,860
Receivables	-19,124	-13,370	-9,218
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-9,798	1,772	99,114
Accounts payable - trade	20,600	-5,498	-20,987
Accrued liabilities	676	14,661	-19,942
Net cash provided by operating activities	134,342	217,898	286,626
Cash flows from investing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of property assets	-108,367	-102,453	-132,710
Proceeds from sale of property assets	19,973	4,984	208
Acquisitions of businesses	-41,236	-13,258	-26,747
Net cash used in investing activities	-129,630	-110,727	-159,249
Cash flows from financing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury stock	-217,421	-61,860	-164,169
Exercise of stock options	11,932	14,121	34,910
Tax benefit related to stock option exercises	-406	-4,348	-7,036
Payments on capital leases	0	-27	-285
Proceeds from debt	908,145	606,570	982,825
Repayments of debt	-679,370	-659,745	-943,264
Dividends paid	-46,809	-37,866	-26,891
Net cash used in financing activities	-23,117	-134,459	-109,838
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-408	310	-201
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-18,813	-26,978	17,338
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	61,087	88,065	'
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	42,274	61,087	88,065
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	36,897	31,574	35,609
Income taxes (excludes $2,426, $4,169 and $113,202 of income taxes refunded in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively)	$52,255	$88,873	$10,522

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas1

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Income taxes refunded	$2,426	$4,169	$113,202

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa

Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies	'
	Note A — Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies
	A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows:
	Principles of Consolidation and Nature of Operations
	These financial statements include the accounts of Rent-A-Center, Inc., and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to “Rent-A-Center” refer only to Rent-A-Center, Inc., the parent, and references to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the consolidated business operations of Rent-A-Center and any or all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. We report four operating segments: Core U.S., Acceptance Now (formerly reported as RAC Acceptance), International and Franchising (formerly reported as ColorTyme).
	Our Core U.S. segment consists of company-owed rent-to-own stores that lease household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. We also offer merchandise on an installment sales basis in certain of our stores under the names “Get It Now” and “Home Choice.” At December 31, 2013, we operated 2,992 company-owned stores nationwide and in Puerto Rico, including 45 retail installment sales stores.
	Our Acceptance Now segment generally offers the rent-to-own transaction to consumers who do not qualify for financing from the traditional retailer through kiosks located within such retailer's locations. At December 31, 2013, we operated 1,325 Acceptance Now locations.
	Our International segment consists of our company-owned rent-to-own stores in Mexico and Canada that lease household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. Our stores in Canada operate under the name “Rent-A-Centre.” At December 31, 2013, we operated 151 stores in Mexico and we operated 18 stores in Canada.
	Rent-A-Center Franchising International, Inc., (formerly ColorTyme, Inc.), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center, is a franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At December 31, 2013, Franchising had 179 franchised stores operating in 30 states. Our Franchising segment's primary source of revenue is the sale of rental merchandise to its franchisees, who in turn offer the merchandise to the general public for rent or purchase under a rent-to-own transaction. The balance of our Franchising segment's revenue is generated primarily from royalties based on franchisees' monthly gross revenues.
	Rental Merchandise
	Rental merchandise is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for merchandise is generally provided using the income forecasting method, which is intended to match as closely as practicable the recognition of depreciation expense with the consumption of the rental merchandise, and assumes no salvage value. The consumption of rental merchandise occurs during periods of rental and directly coincides with the receipt of rental revenue over the rental purchase agreement period. Under the income forecasting method, merchandise held for rent is not depreciated and merchandise on rent is depreciated in the proportion of rents received to total rents provided in the rental contract, which is an activity-based method similar to the units of production method. Effective January 1, 2013, we depreciate merchandise (including computers and tablets) that is held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days using the straight-line method over a period generally not to exceed 18 months. Prior to January 1, 2013, merchandise held for rent (except for computers and tablets) that was at least 270 days old and held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days, was depreciated using the straight-line method over a period generally not to exceed 20 months. Prior to January 1, 2013, the straight-line method was used for computers and tablets that were 24 months old or older and which had become idle over a period of at least six months, generally not to exceed an aggregate depreciation period of 30 months. This change has not had a significant impact on cost of revenues, gross profit, net earnings or earnings per share.
	Rental merchandise which is damaged and inoperable is expensed when such impairment occurs. If a customer does not return the merchandise or make payment, the remaining book value of the rental merchandise associated with delinquent accounts is generally charged off on the 90th day following the time the account became past due in the Core U.S. and International segments, and on the 150th day in the Acceptance Now segment. We maintain a reserve for these expected expenses. In addition, any minor repairs made to rental merchandise are expensed at the time of the repair.
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at several financial institutions, which at times may not be federally insured or may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on such accounts.
	Revenues
	Merchandise is rented to customers pursuant to rental purchase agreements which provide for weekly, semi-monthly or monthly rental terms with non-refundable rental payments. Generally, the customer has the right to acquire title either through a purchase option or through payment of all required rentals. Rental revenue and fees are recognized over the rental term and merchandise sales revenue is recognized when the customer exercises the purchase option and pays the cash price due. Cash received prior to the period in which it should be recognized is deferred and recognized according to the rental term. Revenue is accrued for uncollected amounts due based on historical collection experience. However, the total amount of the rental purchase agreement is not accrued because the customer can terminate the rental agreement at any time and we cannot enforce collection for non-payment of future rents.
	Revenues from the sale of merchandise in our retail installment stores are recognized when the installment note is signed, the customer has taken possession of the merchandise and collectability is reasonably assured.
	Revenues from the sale of rental merchandise are recognized upon shipment of the merchandise to the franchisee. Franchise royalty income and fee revenue is recognized upon completion of substantially all services and satisfaction of all material conditions required under the terms of the franchise agreement.
	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The receivable associated with the sale of merchandise at our Get It Now and Home Choice stores generally consists of the sales price of the merchandise purchased and any additional fees for services the customer has chosen, less the customer’s down payment. No interest is accrued and interest income is recognized each time a customer makes a payment, generally on a monthly basis.
	We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts for our installment notes receivable. Our policy for determining the allowance is based on historical loss experience, as well as the results of management’s review and analysis of the payment and collection of the installment notes receivable within the previous year. We believe our allowance is adequate to absorb any known or probable losses. Our policy is to charge off installment notes receivable that are 120 days or more past due. Charge offs are applied as a reduction to the allowance for doubtful accounts and any recoveries of previously charged off balances are applied as an increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
	The majority of Franchising’s accounts receivable relate to amounts due from franchisees. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a franchisee’s financial condition and collateral is generally not required. Accounts receivable are due within 30 days and are stated at amounts due from franchisees net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. Franchising determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, Franchising’s previous loss history, the franchisee’s current ability to pay its obligation to Franchising, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Franchising writes off accounts receivable that are 120 days or more past due and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
	Property Assets and Related Depreciation
	Furniture, equipment and vehicles are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (generally five years) by the straight-line method. Our building is depreciated over approximately 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the useful life of the asset or the initial term of the applicable leases by the straight-line method, whichever is shorter.
	We have incurred costs to develop computer software for internal use. We capitalize the costs incurred during the application development stage, which includes designing the software configuration and interfaces, coding, installation, and testing. Costs incurred during the preliminary stages along with post-implementation stages of internally developed software are expensed as incurred. Internally developed software costs, once placed in service, are amortized over various periods up to ten years.
	We incur repair and maintenance expenses on our vehicles and equipment. These amounts are recognized when incurred, unless such repairs significantly extend the life of the asset, in which case we amortize the cost of the repairs for the remaining life of the asset utilizing the straight-line method.
	Intangible Assets and Amortization
	We record goodwill when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be periodically evaluated for impairment. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of goodwill is not recoverable from future cash flows. We perform an assessment of goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of December 31 of each year, or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our reporting units are generally our reportable operating segments. Factors which could necessitate an interim impairment assessment include a sustained decline in our stock price, prolonged negative industry or economic trends and significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results. We assess recoverability using methodologies which include the present value of estimated future cash flows and comparisons of multiples of enterprise values to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows and discount rates. Discount rates are based upon our cost of capital. If the carrying value exceeds the discounted fair value, a second analysis is performed to measure the fair value of all assets and liabilities. If, based on the second analysis, it is determined that the fair value of the assets and liabilities is less than the carrying value, we would recognize impairment charges in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value over fair value. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in our International segment as a result of the sustained underperformance of certain stores located in Canada. These charges are included in amortization and write-down of intangibles in the consolidated statements of earnings. There were no impairment charges recognized related to goodwill in 2011.
	Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We evaluate all long-lived assets, including intangible assets, excluding goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized when the carrying amounts of such assets cannot be recovered by the undiscounted net cash flows they will generate.
	Self-Insurance Liabilities
	We have self-insured retentions with respect to losses under our workers' compensation, general liability and vehicle liability insurance policies. We establish reserves for our liabilities associated with these losses by obtaining forecasts for the ultimate expected losses and estimating amounts needed to pay losses within our self-insured retentions. We make assumptions on our liabilities within our self-insured retentions using actuarial loss forecasts, company-specific development factors, general industry loss development factors, and third-party claim administrator loss estimates which are based on known facts surrounding individual claims. These assumptions incorporate expected increases in health care costs. Periodically, we reevaluate our estimate of liability within our self-insured retentions. At that time, we evaluate the adequacy of our reserves by comparing amounts reserved on our balance sheet for anticipated losses to our updated actuarial loss forecasts and third-party claim administrator loss estimates, and make adjustments to our reserves as needed.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of our foreign operations is predominantly the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange on the last day of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses are generally translated at a daily exchange rate and equity transactions are translated using the actual rate on the day of the transaction.
	Other Comprehensive Income
	Other comprehensive income is comprised exclusively of our foreign currency translation adjustment.
	Income Taxes
	We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes become payable. Income tax accounting requires management to make estimates and apply judgments to events that will be recognized in one period under rules that apply to financial reporting in a different period in our tax returns. In particular, judgment is required when estimating the value of future tax deductions, tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs), as represented by deferred tax assets. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates. We use our historical experience and our short- and long-range business forecasts to provide insight and assist us in determining recoverability. When it is determined the recovery of all or a portion of a deferred tax asset is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. We include NOLs in the calculation of deferred tax assets. NOLs are utilized to the extent allowable due to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and relevant state statutes.
	We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have recorded a liability, is audited and effectively settled. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balance as new information becomes available. We classify interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense.
	We intend to reinvest substantially all of the unremitted earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and postpone their remittance indefinitely. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes for these non-U.S. subsidiaries was recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
	Sales Taxes
	We apply the net basis for sales taxes imposed on our goods and services in our consolidated statements of earnings. We are required by the applicable governmental authorities to collect and remit sales taxes. Accordingly, such amounts are charged to the customer, collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity.
	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Diluted earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus, if dilutive, the assumed exercise of stock options at the beginning of the year, or for the period outstanding during the year for current year issuances.
	Advertising Costs
	Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are expensed when incurred. Advertising expense was $92.6 million, $97.3 million and $92.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees, consultants and directors, which are described more fully in Note L. We recognize share-based payment awards to our employees and directors at the estimated fair value on the grant date. Determining the fair value of any share-based award requires information about several variables that include, but are not limited to, expected stock volatility over the terms of the award, expected dividend yields and the predicted employee exercise behavior. We base expected life on historical exercise and post-vesting employment-termination experience, and expected volatility on historical realized volatility trends. In addition, all stock-based compensation expense is recorded net of an estimated forfeiture rate. The forfeiture rate is based upon historical activity and is analyzed at least annually as actual forfeitures occur. Compensation costs are recognized net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. We issue new shares to settle stock awards. Stock options are valued using a Black-Scholes pricing model. Restricted stock units are valued using the last trade before the day of the grant, adjusted for any provisions affecting fair value, such as the lack of dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period.
	We revised the 2011 consolidated statements of earnings to classify stock-based compensation received by employees above the district manager level that was previously reported within salaries and other expenses to general and administrative expenses to conform to the 2013 and 2012 presentation. This reclassification resulted in a decrease in salaries and other expenses of $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, with a corresponding increase to general and administrative expenses. This reclassification had no impact on net earnings or earnings per share for 2011.
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the reported amounts for the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or earnings per share in any period.
	Use of Estimates
	In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent losses and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In applying accounting principles, we must often make individual estimates and assumptions regarding expected outcomes or uncertainties. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11, Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, an amendment to FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes. This update clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Both early adoption and retrospective application are permitted, and we will adopt this standard prospectively on January 1, 2014. This standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that we adopt as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe the impact of any other recently issued standards that are not yet effective are either not applicable to us at this time or will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Correction_of_Immaterial_Error

Correction of Immaterial Errors Correction of Immaterial Errors	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Correction of Immaterial Errors [Abstract]	'
Correction of Immaterial Errors	'
	Note B — Correction of Immaterial Errors
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, we identified errors in accounting for our estimates for rental merchandise reserves and for the allowance for doubtful accounts, resulting in an immaterial overstatement of on rent merchandise and understatements of held for rent merchandise and receivables which affected periods beginning prior to 2011 through December 31, 2013. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 99, Materiality, and SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, management evaluated the materiality of the errors from qualitative and quantitative perspectives, and concluded the errors were immaterial to the prior periods. The errors resulted in an overstatement of on rent merchandise of $14.5 million, an understatement of held for rent merchandise of $1.2 million and an understatement of receivables of $4.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012. The errors resulted in an understatement of salaries and other expenses of $2.8 million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $0.5 million, $0.2 million and $0.8 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, and September 30, 2013, respectively. The understatement of salaries and other expenses discussed above, adjusted for the related income tax expense impact, resulted in an overstatement of net earnings of $1.8 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $0.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.5 million for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2013, June 30, 2013, and September 30, 2013, respectively.
	Due to the immaterial nature of the error correction, we revised our historical financial statements based on the amounts discussed above for 2011 and 2012 herein, and will revise the quarters within 2013 when they are published in future filings. We recognized the cumulative effect of the errors in periods prior to those that are presented herein by decreasing retained earnings by $3.0 million as of January 1, 2011.

Receivables_and_Allowance_for_

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]	'
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Note C — Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Receivables consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Installment sales receivable	$	51,335		$	46,753
	Trade and notes receivables	11,051			8,986
	Total	62,386			55,739
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(3,700		)	(2,920		)
	Net receivables	$	58,686		$	52,819
	The allowance for doubtful accounts related to installment sales receivable was $2.9 million and $2.3 million, and the allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade receivables was $0.8 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	2,920		$	3,919		$	5,152
	Bad debt expense	14,589			12,953			14,227
	Accounts written off	(18,348		)	(17,432		)	(19,769		)
	Recoveries	4,539			3,480			4,309
	Ending balance	$	3,700		$	2,920		$	3,919

Rental_Merchandise

Rental Merchandise	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Rental Merchandise [Abstract]	'
Rental Merchandise	'
	Note D — Rental Merchandise
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	On rent
	Cost	$	1,463,636		$	1,294,966
	Less accumulated depreciation	(549,018		)	(487,569		)
	Net book value, on rent	$	914,618		$	807,397
	Held for rent
	Cost	$	271,193		$	251,598
	Less accumulated depreciation	(60,743		)	(51,476		)
	Net book value, held for rent	$	210,450		$	200,122

Property_Assets

Property Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property Assets	'
	Note E — Property Assets
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	332,607		$	316,696
	Transportation equipment	11,957			12,204
	Building and leasehold improvements	325,597			311,782
	Land and land improvements	6,853			5,299
	Construction in progress	93,419			61,858
		770,433			707,839
	Less accumulated depreciation	(433,935		)	(398,039		)
		$	336,498		$	309,800
	We had $86.3 million and $54.8 million of capitalized software costs included in construction in progress at December 31, 2013, and 2012 respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we placed in service internally developed software of approximately $4.6 million, $8.4 million and $16.0 million, respectively.

Intangible_Assets_and_Acquisit

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions	'
	Note F — Intangible Assets and Acquisitions
	Intangible Assets
	Amortizable intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
					31-Dec-13								31-Dec-12
			Avg.		Gross				Accumulated				Gross		Accumulated
			Life		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying		Amortization
			(years)		Amount								Amount
	Non-compete agreements		3		$	6,337			$	6,102			$	6,104	$	6,098
	Customer relationships		2		74,799				71,899				71,816		70,001
	Vendor relationships		11		7,538				1,704				7,538		1,136
	Total				$	88,674			$	79,705			$	85,458	$	77,235
	Aggregate amortization expense (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	3,559
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	4,668
	Year Ended December 31, 2011	$	4,285
	Estimated amortization expense, assuming current intangible balances and no new acquisitions, for each of the years ending December 31, is as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated
		Amortization Expense
	2014	$	2,704
	2015	1,491
	2016	644
	2017	568
	2018	445
	Thereafter	3,117
		$	8,969
	At December 31, 2013, the amount of goodwill allocated to the Core U.S. and Acceptance Now segments was approximately $1,310.1 million and $54.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2012, the amount of goodwill allocated to the Core U.S., Acceptance Now and International segments was approximately $1,289.2 million, $54.4 million, and $1.1 million, respectively.
	During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in our International segment as a result of the sustained underperformance of certain stores located in Canada. These charges are included in amortization and write-down of intangibles in the consolidated statements of earnings.
	A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012
	Gross balance as of January 1,		$	1,344,665			$	1,339,125
	Additions from acquisitions		28,282				6,874
	Goodwill impairments and write-offs related to stores sold or closed		(9,038		)		(1,221		)
	Post purchase price allocation adjustments		640				(113		)
	Balance as of the end of the period		$	1,364,549			$	1,344,665
	Acquisitions
	The following table provides information concerning the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
			(Dollar amounts in thousands)
	Number of stores acquired remaining open		47				6				26
	Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores		38				31				71
	Number of kiosk locations acquired		—				—				5
	Number of transactions		47				19				19
	Total purchase price		$	41,236			$	13,258			$	26,747
	Amounts allocated to:
	Goodwill		$	28,282			$	6,874			$	18,755
	Non-compete agreements		235				—				10
	Customer relationships		2,959				1,160				2,843
	Rental merchandise		11,843				4,380				6,023
	Property and other assets		910				845				—
	Liabilities assumed		—				—				(884		)
	Purchase prices are determined by evaluating the average monthly rental income of the acquired stores and applying a multiple to the total for rent-to-own store acquisitions. Acquired customer relationships are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over a 21 month period, non-compete agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the contractual life of the agreements, vendor relationships are amortized using the straight-line method over a 7 or 15 year period, other intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the asset and goodwill associated with acquisitions is not amortized. The weighted average amortization period was approximately 22 months for intangible assets added during the year ended December 31, 2013. Additions to goodwill due to acquisitions in 2013 were tax deductible.
	All acquisitions have been accounted for as asset purchases, and the operating results of the acquired stores and accounts have been included in the financial statements since their date of acquisition.

Senior_Debt

Senior Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Senior Debt [Abstract]	'
Senior Debt	'
	Note G — Senior Debt
	Our $750.0 million senior credit facilities consist of a $250.0 million, five-year term loan and a $500.0 million, five-year revolving credit facility.
	The debt facilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
					31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12
			Facility		Maximum		Amount		Amount		Maximum		Amount		Amount
			Maturity		Facility		Outstanding		Available		Facility		Outstanding		Available
					(In thousands)
	Senior Credit Facilities:
	Term Loan		July 14, 2016		$	250,000	$	187,500	$	—	$	250,000	$	212,500	$	—
	Revolving Facility		July 14, 2016		500,000		160,500		234,830		500,000		175,000		215,405
					750,000		348,000		234,830		750,000		387,500		215,405
	Other Indebtedness:
	Line of credit				20,000		18,275		1,725		20,000		—		20,000
	Total				$	770,000	$	366,275	$	236,555	$	770,000	$	387,500	$	235,405
	The full amount of the revolving credit facility may be used for the issuance of letters of credit. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the amounts available under the revolving credit facility were reduced by approximately $104.7 million and $109.6 million, respectively, for our outstanding letters of credit.
	Borrowings under our senior credit facility accrue interest at varying rates equal to, at our election, either (y) the prime rate plus 0.50% to 1.50%; or (z) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.50% to 2.50%. Interest periods range from seven days (for borrowings under the revolving credit facility only) to one, two, three or six months, at our election. The margins on the Eurodollar rate and on the prime rate, which were 2.25% and 1.25% respectively, at December 31, 2013, may fluctuate dependent upon an increase or decrease in our consolidated leverage ratio as defined by a pricing grid included in the amended credit agreement, and the weighted average margins for the year ended December 31, 2013, were 2.08% and 1.08%, respectively. We have not entered into any interest rate protection agreements with respect to term loans under our senior credit facilities. A commitment fee equal to 0.30% to 0.50% of the average daily amount of the available revolving commitment is payable quarterly.
	Our senior credit facilities are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our tangible and intangible assets, including intellectual property. Our senior credit facilities are also secured by a pledge of the capital stock of our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries (other than certain specified subsidiaries).
	Our senior credit facilities contain, without limitation, covenants that generally limit our ability to:
	•	incur additional debt in excess of $250.0 million at any one time outstanding (other than subordinated debt, which is generally permitted if the maturity date is later than July 14, 2017);
	•	repurchase our capital stock and 6.625% notes and 4.75% notes and pay cash dividends in the event the pro forma senior leverage ratio is greater than 2.50x (on February 20, 2014, we obtained a waiver from the lenders under our senior credit facilities to permit the declaration and payment of a cash dividend with respect to the second quarter of 2014);
	•	incur liens or other encumbrances;
	•	merge, consolidate or sell substantially all our property or business;
	•	sell assets, other than inventory, in the ordinary course of business;
	•	make investments or acquisitions unless we meet financial tests and other requirements;
	•	make capital expenditures in the event the pro forma consolidated leverage ratio is greater than 2.75x; or
	•	enter into an unrelated line of business.
	Our senior credit facilities require us to comply with several financial covenants. The table below shows the required and actual ratios under our credit facilities calculated as of December 31, 2013:
		Required Ratio				Actual Ratio
	Maximum consolidated leverage ratio	No greater than		3.25:1		2.64:1
	Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	No less than		1.35:1		1.38:1
	These financial covenants, as well as the related components of their computation, are defined in the amended and restated credit agreement governing our senior credit facility, which is included as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of July 14, 2011. In accordance with the credit agreement, the maximum consolidated leverage ratio was calculated by dividing the consolidated funded debt outstanding at December 31, 2013 ($880.7 million) by consolidated EBITDA for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2013 ($334.1 million). For purposes of the covenant calculation, (i) “consolidated funded debt” is defined as outstanding indebtedness less cash in excess of $25.0 million, and (ii) “consolidated EBITDA” is generally defined as consolidated net income (a) plus the sum of income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, extraordinary non-cash expenses or losses, and other non-cash charges, and (b) minus the sum of interest income, extraordinary income or gains, other non-cash income, and cash payments with respect to extraordinary non-cash expenses or losses recorded in prior fiscal quarters. Consolidated EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is presented not as a measure of operating results, but rather as a measure used to determine covenant compliance under our senior credit facilities.
	The minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was calculated pursuant to the credit agreement by dividing consolidated EBITDA for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2013, as adjusted for certain capital expenditures ($485.1 million), by consolidated fixed charges for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2013 ($351.5 million). For purposes of the covenant calculation, “consolidated fixed charges” is defined as the sum of interest expense, lease expense, cash dividends, and mandatory debt repayments.
	Events of default under our senior credit facilities include customary events, such as a cross-acceleration provision in the event that we default on other debt. In addition, an event of default under the senior credit facility would occur if a change of control occurs. This is defined to include the case where a third party becomes the beneficial owner of 35% or more of our voting stock or certain changes in Rent-A-Center’s Board of Directors occurs. An event of default would also occur if one or more judgments were entered against us of $50.0 million or more and such judgments were not satisfied or bonded pending appeal within 30 days after entry.
	We utilize our revolving credit facility for the issuance of letters of credit, as well as to manage normal fluctuations in operational cash flow caused by the timing of cash receipts. In that regard, we may from time to time draw funds under the revolving credit facility for general corporate purposes. The funds drawn on individual occasions have varied in amounts of up to $100.0 million, which occurred at the date we refinanced our senior secured debt, with total amounts outstanding ranging up to $221.0 million. Amounts are drawn as needed due to the timing of cash flows and are generally paid down as cash is generated by our operating activities.
	The table below shows the scheduled maturity dates of our senior debt outstanding at December 31, 2013.
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2014	$	43,275
	2015	25,000
	2016	298,000
		$	366,275

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Senior_N

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Senior Notes [Abstract]	'
Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes	'
	Note H — Subsidiary Guarantors – Senior Notes
	On November 2, 2010, we issued $300.0 million in senior unsecured notes due November 2020, bearing interest at 6.625%, pursuant to an indenture dated November 2, 2010, among Rent-A-Center, Inc., its subsidiary guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, as trustee. A portion of the proceeds of this offering were used to repay approximately $200.0 million of outstanding term debt under our senior credit facility. The remaining net proceeds were used to repurchase shares of our common stock.
	On May 2, 2013, we issued $250.0 million in senior unsecured notes due May 2021, bearing interest at 4.750%, pursuant to an indenture dated May 2, 2013, among Rent-A-Center, Inc., its subsidiary guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, as trustee. A portion of the proceeds of this offering were used to repurchase shares of our common stock under a $200.0 million accelerated stock buyback program. The remaining net proceeds were used to repay outstanding revolving debt under our senior credit facility.
	The indenture governing the 6.625% notes and the 4.75% notes are substantially similar. Each indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to:
	•	incur additional debt;
	•	sell assets or our subsidiaries;
	•	grant liens to third parties;
	•	pay cash dividends or repurchase stock (subject to a restricted payments basket under which approximately $75 million is available); and
	•	engage in a merger or sell substantially all of our assets.
	Events of default under each indenture include customary events, such as a cross-acceleration provision in the event that we default in the payment of other debt due at maturity or upon acceleration for default in an amount exceeding $50.0 million, as well as in the event a judgment is entered against us in excess of $50.0 million that is not discharged, bonded or insured.
	The 6.625% notes may be redeemed on or after November 15, 2015, at our option, in whole or in part, at a premium declining from 103.313%. The 6.625% notes may be redeemed on or after November 15, 2018, at our option, in whole or in part, at par. The 6.625% notes also require that upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the 2010 indenture), the holders of the notes have the right to require us to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the original aggregate principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.
	The 4.75% notes may be redeemed on or after May 1, 2016, at our option, in whole or in part, at a premium declining from 103.563%. The 4.75% notes may be redeemed on or after May 1, 2019, at our option, in whole or in part, at par. The 4.75% notes also require that upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the 2013 indenture), the holders of the notes have the right to require us to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the original aggregate principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase.
	Any mandatory repurchase of the 6.625% notes an/or the 4.75% notes would trigger an event of default under our senior credit facilities. We are not required to maintain any financial ratios under either of the indentures.
	Rent-A-Center and its subsidiary guarantors have fully, jointly and severally, and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of Rent-A-Center with respect to the 6.625% notes and the 4.75% notes. Rent-A-Center has no independent assets or operations, and each subsidiary guarantor is 100% owned directly or indirectly by Rent-A-Center. The only direct or indirect subsidiaries of Rent-A-Center that are not guarantors are minor subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability of any of the subsidiary guarantors to transfer funds to Rent-A-Center in the form of loans, advances or dividends, except as provided by applicable law.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Note I — Accrued Liabilities
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Accrued insurance costs	$	122,475	$	124,499
	Accrued compensation	55,911		56,748
	Deferred revenue	44,506		43,577
	Taxes other than income	23,660		27,656
	Accrued dividends	12,103		12,188
	Deferred rent	10,424		9,699
	Accrued interest payable	5,609		3,580
	Accrued other	40,547		31,119
		$	315,235	$	309,066

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note J — Income Taxes
	A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to actual follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Tax at statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		2.6	%		1.5	%		1.9	%
	Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits		0.4	%		(0.2	)%		0.3	%
	Other, net		0.2	%		(0.2	)%		(1.4	)%
	Total		38.2	%		36.1	%		35.8	%
	The components of income tax expense are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
			(In thousands)
	Current expense
	Federal		$	45,784			$	86,839			$	4,154
	State		5,888				10,428				6,547
	Foreign		5,659				3,100				3,762
	Total current		57,331				100,367				14,463
	Deferred expense
	Federal		20,427				6,589				76,336
	State		2,494				(4,069		)		1,090
	Foreign		(1,134		)		(142		)		(631		)
	Total deferred		21,787				2,378				76,795
	Total		$	79,118			$	102,745			$	91,258
	Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2013				2012
			(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards		$	1,798			$	7,873
	State net operating loss carryforwards		15,072				14,711
	Accrued liabilities		54,875				52,909
	Other assets including credits		2,619				1,402
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards		10,584				6,771
			84,948				83,666
	Valuation allowance		(319		)		(319		)
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Rental merchandise		(256,912		)		(252,464		)
	Property assets		(42,357		)		(32,815		)
	Intangible assets		(108,686		)		(97,695		)
			(407,955		)		(382,974		)
	Net deferred taxes		$	(323,326	)		$	(299,627	)
	At December 31, 2013, we had approximately $5.1 million of federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards available to offset future taxable income expiring between 2020 and 2023 and approximately $304.6 million of state NOL carryforwards expiring between 2014 and 2031. All of the federal NOL and 22% of the total remaining state NOL carryforward represent acquired NOLs. Utilization of these NOL's is subject to applicable annual limitations for U.S. state and U.S. federal tax purposes, including section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In addition, at December 31, 2013, we also had approximately $10.6 million in foreign tax credit (“FTC”) carryforwards expiring between 2020 and 2023. We establish a valuation allowance to the extent we consider it more likely than not that the deferred tax assets attributable to our state NOLs or FTCs will not be recovered.
	We have not provided for deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries because of our intention to indefinitely reinvest these earnings outside the U.S. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable: however, unrecognized foreign income tax credits would be available to reduce a portion of this liability.
	We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. Along with our U.S. subsidiaries, we file a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, foreign and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010. The appeals process with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Appeals for the years 2001 through 2007 has been completed. We reached agreement on all issues except one issue with respect to the 2003 tax year, an issue which occurs in 2004 through 2007 taxable years as well. This matter was heard by the United States Tax Court at trial during November 2011. A favorable decision was issued by the Court on January 14, 2014, and is subject to appeal by the IRS. Our 2010 U. S. federal income tax return has been selected for a limited scope audit and we are also under examination in various states. We do not anticipate that adjustments, if any, regarding the 2003 through 2007 disputed issue, the 2010 federal exam or the various state examinations will result in a material change to our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows:
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	9,656
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,411
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(489		)
	Settlements	(411		)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	10,167
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year	50
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	3,742
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(786		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	13,173
	Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2013 is $9.0 million, net of federal benefit, which, if ultimately recognized, will affect our annual effective tax rate.
	As of December 31, 2013, we have accrued approximately $1.8 million for the payment of interest and recorded interest expense of approximately $455,000 for the year then ended, which are excluded from the reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits presented above.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note K — Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	We lease space for substantially all of our Core U.S. and International stores, certain support facilities and the majority of our delivery vehicles under operating leases expiring at various times through 2023. Certain of the store leases contain escalation clauses for increased taxes and operating expenses. Rental expense was $240.9 million, $235.6 million and $230.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Operating Leases
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2014	$	189,353
	2015	156,673
	2016	115,214
	2017	71,244
	2018	30,683
	Thereafter	3,868
		$	567,035
	Litigation
	From time to time, we, along with our subsidiaries, are party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We reserve for litigation loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. We regularly monitor developments related to these legal proceedings, and review the adequacy of our legal reserves on a quarterly basis. We do not expect these losses to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements if and when such losses are incurred.
	Franchising Guarantees
	Our subsidiary, ColorTyme Finance, Inc. ( “ColorTyme Finance”), is a party to an agreement with Citibank, N.A., pursuant to which Citibank provides up to $40.0 million in aggregate financing to qualifying franchisees of Franchising. Under the Citibank agreement, upon an event of default by the franchisee under agreements governing this financing and upon the occurrence of certain other events, Citibank can assign the loans and the collateral securing such loans to ColorTyme Finance, with ColorTyme Finance paying or causing to be paid the outstanding debt to Citibank and then succeeding to the rights of Citibank under the debt agreements, including the right to foreclose on the collateral. Rent-A-Center and ColorTyme Finance guarantee the obligations of the franchise borrowers under the Citibank facility. An additional $20.0 million of financing is provided by Texas Capital Bank, National Association under an agreement similar to the Citibank financing, which is guaranteed by Rent-A-Center East, Inc., a subsidiary of Rent-A-Center. The maximum guarantee obligations under these agreements, excluding the effects of any amounts that could be recovered under collateralization provisions, is $60.0 million, of which $17.2 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2013.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Note L — Stock-Based Compensation
	We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees, consultants and directors. Our plans consist of the Rent-A-Center, Inc. Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”), the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), and the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), which are collectively known as the “Plans.”
	The 2006 Plan authorizes the issuance of 7,000,000 shares of Rent-A-Center’s common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2006 Plan, of which no more than 3,500,000 shares may be issued in the form of restricted stock, deferred stock or similar forms of stock awards which have value without regard to future appreciation in value of or dividends declared on the underlying shares of common stock. In applying these limitations, the following shares will be deemed not to have been issued: (1) shares covered by the unexercised portion of an option that terminates, expires, or is canceled or settled in cash, and (2) shares that are forfeited or subject to awards that are forfeited, canceled, terminated or settled in cash. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were 1,729,969 and 1,616,983 shares, respectively, allocated to equity awards outstanding in the 2006 Plan.
	We acquired the Equity Incentive Plan (formerly known as the Rent-Way, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan) in conjunction with our acquisition of Rent-Way in 2006. There were 2,468,461 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan. There were 1,020,361 and 870,643 shares allocated to equity awards outstanding in the Equity Incentive Plan at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Under the Prior Plan, 14,562,865 shares of Rent-A-Center’s common stock were reserved for issuance under stock options, stock appreciation rights or restricted stock grants. There were no grants of stock appreciation rights and all equity awards were granted with fixed prices. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were 97,499 and 212,969 shares, respectively, allocated to equity awards outstanding under the Prior Plan. The Prior Plan was terminated on May 19, 2006, upon the approval by our stockholders of the 2006 Plan.
	Options granted to our employees generally become exercisable over a period of one to four years from the date of grant and may be exercised up to a maximum of 10 years from the date of grant. Options granted to directors were immediately exercisable.
	We grant restricted stock units to certain employees that vest after a three-year service requirement has been met. We recognize expense for these awards using the straight-line method over the requisite service period based on the number of awards expected to vest. We also grant performance-based restricted stock units that vest between 0% and 200% depending on our achievement of performance metrics that are established at the date of grant for the subsequent three-year period. We record expense for these awards over the requisite service period using an estimate of the number of awards that will vest, based on our performance against the established metrics, and net of the expected forfeiture rate, since the employee must maintain employment to vest in the award.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we recorded stock based compensation expense of approximately $6.5 million ($4.0 million net of tax), $8.4 million ($5.3 million net of tax) and $4.5 million ($2.8 million net of tax), respectively, related to stock options and restricted stock units granted. We issue new shares of stock to satisfy option exercises and the vesting of restricted stock units.
	Information with respect to stock option activity related to the Plans follows:
		Equity Awards		Weighted Average		Weighted Average	Aggregate Intrinsic
		Outstanding		Exercise Price		Remaining Contractual Life	Value
							(In thousands)
	Balance outstanding at January 1, 2013	2,260,410		$	28.57
	Granted	760,322		36.05
	Exercised	(478,652	)	24.93
	Forfeited	(210,923	)	32.94
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,331,157		$	31.36	7.22 years	$	8,772
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	863,893		$	26.13	5.11 years	$	6,905
	The intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $5.8 million, $7.5 million and $24.1 million, respectively, resulting in tax benefits of $0.4 million, $4.3 million and $7.0 million, respectively, which are reflected as an outflow from operating activities and an inflow from financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
	The fair value of unvested options that we expect to result in compensation expense was approximately $10.3 million with a weighted average number of years to vesting of 2.63 years at December 31, 2013.
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the Black-Scholes method with the following assumptions:
	Employee options:
	Risk free interest rate (0.27% to 1.81%)	Weighted average 0.88%
	Expected dividend yield (2.20% to 2.44%)	Weighted average 2.34%
	Expected life (2.33 years to 6.25 years)	Weighted average 4.43 years
	Expected volatility (28.64% to 44.35%)	Weighted average 37.88%
	Forfeiture rate	7%
	Employee stock options granted	760,322
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$9.27
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the binomial method with the following assumptions:
	Employee options:
	Risk free interest rate (0.12% to 0.77%)	Weighted average 0.35%
	Expected dividend yield (1.70% to 1.90%)	Weighted average 1.74%
	Expected life	6.25 years
	Expected volatility (28.58% to 47.67%)	Weighted average 39.72%
	Forfeiture rate (5.29% to 9.78%)	Weighted average 6.77%
	Employee stock options granted	733,297
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$10.08
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the binomial method with the following assumptions:
	Employee options:
	Risk free interest rate (0.12% to 1.78%)	Weighted average 0.71%
	Expected dividend yield (0.70% to 2.30%)	Weighted average 1.31%
	Expected life	6.05 years
	Expected volatility (33.42% to 50.12%)	Weighted average 42.48%
	Forfeiture rate (7.55% to 13.41%)	Weighted average 9.48%
	Employee stock options granted	770,245
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$7.50
	Information with respect to non-vested restricted stock unit activity follows:
		Restricted Awards		Weighted Average
		Outstanding		Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance outstanding at January 1, 2013	440,185		$	28.96
	Granted	259,484		32.7
	Vested	(149,669	)	21.66
	Forfeited	(33,328	)	32.97
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2013	516,672		$	32.69
	Restricted stock units are valued using the last trade before the day of the grant. Unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2013, was approximately $5.2 million expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.83 years.

Deferred_Compensation_Plan

Deferred Compensation Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Deferred Compensation Liability [Abstract]	'
Deferred Compensation Plan	'
	Note M — Deferred Compensation Plan
	The Rent-A-Center, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of our key management personnel and highly compensated employees who do not participate in the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. The Deferred Compensation Plan first became available to eligible employees in July 2007, with deferral elections taking effect as of August 3, 2007.
	The Deferred Compensation Plan allows participants to defer up to 50% of their base compensation and up to 100% of any bonus compensation. Participants may invest the amounts deferred in measurement funds that are the same funds offered as the investment options in the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. We may make discretionary contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan, which are subject to a five-year graded vesting schedule based on the participant’s years of service with us. We are obligated to pay the deferred compensation amounts in the future in accordance with the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan. Assets and associated liabilities of the Deferred Compensation Plan are included in prepaid and other assets and accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we made matching cash contributions of $0.4 million, $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively, which represents 50% of the employees’ contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan up to an amount not to exceed 4% of each employee's respective compensation. No other discretionary contributions were made for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. The deferred compensation plan liability was approximately $8.3 million and $5.0 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

Employee_Benefit_Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit Plan [Abstract]	'
Employee Benefit Plan	'
	Note N — Employee Benefit Plan
	We sponsor a defined contribution pension plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for certain employees who have completed at least three months of service. Employees may elect to contribute up to 50% of their eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis, subject to limitations. We may make discretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan. Employer matching contributions are subject to a five-year graded vesting schedule based on the participant's years of service with us. For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we made matching cash contributions of $6.6 million, $5.3 million and $5.8 million, respectively, which represents 50% of the employees’ contributions to the 401(k) plan up to an amount not to exceed 4% of each employee's respective compensation. Employees are permitted to elect to purchase our common stock as part of their 401(k) plan. As of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 6.8%, 10.0%, and 12.0%, respectively, of the total plan assets consisted of our common stock.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value	'
	Note O — Fair Value
	We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which classifies the inputs used in measuring fair values, in determining the fair value of our non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, which consist primarily of goodwill. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. There were no changes in the methods and assumptions used in measuring fair value during the period.
	At December 31, 2013, our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables, senior debt and senior notes. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximates fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012, because of the short maturities of these instruments. Our senior debt is variable rate debt that re-prices frequently and entails no significant change in credit risk and, as a result, fair value approximates carrying value. The fair value of our senior notes is based on Level 1 inputs.
	At December 31, 2013, the fair value of our 6.625% senior notes was $316.7 million, which was approximately $16.7 million above their carrying value of $300.0 million. At December 31, 2012, the fair value of our 6.625% senior notes was $327.0 million, which was approximately $27.0 million above their carrying value of $300.0 million. At December 31, 2013, the fair value of our 4.75% senior notes was $234.7 million, which was approximately $15.3 million below the carrying value of $250.0 million.

Stock_Repurchase_Plan

Stock Repurchase Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]	'
Stock Repurchase Plan	'
	Note P — Stock Repurchase Plan
	Under our current common stock repurchase program, our Board of Directors has authorized the purchase, from time to time, in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, of up to an aggregate of $1.25 billion of Rent-A-Center common stock. On May 2, 2013, we entered into an agreement with Goldman, Sachs & Co. (“Goldman Sachs”) to repurchase $200.0 million of Rent-A-Center common stock under an accelerated stock buyback program (“the ASB transaction”). Under the agreement, we paid $200.0 million to Goldman Sachs on May 7, 2013, and we received an initial share delivery of 4,592,423 shares, which was estimated to represent 80% of shares expected to be purchased in the ASB transaction. The weighted value of these shares immediately reduced weighted-average shares outstanding in our calculation of earnings per share. The remainder of the ASB transaction was subject to a forward contract that settled in October 2013, at which time we received an additional 816,916 shares, ending the ASB transaction.
	We have repurchased a total of 36,994,653 shares and 31,120,279 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $994.8 million and $777.3 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under this common stock repurchase program. In addition to the 5,409,339 shares repurchased pursuant to the accelerated stock buyback, we repurchased a total of 465,035 shares for $17.4 million in cash during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note Q — Segment Information
	The operating segments reported below are the segments for which separate financial information is available and for which segment results are evaluated by the chief operating decision makers. Our operating segments are organized based on factors including, but not limited to, type of business transactions, geographic location and store ownership. All operating segments offer merchandise from four basic product categories: consumer electronics, appliances, computers, furniture and accessories. Reportable segments and their respective operations are defined as follows.
	Our Core U.S. segment primarily operates rent-to-own stores in the United States and Puerto Rico whose customers enter into weekly, semi-monthly or monthly rental purchase agreements, which renew automatically upon receipt of each payment. We retain the title to the merchandise during the term of the rental purchase agreement and ownership passes to the customer if the customer has continuously renewed the rental purchase agreement through the end of the term or exercises a specified early purchase option. This segment also includes the 45 stores operating in two states that utilize a retail model which generates installment credit sales through a retail sale transaction. Segment assets include cash, receivables, rental merchandise, property assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. During 2011 in this segment, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $7.3 million related to the discontinuation of the financial services business, which ceased operations in December 2010, a pre-tax litigation charge of approximately $2.8 million related to the settlement of wage and hour claims in California and a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $7.6 million related to the closure of eight Home Choice stores in Illinois, 24 RAC Limited locations within third-party grocery stores and 26 core rent-to-own stores following the sale of all customer accounts at those locations.
	Our Acceptance Now segment operates kiosks within various traditional retailers’ locations where we generally offer the rent-to-own transaction to consumers who do not qualify for financing from the traditional retailer. The transaction offered is generally similar to that of the Core U.S. segment; however, the majority of the customers in this segment enter into monthly rather than weekly agreements. Segment assets include cash, rental merchandise, property assets, goodwill and other intangible assets. A restructuring charge of $4.9 million associated with the December 2010 acquisition of The Rental Store, Inc. was recognized in this segment during 2011.
	Our International segment currently consists of our company-owned rent-to-own stores in Mexico and Canada. The nature of this segment's operations and assets are the same as our Core U.S. segment. At December 31, 2013, we operated 151 stores in Mexico and 18 stores in Canada.
	During the third quarter of 2013, ColorTyme, Inc., our franchisor of rent-to-own stores, changed its name to Rent-A-Center Franchising International, Inc., and all future franchises sold will be licensed under the Rent-A-Center name. This segment will be referred to as Franchising in the future. We offered our current franchisees the opportunity to convert their ColorTyme stores to the Rent-A-Center name. Our franchised stores use Rent-A-Center’s, ColorTyme’s or RimTyme's trade names, service marks, trademarks and logos, and operate under distinctive operating procedures and standards. Franchising’s primary source of revenue is the sale of rental merchandise to its franchisees who, in turn, offer the merchandise to the general public for rent or purchase under a rent-to-own program. As franchisor, Franchising receives royalties of 2.0% to 6.0% of the franchisees' monthly gross revenue and initial fees for new locations. Segment assets include cash, franchise fee receivables, property assets and intangible assets.
	To facilitate the conversion of ColorTyme branded stores to Rent-A-Center, we sold some of our company-owned stores to existing franchisees and purchased some of the former ColorTyme stores and are either operating them under the Rent-A-Center brand or merged them with existing stores. We believe that an unified network of both company-owned and franchised stores operating under the Rent-A-Center name creates a stronger service offering for our customers and leverages our growth efforts to reach more customers.
	We incur costs at our corporate headquarters that benefit our Core U.S., Acceptance Now and International operating segments. Accordingly, we allocate such costs among these segments based on segment revenue to determine segment operating profit. Likewise, certain corporate assets used to support these operating segments, including the land and building in which the corporate headquarters are located and related property assets, cash and prepaid expenses are also allocated to these operating segments based on segment revenue. Because our Franchising segment maintains a separate, independent corporate office, no additional corporate costs or assets are allocated to that segment.
	Segment information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows (in thousands, except location count):
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Core U.S.		Acceptance Now			International			Franchising		Total
	Revenues	$	2,507,498	$	502,043		$	58,445		$	36,197	$	3,104,183
	Gross profit	1,810,160		290,741			41,887			6,658		2,149,446
	Operating profit (loss)	205,928		66,625			(28,237		)	1,853		246,169
	Depreciation of property assets	64,852		5,036			6,484			79		76,451
	Amortization and write-down of intangibles	9,892		569			1,068			—		11,529
	Capital expenditures	84,819		11,076			12,472			—		108,367
	Rental merchandise, net
	On rent	609,332		284,421			20,865			—		914,618
	Held for rent	194,734		3,837			11,879			—		210,450
	Total assets	2,561,688		375,920			79,257			1,688		3,018,553
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Core U.S.		Acceptance Now			International			Franchising		Total
	Revenues	$	2,655,411	$	343,283		$	40,211		$	43,741	$	3,082,646
	Gross profit	1,904,586		194,607			27,831			6,893		2,133,917
	Operating profit (loss)	318,784		25,261			(30,700		)	2,326		315,671
	Depreciation of property assets	63,793		3,631			5,848			89		73,361
	Amortization and write-down of intangibles	2,103		2,819			967			—		5,889
	Capital expenditures	84,680		5,275			12,498			—		102,453
	Rental merchandise, net
	On rent	589,181		204,640			13,576			—		807,397
	Held for rent	190,703		3,007			6,412			—		200,122
	Total assets	2,504,954		286,774			65,378			2,711		2,859,817
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Core U.S.		Acceptance Now			International			Franchising		Total
	Revenues	$	2,631,416	$	193,295		$	18,490		$	38,983	$	2,882,184
	Gross profit	1,918,781		114,228			13,011			6,496		2,052,516
	Operating profit (loss)	318,271		(16,483		)	(13,679		)	3,220		291,329
	Depreciation of property assets	60,558		2,229			2,295			132		65,214
	Amortization and write-down of intangibles	1,092		3,583			—			—		4,675
	Capital expenditures	108,553		5,881			18,276			—		132,710
	Rental merchandise, net
	On rent	610,104		136,755			7,698			—		754,557
	Held for rent	178,826		1,274			7,869			—		187,969
	Total assets	2,532,412		214,572			44,337			3,571		2,794,892
	Over 85% of our total revenues are comprised of rental and fee revenues from the following product groups:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Furniture and accessories	$	913,398	$	858,245		$	785,918
	Consumer electronics	664,882		696,621			670,135
	Appliances	431,100		421,762			385,795
	Computers	345,646		357,014			366,619
	Other products and services	343,369		320,439			288,396
	Total rentals and fees	$	2,698,395	$	2,654,081		$	2,496,863
	Our revenues originate in the following countries:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	United States	$	3,045,738	$	3,042,435		$	2,863,694
	Mexico	47,169		22,603			4,303
	Canada	11,276		17,608			14,187
	Total revenues	$	3,104,183	$	3,082,646		$	2,882,184

Earnings_Per_Common_Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	Note R — Earnings Per Common Share
	Summarized basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated as follows:
		Net Earnings		Weighted Average	Per Share
				Shares
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Basic earnings per common share	$	128,238	54,804	$	2.34
	Effect of dilutive stock options	—		358
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	128,238	55,162	$	2.32
		Net Earnings		Weighted Average	Per Share
				Shares
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Basic earnings per common share	$	181,703	58,913	$	3.08
	Effect of dilutive stock options	—		492
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	181,703	59,405	$	3.06
		Net Earnings		Weighted Average	Per Share
				Shares
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Basic earnings per common share	$	163,464	61,188	$	2.67
	Effect of dilutive stock options	—		701
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	163,464	61,889	$	2.64
	For 2013, 2012, and 2011, the number of stock options that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because their exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common stock and, therefore anti-dilutive, were 1,507,355, 1,115,245, and 744,640, respectively.

Unaudited_Quarterly_Data

Unaudited Quarterly Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]	'
Unaudited Quarterly Data	'
	Note S — Unaudited Quarterly Data
	Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows, adjusted to reflect the revisions to reserves discussed in Note B to the consolidated financial statements:
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Revenues	$	819,281	$	760,511	$	754,780	$	769,611
	Gross profit	550,678		530,620		529,332		538,816
	Operating profit	78,784		77,230		55,773		34,382
	Net earnings	46,133		41,876		27,165		13,064
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.8	$	0.76	$	0.51	$	0.25
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.79	$	0.76	$	0.5	$	0.25
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.21
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Revenues	$	835,254	$	749,698	$	739,314	$	758,380
	Gross profit	560,417		526,973		519,341		527,186
	Operating profit	90,476		78,454		67,798		78,943
	Net earnings	50,968		43,825		39,701		47,209
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.86	$	0.74	$	0.67	$	0.81
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.85	$	0.74	$	0.67	$	0.8
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.16	$	0.16	$	0.16	$	0.16
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Revenues	$	742,178	$	698,253	$	704,271	$	737,482
	Gross profit	523,148		506,355		505,724		517,289
	Operating profit	80,486		72,872		57,363		80,608
	Net earnings	44,272		39,713		30,948		48,531
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.7	$	0.64	$	0.52	$	0.82
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.69	$	0.63	$	0.51	$	0.81
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.16	$	0.16

Summary_of_Accounting_Policies

Summary of Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Rental Merchandise	'
	Rental Merchandise
	Rental merchandise is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for merchandise is generally provided using the income forecasting method, which is intended to match as closely as practicable the recognition of depreciation expense with the consumption of the rental merchandise, and assumes no salvage value. The consumption of rental merchandise occurs during periods of rental and directly coincides with the receipt of rental revenue over the rental purchase agreement period. Under the income forecasting method, merchandise held for rent is not depreciated and merchandise on rent is depreciated in the proportion of rents received to total rents provided in the rental contract, which is an activity-based method similar to the units of production method. Effective January 1, 2013, we depreciate merchandise (including computers and tablets) that is held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days using the straight-line method over a period generally not to exceed 18 months. Prior to January 1, 2013, merchandise held for rent (except for computers and tablets) that was at least 270 days old and held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days, was depreciated using the straight-line method over a period generally not to exceed 20 months. Prior to January 1, 2013, the straight-line method was used for computers and tablets that were 24 months old or older and which had become idle over a period of at least six months, generally not to exceed an aggregate depreciation period of 30 months. This change has not had a significant impact on cost of revenues, gross profit, net earnings or earnings per share.
	Rental merchandise which is damaged and inoperable is expensed when such impairment occurs. If a customer does not return the merchandise or make payment, the remaining book value of the rental merchandise associated with delinquent accounts is generally charged off on the 90th day following the time the account became past due in the Core U.S. and International segments, and on the 150th day in the Acceptance Now segment. We maintain a reserve for these expected expenses. In addition, any minor repairs made to rental merchandise are expensed at the time of the repair.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at several financial institutions, which at times may not be federally insured or may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on such accounts.
Revenue	'
	Revenues
	Merchandise is rented to customers pursuant to rental purchase agreements which provide for weekly, semi-monthly or monthly rental terms with non-refundable rental payments. Generally, the customer has the right to acquire title either through a purchase option or through payment of all required rentals. Rental revenue and fees are recognized over the rental term and merchandise sales revenue is recognized when the customer exercises the purchase option and pays the cash price due. Cash received prior to the period in which it should be recognized is deferred and recognized according to the rental term. Revenue is accrued for uncollected amounts due based on historical collection experience. However, the total amount of the rental purchase agreement is not accrued because the customer can terminate the rental agreement at any time and we cannot enforce collection for non-payment of future rents.
	Revenues from the sale of merchandise in our retail installment stores are recognized when the installment note is signed, the customer has taken possession of the merchandise and collectability is reasonably assured.
	Revenues from the sale of rental merchandise are recognized upon shipment of the merchandise to the franchisee. Franchise royalty income and fee revenue is recognized upon completion of substantially all services and satisfaction of all material conditions required under the terms of the franchise agreement.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The receivable associated with the sale of merchandise at our Get It Now and Home Choice stores generally consists of the sales price of the merchandise purchased and any additional fees for services the customer has chosen, less the customer’s down payment. No interest is accrued and interest income is recognized each time a customer makes a payment, generally on a monthly basis.
	We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts for our installment notes receivable. Our policy for determining the allowance is based on historical loss experience, as well as the results of management’s review and analysis of the payment and collection of the installment notes receivable within the previous year. We believe our allowance is adequate to absorb any known or probable losses. Our policy is to charge off installment notes receivable that are 120 days or more past due. Charge offs are applied as a reduction to the allowance for doubtful accounts and any recoveries of previously charged off balances are applied as an increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
	The majority of Franchising’s accounts receivable relate to amounts due from franchisees. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a franchisee’s financial condition and collateral is generally not required. Accounts receivable are due within 30 days and are stated at amounts due from franchisees net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. Franchising determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, Franchising’s previous loss history, the franchisee’s current ability to pay its obligation to Franchising, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Franchising writes off accounts receivable that are 120 days or more past due and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Property Assets and Related Depreciation	'
	Property Assets and Related Depreciation
	Furniture, equipment and vehicles are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (generally five years) by the straight-line method. Our building is depreciated over approximately 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the useful life of the asset or the initial term of the applicable leases by the straight-line method, whichever is shorter.
	We have incurred costs to develop computer software for internal use. We capitalize the costs incurred during the application development stage, which includes designing the software configuration and interfaces, coding, installation, and testing. Costs incurred during the preliminary stages along with post-implementation stages of internally developed software are expensed as incurred. Internally developed software costs, once placed in service, are amortized over various periods up to ten years.
	We incur repair and maintenance expenses on our vehicles and equipment. These amounts are recognized when incurred, unless such repairs significantly extend the life of the asset, in which case we amortize the cost of the repairs for the remaining life of the asset utilizing the straight-line method.
Intangible Assets and Amortization	'
	Intangible Assets and Amortization
	We record goodwill when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be periodically evaluated for impairment. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of goodwill is not recoverable from future cash flows. We perform an assessment of goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually as of December 31 of each year, or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our reporting units are generally our reportable operating segments. Factors which could necessitate an interim impairment assessment include a sustained decline in our stock price, prolonged negative industry or economic trends and significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results. We assess recoverability using methodologies which include the present value of estimated future cash flows and comparisons of multiples of enterprise values to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows and discount rates. Discount rates are based upon our cost of capital. If the carrying value exceeds the discounted fair value, a second analysis is performed to measure the fair value of all assets and liabilities. If, based on the second analysis, it is determined that the fair value of the assets and liabilities is less than the carrying value, we would recognize impairment charges in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value over fair value.
Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	'
	Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
	We evaluate all long-lived assets, including intangible assets, excluding goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized when the carrying amounts of such assets cannot be recovered by the undiscounted net cash flows they will generate.
Self Insurance Liabilities	'
	Self-Insurance Liabilities
	We have self-insured retentions with respect to losses under our workers' compensation, general liability and vehicle liability insurance policies. We establish reserves for our liabilities associated with these losses by obtaining forecasts for the ultimate expected losses and estimating amounts needed to pay losses within our self-insured retentions. We make assumptions on our liabilities within our self-insured retentions using actuarial loss forecasts, company-specific development factors, general industry loss development factors, and third-party claim administrator loss estimates which are based on known facts surrounding individual claims. These assumptions incorporate expected increases in health care costs. Periodically, we reevaluate our estimate of liability within our self-insured retentions. At that time, we evaluate the adequacy of our reserves by comparing amounts reserved on our balance sheet for anticipated losses to our updated actuarial loss forecasts and third-party claim administrator loss estimates, and make adjustments to our reserves as needed.
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The functional currency of our foreign operations is predominantly the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange on the last day of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses are generally translated at a daily exchange rate and equity transactions are translated using the actual rate on the day of the transaction.
	Other Comprehensive Income
	Other comprehensive income is comprised exclusively of our foreign currency translation adjustment.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes become payable. Income tax accounting requires management to make estimates and apply judgments to events that will be recognized in one period under rules that apply to financial reporting in a different period in our tax returns. In particular, judgment is required when estimating the value of future tax deductions, tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs), as represented by deferred tax assets. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates. We use our historical experience and our short- and long-range business forecasts to provide insight and assist us in determining recoverability. When it is determined the recovery of all or a portion of a deferred tax asset is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. We include NOLs in the calculation of deferred tax assets. NOLs are utilized to the extent allowable due to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and relevant state statutes.
	We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have recorded a liability, is audited and effectively settled. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balance as new information becomes available. We classify interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense.
	We intend to reinvest substantially all of the unremitted earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and postpone their remittance indefinitely. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes for these non-U.S. subsidiaries was recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Sales Taxes	'
	Sales Taxes
	We apply the net basis for sales taxes imposed on our goods and services in our consolidated statements of earnings. We are required by the applicable governmental authorities to collect and remit sales taxes. Accordingly, such amounts are charged to the customer, collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity.
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	Earnings Per Common Share
	Basic earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Diluted earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus, if dilutive, the assumed exercise of stock options at the beginning of the year, or for the period outstanding during the year for current year issuances.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising Costs
	Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are expensed when incurred. Advertising expense was $92.6 million, $97.3 million and $92.8 million, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees, consultants and directors, which are described more fully in Note L. We recognize share-based payment awards to our employees and directors at the estimated fair value on the grant date. Determining the fair value of any share-based award requires information about several variables that include, but are not limited to, expected stock volatility over the terms of the award, expected dividend yields and the predicted employee exercise behavior. We base expected life on historical exercise and post-vesting employment-termination experience, and expected volatility on historical realized volatility trends. In addition, all stock-based compensation expense is recorded net of an estimated forfeiture rate. The forfeiture rate is based upon historical activity and is analyzed at least annually as actual forfeitures occur. Compensation costs are recognized net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. We issue new shares to settle stock awards.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the reported amounts for the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or earnings per share in any period.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent losses and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In applying accounting principles, we must often make individual estimates and assumptions regarding expected outcomes or uncertainties. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11, Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, an amendment to FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, Income Taxes. This update clarifies that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward if such settlement is required or expected in the event the uncertain tax position is disallowed. In situations where a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction or the tax law of the jurisdiction does not require, and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Both early adoption and retrospective application are permitted, and we will adopt this standard prospectively on January 1, 2014. This standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.
	From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that we adopt as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe the impact of any other recently issued standards that are not yet effective are either not applicable to us at this time or will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Receivables_and_Allowance_for_1

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Receivables	'
	Receivables consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Installment sales receivable	$	51,335		$	46,753
	Trade and notes receivables	11,051			8,986
	Total	62,386			55,739
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(3,700		)	(2,920		)
	Net receivables	$	58,686		$	52,819
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	2,920		$	3,919		$	5,152
	Bad debt expense	14,589			12,953			14,227
	Accounts written off	(18,348		)	(17,432		)	(19,769		)
	Recoveries	4,539			3,480			4,309
	Ending balance	$	3,700		$	2,920		$	3,919

Rental_Merchandise_Table

Rental Merchandise (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Rental Merchandise (Table) [Abstract]	'
Rental Merchandise	'
	Rental Merchandise
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	On rent
	Cost	$	1,463,636		$	1,294,966
	Less accumulated depreciation	(549,018		)	(487,569		)
	Net book value, on rent	$	914,618		$	807,397
	Held for rent
	Cost	$	271,193		$	251,598
	Less accumulated depreciation	(60,743		)	(51,476		)
	Net book value, held for rent	$	210,450		$	200,122

Property_Assets_Table

Property Assets (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property Assets (Table) [Abstract]	'
Property Assets	'
	Property Assets
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	332,607		$	316,696
	Transportation equipment	11,957			12,204
	Building and leasehold improvements	325,597			311,782
	Land and land improvements	6,853			5,299
	Construction in progress	93,419			61,858
		770,433			707,839
	Less accumulated depreciation	(433,935		)	(398,039		)
		$	336,498		$	309,800

Intangible_Assets_and_Acquisit1

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets And Acquisitions (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Amortizable Intangible Assets	'
	Amortizable intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
					31-Dec-13								31-Dec-12
			Avg.		Gross				Accumulated				Gross		Accumulated
			Life		Carrying				Amortization				Carrying		Amortization
			(years)		Amount								Amount
	Non-compete agreements		3		$	6,337			$	6,102			$	6,104	$	6,098
	Customer relationships		2		74,799				71,899				71,816		70,001
	Vendor relationships		11		7,538				1,704				7,538		1,136
	Total				$	88,674			$	79,705			$	85,458	$	77,235
Aggregate Amortization Expense	'
	Aggregate amortization expense (in thousands):
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	3,559
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	4,668
	Year Ended December 31, 2011	$	4,285
Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	Estimated amortization expense, assuming current intangible balances and no new acquisitions, for each of the years ending December 31, is as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated
		Amortization Expense
	2014	$	2,704
	2015	1,491
	2016	644
	2017	568
	2018	445
	Thereafter	3,117
		$	8,969
Changes in Recorded Goodwill	'
	A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows (in thousands):
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012
	Gross balance as of January 1,		$	1,344,665			$	1,339,125
	Additions from acquisitions		28,282				6,874
	Goodwill impairments and write-offs related to stores sold or closed		(9,038		)		(1,221		)
	Post purchase price allocation adjustments		640				(113		)
	Balance as of the end of the period		$	1,364,549			$	1,344,665
Acquisitions	'
	The following table provides information concerning the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
			(Dollar amounts in thousands)
	Number of stores acquired remaining open		47				6				26
	Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores		38				31				71
	Number of kiosk locations acquired		—				—				5
	Number of transactions		47				19				19
	Total purchase price		$	41,236			$	13,258			$	26,747
	Amounts allocated to:
	Goodwill		$	28,282			$	6,874			$	18,755
	Non-compete agreements		235				—				10
	Customer relationships		2,959				1,160				2,843
	Rental merchandise		11,843				4,380				6,023
	Property and other assets		910				845				—
	Liabilities assumed		—				—				(884		)

Senior_Debt_Tables

Senior Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Senior Debt (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Debt Facilities	'
	The debt facilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
					31-Dec-13						31-Dec-12
			Facility		Maximum		Amount		Amount		Maximum		Amount		Amount
			Maturity		Facility		Outstanding		Available		Facility		Outstanding		Available
					(In thousands)
	Senior Credit Facilities:
	Term Loan		July 14, 2016		$	250,000	$	187,500	$	—	$	250,000	$	212,500	$	—
	Revolving Facility		July 14, 2016		500,000		160,500		234,830		500,000		175,000		215,405
					750,000		348,000		234,830		750,000		387,500		215,405
	Other Indebtedness:
	Line of credit				20,000		18,275		1,725		20,000		—		20,000
	Total				$	770,000	$	366,275	$	236,555	$	770,000	$	387,500	$	235,405
Financial Covenants Ratios	'
	Our senior credit facilities require us to comply with several financial covenants. The table below shows the required and actual ratios under our credit facilities calculated as of December 31, 2013:
		Required Ratio				Actual Ratio
	Maximum consolidated leverage ratio	No greater than		3.25:1		2.64:1
	Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	No less than		1.35:1		1.38:1
Scheduled Maturity Dates	'
	The table below shows the scheduled maturity dates of our senior debt outstanding at December 31, 2013.
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2014	$	43,275
	2015	25,000
	2016	298,000
		$	366,275

Accrued_Liabilities_Table

Accrued Liabilities (Table)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities (Table) [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued Liabilities
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Accrued insurance costs	$	122,475	$	124,499
	Accrued compensation	55,911		56,748
	Deferred revenue	44,506		43,577
	Taxes other than income	23,660		27,656
	Accrued dividends	12,103		12,188
	Deferred rent	10,424		9,699
	Accrued interest payable	5,609		3,580
	Accrued other	40,547		31,119
		$	315,235	$	309,066

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense	'
	A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to actual follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Tax at statutory rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		2.6	%		1.5	%		1.9	%
	Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits		0.4	%		(0.2	)%		0.3	%
	Other, net		0.2	%		(0.2	)%		(1.4	)%
	Total		38.2	%		36.1	%		35.8	%
Components of Income Tax Expense	'
	The components of income tax expense are as follows:
			Year Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
			(In thousands)
	Current expense
	Federal		$	45,784			$	86,839			$	4,154
	State		5,888				10,428				6,547
	Foreign		5,659				3,100				3,762
	Total current		57,331				100,367				14,463
	Deferred expense
	Federal		20,427				6,589				76,336
	State		2,494				(4,069		)		1,090
	Foreign		(1,134		)		(142		)		(631		)
	Total deferred		21,787				2,378				76,795
	Total		$	79,118			$	102,745			$	91,258
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	'
	Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following:
			December 31,
			2013				2012
			(In thousands)
	Deferred tax assets
	Federal net operating loss carryforwards		$	1,798			$	7,873
	State net operating loss carryforwards		15,072				14,711
	Accrued liabilities		54,875				52,909
	Other assets including credits		2,619				1,402
	Foreign tax credit carryforwards		10,584				6,771
			84,948				83,666
	Valuation allowance		(319		)		(319		)
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Rental merchandise		(256,912		)		(252,464		)
	Property assets		(42,357		)		(32,815		)
	Intangible assets		(108,686		)		(97,695		)
			(407,955		)		(382,974		)
	Net deferred taxes		$	(323,326	)		$	(299,627	)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows:
		(In thousands)
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	9,656
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	1,411
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(489		)
	Settlements	(411		)
	Balance at January 1, 2013	10,167
	Additions based on tax positions related to current year	50
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	3,742
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(786		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	13,173

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases	'
	Future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
		Operating Leases
	Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
	2014	$	189,353
	2015	156,673
	2016	115,214
	2017	71,244
	2018	30,683
	Thereafter	3,868
		$	567,035

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Stock Options Activity	'
	Information with respect to stock option activity related to the Plans follows:
		Equity Awards		Weighted Average		Weighted Average	Aggregate Intrinsic
		Outstanding		Exercise Price		Remaining Contractual Life	Value
							(In thousands)
	Balance outstanding at January 1, 2013	2,260,410		$	28.57
	Granted	760,322		36.05
	Exercised	(478,652	)	24.93
	Forfeited	(210,923	)	32.94
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2013	2,331,157		$	31.36	7.22 years	$	8,772
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	863,893		$	26.13	5.11 years	$	6,905
Assumptions Used in Fair Value Calculation of Stock Options	'
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the Black-Scholes method with the following assumptions:
	Employee options:
	Risk free interest rate (0.27% to 1.81%)	Weighted average 0.88%
	Expected dividend yield (2.20% to 2.44%)	Weighted average 2.34%
	Expected life (2.33 years to 6.25 years)	Weighted average 4.43 years
	Expected volatility (28.64% to 44.35%)	Weighted average 37.88%
	Forfeiture rate	7%
	Employee stock options granted	760,322
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$9.27
	During the year ended December 31, 2012, the weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the binomial method with the following assumptions:
	Employee options:
	Risk free interest rate (0.12% to 0.77%)	Weighted average 0.35%
	Expected dividend yield (1.70% to 1.90%)	Weighted average 1.74%
	Expected life	6.25 years
	Expected volatility (28.58% to 47.67%)	Weighted average 39.72%
	Forfeiture rate (5.29% to 9.78%)	Weighted average 6.77%
	Employee stock options granted	733,297
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$10.08
	During the year ended December 31, 2011, the weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the binomial method with the following assumptions:
	Employee options:
	Risk free interest rate (0.12% to 1.78%)	Weighted average 0.71%
	Expected dividend yield (0.70% to 2.30%)	Weighted average 1.31%
	Expected life	6.05 years
	Expected volatility (33.42% to 50.12%)	Weighted average 42.48%
	Forfeiture rate (7.55% to 13.41%)	Weighted average 9.48%
	Employee stock options granted	770,245
	Weighted average grant date fair value	$7.50
Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	Information with respect to non-vested restricted stock unit activity follows:
		Restricted Awards		Weighted Average
		Outstanding		Grant Date Fair Value
	Balance outstanding at January 1, 2013	440,185		$	28.96
	Granted	259,484		32.7
	Vested	(149,669	)	21.66
	Forfeited	(33,328	)	32.97
	Balance outstanding at December 31, 2013	516,672		$	32.69

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Information (Table) [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Core U.S.		Acceptance Now			International			Franchising		Total
	Revenues	$	2,507,498	$	502,043		$	58,445		$	36,197	$	3,104,183
	Gross profit	1,810,160		290,741			41,887			6,658		2,149,446
	Operating profit (loss)	205,928		66,625			(28,237		)	1,853		246,169
	Depreciation of property assets	64,852		5,036			6,484			79		76,451
	Amortization and write-down of intangibles	9,892		569			1,068			—		11,529
	Capital expenditures	84,819		11,076			12,472			—		108,367
	Rental merchandise, net
	On rent	609,332		284,421			20,865			—		914,618
	Held for rent	194,734		3,837			11,879			—		210,450
	Total assets	2,561,688		375,920			79,257			1,688		3,018,553
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Core U.S.		Acceptance Now			International			Franchising		Total
	Revenues	$	2,655,411	$	343,283		$	40,211		$	43,741	$	3,082,646
	Gross profit	1,904,586		194,607			27,831			6,893		2,133,917
	Operating profit (loss)	318,784		25,261			(30,700		)	2,326		315,671
	Depreciation of property assets	63,793		3,631			5,848			89		73,361
	Amortization and write-down of intangibles	2,103		2,819			967			—		5,889
	Capital expenditures	84,680		5,275			12,498			—		102,453
	Rental merchandise, net
	On rent	589,181		204,640			13,576			—		807,397
	Held for rent	190,703		3,007			6,412			—		200,122
	Total assets	2,504,954		286,774			65,378			2,711		2,859,817
		Year Ended December 31, 2011
		Core U.S.		Acceptance Now			International			Franchising		Total
	Revenues	$	2,631,416	$	193,295		$	18,490		$	38,983	$	2,882,184
	Gross profit	1,918,781		114,228			13,011			6,496		2,052,516
	Operating profit (loss)	318,271		(16,483		)	(13,679		)	3,220		291,329
	Depreciation of property assets	60,558		2,229			2,295			132		65,214
	Amortization and write-down of intangibles	1,092		3,583			—			—		4,675
	Capital expenditures	108,553		5,881			18,276			—		132,710
	Rental merchandise, net
	On rent	610,104		136,755			7,698			—		754,557
	Held for rent	178,826		1,274			7,869			—		187,969
	Total assets	2,532,412		214,572			44,337			3,571		2,794,892
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services	'
	Over 85% of our total revenues are comprised of rental and fee revenues from the following product groups:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Furniture and accessories	$	913,398	$	858,245		$	785,918
	Consumer electronics	664,882		696,621			670,135
	Appliances	431,100		421,762			385,795
	Computers	345,646		357,014			366,619
	Other products and services	343,369		320,439			288,396
	Total rentals and fees	$	2,698,395	$	2,654,081		$	2,496,863
Revenue from External Customers, by Geographical Areas	'
	Our revenues originate in the following countries:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	United States	$	3,045,738	$	3,042,435		$	2,863,694
	Mexico	47,169		22,603			4,303
	Canada	11,276		17,608			14,187
	Total revenues	$	3,104,183	$	3,082,646		$	2,882,184

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Common Share (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Common Share	'
	Summarized basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated as follows:
		Net Earnings		Weighted Average	Per Share
				Shares
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Basic earnings per common share	$	128,238	54,804	$	2.34
	Effect of dilutive stock options	—		358
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	128,238	55,162	$	2.32
		Net Earnings		Weighted Average	Per Share
				Shares
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Basic earnings per common share	$	181,703	58,913	$	3.08
	Effect of dilutive stock options	—		492
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	181,703	59,405	$	3.06
		Net Earnings		Weighted Average	Per Share
				Shares
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Basic earnings per common share	$	163,464	61,188	$	2.67
	Effect of dilutive stock options	—		701
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	163,464	61,889	$	2.64

Unaudited_Quarterly_Data_Table

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables) [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data	'
	Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows, adjusted to reflect the revisions to reserves discussed in Note B to the consolidated financial statements:
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Revenues	$	819,281	$	760,511	$	754,780	$	769,611
	Gross profit	550,678		530,620		529,332		538,816
	Operating profit	78,784		77,230		55,773		34,382
	Net earnings	46,133		41,876		27,165		13,064
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.8	$	0.76	$	0.51	$	0.25
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.79	$	0.76	$	0.5	$	0.25
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.21
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Revenues	$	835,254	$	749,698	$	739,314	$	758,380
	Gross profit	560,417		526,973		519,341		527,186
	Operating profit	90,476		78,454		67,798		78,943
	Net earnings	50,968		43,825		39,701		47,209
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.86	$	0.74	$	0.67	$	0.81
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.85	$	0.74	$	0.67	$	0.8
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.16	$	0.16	$	0.16	$	0.16
		1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
		(In thousands, except per share data)
	Year Ended December 31, 2011
	Revenues	$	742,178	$	698,253	$	704,271	$	737,482
	Gross profit	523,148		506,355		505,724		517,289
	Operating profit	80,486		72,872		57,363		80,608
	Net earnings	44,272		39,713		30,948		48,531
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.7	$	0.64	$	0.52	$	0.82
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.69	$	0.63	$	0.51	$	0.81
	Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.16	$	0.16

Nature_of_Operations_and_Summa1

Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	$1.10	$1	'
Advertising expense	92.6	97.3	92.8
Prior period stock comp reclassification	'	'	$4.50
Nature of Operations (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of company-owned stores nationwide & in Puerto Rico	2,992	'	'
Number of retail installment sales stores	45	'	'
Number of Acceptance Now locations	1,325	'	'
Number of rent-to-own stores in Canada	18	'	'
Number of rent-to-own stores in Mexico	151	'	'
Number of Franchising stores	179	'	'
Number of states with Franchising stores	30	'	'
Receivables and Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Policy (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum period of past due required to charge off installment notes	'120 days	'	'
Maximum period of current status allowed to franchisees for payments of accounts receivable	'30 days	'	'
Minimum period of past due required to write off accounts receivable from franchisees	'120 days	'	'
Rental Merchandise Policy (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Minimum age needed to start straight line method depreciation of merchandise held for rent	'	'270 days	'
Minimum period in held for rent status needed to start straight line method depreciation of merchandise	'180 days	'180 days	'
Maximum depreciation period used in straight line method for merchandise held for rent	'18 months	'20 months	'
Minimum age needed to start straight line method depreciation of computers	'	'24 months	'
Minimum depreciation period used in straight line method for computers	'	'6 months	'
Maximum aggregate depreciation period used in straight line method for computers	'	'30 months	'
Minimum period of past due require to charged off remaining book value of rental merchandise for Core U.S. and International segments	'90 days	'	'
Minimum period of past due required to charge off remaining book value of rental merchandise for Acceptance Now segment	'150 days	'	'
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicle [Member]	'	'	'
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation period	'5 years	'	'
Building [Member]	'	'	'
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation period	'40 years	'	'
Internally Developed Software [Member]	'	'	'
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]	'	'	'
Depreciation period	'10 years	'	'

Correction_of_Immaterial_Error1

Correction of Immaterial Errors Correction of Immaterial Errors (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Correction of Immaterial Errors (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Overstatement of on rent merchandise	'	'	'	$14.50	'	'
Understatement of held for rent merchandise	'	'	'	1.2	'	'
Understatement of receivables	'	'	'	4	'	'
Understatement of salaries and other expenses	0.8	0.2	0.5	2.8	1.8	'
Overstatement of net earnings	0.5	0.1	0.3	1.8	1.2	'
Decrease in retained earnings	'	'	'	'	'	$3

Receivables_and_Allowance_for_2

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$2,920,000	$3,919,000	$5,152,000
Bad debt expense	14,589,000	12,953,000	14,227,000
Accounts written off	-18,348,000	-17,432,000	-19,769,000
Recoveries	4,539,000	3,480,000	4,309,000
Ending balance	3,700,000	2,920,000	3,919,000
Receivables [Line Items]	'	'	'
Receivable, gross	62,386,000	55,739,000	'
Receivables, net	58,686,000	52,819,000	'
Installment Sales Receivable [Member]	'	'	'
Receivables [Line Items]	'	'	'
Receivable, gross	51,335,000	46,753,000	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	2,900,000	2,320,000	'
Trade and Notes Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Receivables [Line Items]	'	'	'
Receivable, gross	11,051,000	8,986,000	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$800,000	$600,000	'

Rental_Merchandise_Details

Rental Merchandise (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Rental Merchandise (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
On rent, cost	$1,463,636	$1,294,966	'
On rent, accumulated depreciation	-549,018	-487,569	'
Rental merchandise on rent, net	914,618	807,397	754,557
Held for rent, cost	271,193	251,598	'
Held for rent, accumulated depreciation	-60,743	-51,476	'
Rental merchandise held for rent, net	$210,450	$200,122	$187,969

Property_Assets_Details

Property Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property Assets (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Furniture and equipment	$332,607,000	$316,696,000	'
Transportation equipment	11,957,000	12,204,000	'
Building and leasehold improvements	325,597,000	311,782,000	'
Land and land improvements	6,853,000	5,299,000	'
Construction in progress	93,419,000	61,858,000	'
Property assets, gross	770,433,000	707,839,000	'
Accumulated depreciation	-433,935,000	-398,039,000	'
Property assets, net	336,498,000	309,800,000	'
Capitalized software costs included in construction in progress	86,300,000	54,800,000	'
Cost of internally developed software placed in service	$4,600,000	$8,400,000	$16,000,000

Intangible_Assets_and_Acquisit2

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	$88,674,000	$85,458,000	'
Accumulated amortization	79,705,000	77,235,000	'
Weighted average amortization period - acquired intangible assets	'22 months	'	'
Estimated Amortization Expense (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	2,704,000	'	'
2015	1,491,000	'	'
2016	644,000	'	'
2017	568,000	'	'
2018	445,000	'	'
Thereafter	3,117,000	'	'
Total	8,969,000	8,223,000	'
Changes in Recorded Goodwill (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,344,665,000	1,339,125,000	'
Additions from acquisitions	28,282,000	6,874,000	'
Goodwill related to stores sold or closed	-9,038,000	-1,221,000	'
Post purchase price allocation adjustments	640,000	-113,000	'
Goodwill, ending balance	1,364,549,000	1,344,665,000	1,339,125,000
Goodwill impairment charge in International segment	1,100,000	1,000,000	'
Acquisitions (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of stores acquired remaining open	47	6	26
Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores	38	31	71
Number of kiosk locations acquired	0	0	5
Number of transactions	47	19	19
Total purchase price	41,236,000	13,258,000	26,747,000
Acquisition amounts allocated to goodwill	28,282,000	6,874,000	18,755,000
Acquisition amounts allocated to rental merchandise	11,843,000	4,380,000	6,023,000
Acquisition amounts allocated to property and other assets	910,000	845,000	0
Acquisition amounts allocated to liabilities	0	0	-884,000
Acquired goodwill, expected tax deductible amount	28,282,000	'	'
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Aggregate amortization expense	3,559,000	4,668,000	4,285,000
Amortization period for acquired customer relationships (in months)	'21 months	'	'
Amortization period for vendor relationships minimum (in years)	'7 years	'	'
Amortization period for vendor relationships (in years)	'15 years	'	'
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	6,337,000	6,104,000	'
Accumulated amortization	6,102,000	6,098,000	'
Average life	'3 years	'	'
Acquisitions (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Acquisition amounts allocated to intangibles	235,000	0	10,000
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	74,799,000	71,816,000	'
Accumulated amortization	71,899,000	70,001,000	'
Average life	'2 years	'	'
Acquisitions (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Acquisition amounts allocated to intangibles	2,959,000	1,160,000	2,843,000
Vendor Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross carrying amount	7,538,000	7,538,000	'
Accumulated amortization	1,704,000	1,136,000	'
Average life	'11 years	'	'
Core Us [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in Recorded Goodwill (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill, ending balance	1,310,100,000	1,289,200,000	'
Acceptance Now [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in Recorded Goodwill (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill, ending balance	54,400,000	54,400,000	'
International [Member]	'	'	'
Changes in Recorded Goodwill (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill, ending balance	'	$1,100,000	'

Senior_Debt_Details

Senior Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Covenants [Abstract]	'	'
Covenant limitation incur additional debt in excess of	$250,000,000	'
Maximum pro forma senior leverage ratio	2.5	'
Pro forma consolidated leverage ratio	2.75	'
Consolidated funded debt outstanding	880,700,000	'
Consolidated EBITDA	334,100,000	'
Outstanding indebtedness less cash in excess of	25,000,000	'
Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA	485,100,000	'
Consolidated fixed charges	351,500,000	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Term loan, maximum facility	250,000,000	250,000,000
Term loan, amount outstanding	187,500,000	212,500,000
Term loan, amount available	0	0
Senior credit facilities, maximum facility	750,000,000	750,000,000
Senior credit facilities, amount outstanding	348,000,000	387,500,000
Senior credit facilities, amount available	234,830,000	215,405,000
Debt facilities, maximum facility	770,000,000	770,000,000
Debt facilities, amount outstanding	366,275,000	387,500,000
Debt facilities, amount available	236,555,000	235,405,000
Letters of credit, outstanding	104,700,000	109,600,000
Financial Covenants Ratios (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'
Required consolidated leverage ratio, maximum	3.25	'
Actual consolidated leverage ratio	2.64	'
Required fixed charge coverage ratio, minimum	1.35	'
Actual fixed charge coverage ratio	1.38	'
Interest Rate [Abstract]	'	'
Interest period	'Interest periods range from seven days (for borrowings under the revolving credit facility only) to one, two, three or six months, at our election	'
Margin on Eurodollar rate	2.25%	'
Margin on prime rate	1.25%	'
Weighted average margin on Eurodollar rate	2.08%	'
Weighted average margin on prime rate	1.08%	'
Commitment fee percentage, minimum	0.30%	'
Commitment fee percentage, maximum	0.50%	'
Schedule Maturity Dates (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'
2014	43,275,000	'
2015	25,000,000	'
2016	298,000,000	'
Total	366,275,000	387,500,000
Senior Debt (Details) [Abstract]	'	'
Event of default-3rd party ownership % of our voting stock	35.00%	'
Event of default-not satisfied or bonded judgment in excess of	50,000,000	'
Maximum period allowed for pending judgment to satisfy or bond (in days)	30	'
Maximum fund drawn on individual occasion	100,000,000	'
Maximum total amount outstanding	221,000,000	'
Prime Rate [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Description of variable rate basis	'prime rate	'
Prime Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis margin on variable rate	0.50%	'
Prime Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis margin on variable rate	1.50%	'
Eurodollar Rate [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Description of variable rate basis	'Eurodollar rate	'
Eurodollar Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis margin on variable rate	1.50%	'
Eurodollar Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis margin on variable rate	2.50%	'
Credit Facility Term Loan [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity date	14-Jul-16	'
Credit Facility Revolver [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Maturity date	14-Jul-16	'
Line of credit, maximum facility	500,000,000	500,000,000
Line of credit, amount outstanding	160,500,000	175,000,000
Line of credit, amount available	234,830,000	215,405,000
Intrust Bank Line of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Line of credit, maximum facility	20,000,000	20,000,000
Line of credit, amount outstanding	18,275,000	0
Line of credit, amount available	$1,725,000	$20,000,000

Subsidiary_Guarantors_Senior_N1

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of senior notes	$550,000,000	$300,000,000
Our ownership percentage of subsidiary guarantors of senior notes	100.00%	'
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	316,700,000	327,000,000
Carrying value of senior notes	300,000,000	300,000,000
Interest rate of senior notes	6.63%	'
Percentage of original aggregate principle amount of senior notes included in repurchase price at change of control	101.00%	'
Covenants for senior notes - amount available under restricted payment basket	75,000,000	'
Event of default for senior notes - not discharged, bonded or insured judgment in excess of this amount	50,000,000	'
Event of default for senior notes - failure of other debt payment at maturity in excess of this amount	50,000,000	'
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Senior Notes, Redemption, Period One [Member]	'	'
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	103.31%	'
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Senior Notes, Redemption, Period Four [Member]	'	'
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	100.00%	'
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	234,700,000	'
Carrying value of senior notes	250,000,000	'
Interest rate of senior notes	4.75%	'
Percentage of original aggregate principle amount of senior notes included in repurchase price at change of control	101.00%	'
Covenants for senior notes - amount available under restricted payment basket	75,000,000	'
Event of default for senior notes - not discharged, bonded or insured judgment in excess of this amount	50,000,000	'
Event of default for senior notes - failure of other debt payment at maturity in excess of this amount	$50,000,000	'
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] | Senior Notes, Redemption, Period One [Member]	'	'
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	103.56%	'
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] | Senior Notes, Redemption, Period Four [Member]	'	'
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	100.00%	'

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities (Details) [Abstract]	'	'
Accrued insurance costs	$122,475	$124,499
Accrued compensation	55,911	56,748
Deferred revenue	44,506	43,577
Taxes other than income	23,660	27,656
Accrued dividends	12,103	12,188
Deferred rent	10,424	9,699
Accrued interest payable	5,609	3,580
Accrued other	40,547	31,119
Total accrued liabilities	$315,235	$309,066

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Components of Income Tax Expense (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current expense - Federal	$45,784,000	$86,839,000	$4,154,000
Current expense - State	5,888,000	10,428,000	6,547,000
Current expense - Foreign	5,659,000	3,100,000	3,762,000
Current expense - Total	57,331,000	100,367,000	14,463,000
Deferred expense - Federal	20,427,000	6,589,000	76,336,000
Deferred expense - State	2,494,000	-4,069,000	1,090,000
Deferred expense - Foreign	-1,134,000	-142,000	-631,000
Deferred income taxes	21,787,000	2,378,000	76,795,000
Total	79,118,000	102,745,000	91,258,000
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	1,798,000	7,873,000	'
State net operating loss carryforwards	15,072,000	14,711,000	'
Accrued liabilities	54,875,000	52,909,000	'
Other assets including credits	2,619,000	1,402,000	'
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	10,584,000	6,771,000	'
Total deferred tax assets	84,948,000	83,666,000	'
Valuation allowance	-319,000	-319,000	'
Rental merchandise	-256,912,000	-252,464,000	'
Property assets	-42,357,000	-32,815,000	'
Intangible assets	-108,686,000	-97,695,000	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	-407,955,000	-382,974,000	'
Net deferred taxes	-323,326,000	-299,627,000	'
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax at federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit (expense)	2.60%	1.50%	1.90%
Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits	0.40%	-0.20%	0.30%
Other, net	0.20%	-0.20%	-1.40%
Total	38.20%	36.10%	35.80%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance	10,167,000	9,656,000	'
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	50,000	'	'
Additions for tax positions of prior years	3,742,000	1,411,000	'
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-786,000	-489,000	'
Settlements	'	-411,000	'
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance	13,173,000	10,167,000	9,656,000
Tax benefits if recognized - affect annual effective rax rate	9,000,000	'	'
Accured for payment of interest related to unrecogized tax benefits	1,800,000	'	'
Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits	455,000	'	'
Number of issues in disagreement with case law applied by IRS	1	'	'
Federal [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	5,100,000	'	'
Federal [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration date range	31-Dec-20	'	'
Federal [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration date range	31-Dec-23	'	'
State [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	304,600,000	'	'
State [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration date range	31-Dec-14	'	'
State [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration date range	31-Dec-31	'	'
Foreign [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforwards	$10,600,000	'	'
Foreign [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration date range	31-Dec-20	'	'
Foreign [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expiration date range	31-Dec-23	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies( Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rental expense	$240,900,000	$235,600,000	$230,300,000
Future Minimum Rental Payment under Operating Leases (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
2014	189,353,000	'	'
2015	156,673,000	'	'
2016	115,214,000	'	'
2017	71,244,000	'	'
2018	30,683,000	'	'
Thereafter	3,868,000	'	'
Operating lease payments, total	567,035,000	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum financing amount	60,000,000	'	'
Amount outstanding	17,200,000	'	'
Citibank [Member]	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum financing amount	40,000,000	'	'
Texas Capital Bank [Member]	'	'	'
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum financing amount	$20,000,000	'	'

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Tax benefits from stock option exercises	$406,000	$4,348,000	$7,036,000
Stock-based compensation expense	6,456,000	8,366,000	4,471,000
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	4,000,000	5,300,000	2,800,000
Vesting % of performance based restricted stock units, maximum	200.00%	'	'
Exercise period of options once vested	'10 years	'	'
Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of nonvested restricted stock units outstanding	516,672	440,185	'
Granted	259,484	'	'
Vested	-149,669	'	'
Forfeited	-33,328	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, outstanding	$32.69	$28.96	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	$32.70	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	$21.66	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited	$32.97	'	'
Stock Option Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of awards outstanding	2,331,157	2,260,410	'
Granted	760,322	733,297	770,245
Exercised	-478,652	'	'
Forfeited	-210,923	'	'
Exercisable	863,893	'	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]	'	'	'
Equity awards outstanding	$31.36	$28.57	'
Granted	$36.05	'	'
Exercised	$24.93	'	'
Forfeited	$32.94	'	'
Exercisable	$26.13	'	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract]	'	'	'
Equity awards outstanding	'7 years 2 months 18 days	'	'
Exercisable	'5 years 1 month 8 days	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]	'	'	'
Equity awards outstanding	8,772,000	'	'
Exercised	5,800,000	7,500,000	24,100,000
Exercisable	6,905,000	'	'
Assumptions Used in Fair Value Calculation of Stock Options (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Valuation method used	'Black-Scholes	'binomial	'binomial
Risk free interest rate, minimum	0.27%	0.12%	0.12%
Risk free interest rate, maximum	1.81%	0.77%	1.78%
Risk free interest rate, weighted average	0.88%	0.35%	0.71%
Expected dividend yield, minimum	2.20%	1.70%	0.70%
Expected dividend yield, maximum	2.44%	1.90%	2.30%
Expected dividend yield, weighted average	2.34%	1.74%	1.31%
Expected life, minimum	'2 years 4 months	'	'
Expected life, maximum	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 3 months	'6 years 0 months 18 days
Expected life, weighted average	'4 years 5 months 4 days	'	'
Expected volatility, minimum	28.64%	28.58%	33.42%
Expected volatility, maximum	44.35%	47.67%	50.12%
Expected volatility, weighted average	37.88%	39.72%	42.48%
Forfeiture rate, minimum	'	5.29%	7.55%
Forfeiture rate, maximum	7.00%	9.78%	13.41%
Forfeiture rate, weighted average	'	6.77%	9.48%
Employee stock options granted	760,322	733,297	770,245
Weighted average grant date fair value	$9.27	$10.08	$7.50
Equity Awards under 2006 Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to issue	7,000,000	'	'
Stock Option Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of awards outstanding	1,729,969	1,616,983	'
Restricted Stock under 2006 Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to issue	3,500,000	'	'
Equity Awards under Equity Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to issue	2,468,461	'	'
Stock Option Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of awards outstanding	1,020,361	870,643	'
Equity Awards under Prior Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to issue	14,562,865	'	'
Stock Option Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of awards outstanding	97,499	212,969	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unvested awards - to result in compensation expense	10,300,000	'	'
Weighted average number of years to vesting	'2 years 7 months 16 days	'	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unvested awards - to result in compensation expense	$5,200,000	'	'
Weighted average number of years to vesting	'1 year 10 months	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period of options granted	'1 year	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Vesting period of options granted	'4 years	'	'

Deferred_Compensation_Plan_Det

Deferred Compensation Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred Compensation Plan (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maximum deferral % of base compensation allowed to participants of deferred compensation plan	50.00%	'	'
Maximum deferral % of bonus compensation allowed to participants of deferred compensation plan	100.00%	'	'
Our matching cash contributions represents this % of contributions made by participants of deferred compensation plan	50.00%	'	'
Maximum employer contribution match % (of total eligible compensation) to each participant of deferred compensation plan	2.00%	'	'
Our discretionary contributions	$0.40	$0.60	$0.10
Deferred compensation plan liability	$8.30	$5	'

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Details

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Benefit Plan (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maximum contribution % of eligible pre-tax compensation allowed to participants of defined contribution plan	50.00%	'	'
Our matching cash contributions represents this % of contributions made by participants of defined contribution plan	50.00%	'	'
Maximum employer contribution match % (of total eligible compensation) to each participant of defined contribution plan	2.00%	'	'
Our common stock % in total plan assets	6.80%	10.00%	12.00%
Our contributions match	$6.60	$5.30	$5.80

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying value of senior notes	$550,000,000	$300,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]	'	'
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of senior notes	316,700,000	327,000,000
Carrying value of senior notes	300,000,000	300,000,000
Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value	16,700,000	27,000,000
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]	'	'
Senior Notes [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of senior notes	234,700,000	'
Carrying value of senior notes	250,000,000	'
Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value	($15,300,000)	'

Stock_Repurchase_Plan_Details

Stock Repurchase Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accelerated Stock Buyback (Details) [Abstract]	'	'
Accelerated stock buyback, gross price paid	$200,000,000	'
Accelerated stock buyback, initial shares delivered, shares	4,592,423	'
Accelerated stock buyback, additional shares delivered at settlement, shares	816,916	'
Accelerated stock buyback, total shares delivered, shares	5,409,339	'
Stock Repurchase Plan (Details) [Abstract]	'	'
Authorized aggregate amount	1,250,000,000	'
Total number of shares repurchased since inception of our stock repurchase program (shares)	36,994,653	31,120,279
Aggregate purchase price of shares repurchased since inception of our stock repurchase program	994,800,000	777,300,000
Number of shares repurchased (shares)	465,035	'
Purchase price of shares repurchased	$17,400,000	'

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Information (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of retail installment sales stores	'	45	'	'
Number of Stores in Canada	'	18	'	'
Number of Stores in Mexico	'	151	'	'
Impairment charge	'	$0	$0	$7,320
Litigation expense	'	0	0	-2,800
Restructuring charge	4,900	0	0	13,943
Royalty fee percentage, minimum	'	2.00%	'	'
Royalty fee percentag, maximum	'	6.00%	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	3,104,183	3,082,646	2,882,184
Gross profit	'	2,149,446	2,133,917	2,052,516
Operating profit	'	246,169	315,671	291,329
Depreciation	'	76,451	73,361	65,214
Amortization and write-down of intangibles	'	11,529	5,889	4,675
Capital expenditures	'	108,367	102,453	132,710
Rental merchandise on rent, net	'	914,618	807,397	754,557
Rental merchandise held for rent, net	'	210,450	200,122	187,969
Assets	'	3,018,553	2,859,817	2,794,892
Core U.S. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	2,507,498	2,655,411	2,631,416
Gross profit	'	1,810,160	1,904,586	1,918,781
Operating profit	'	205,928	318,784	318,271
Depreciation	'	64,852	63,793	60,558
Amortization and write-down of intangibles	'	9,892	2,103	1,092
Capital expenditures	'	84,819	84,680	108,553
Rental merchandise on rent, net	'	609,332	589,181	610,104
Rental merchandise held for rent, net	'	194,734	190,703	178,826
Assets	'	2,561,688	2,504,954	2,532,412
Acceptance Now [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	502,043	343,283	193,295
Gross profit	'	290,741	194,607	114,228
Operating profit	'	66,625	25,261	-16,483
Depreciation	'	5,036	3,631	2,229
Amortization and write-down of intangibles	'	569	2,819	3,583
Capital expenditures	'	11,076	5,275	5,881
Rental merchandise on rent, net	'	284,421	204,640	136,755
Rental merchandise held for rent, net	'	3,837	3,007	1,274
Assets	'	375,920	286,774	214,572
International [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	58,445	40,211	18,490
Gross profit	'	41,887	27,831	13,011
Operating profit	'	-28,237	-30,700	-13,679
Depreciation	'	6,484	5,848	2,295
Amortization and write-down of intangibles	'	1,068	967	'
Capital expenditures	'	12,472	12,498	18,276
Rental merchandise on rent, net	'	20,865	13,576	7,698
Rental merchandise held for rent, net	'	11,879	6,412	7,869
Assets	'	79,257	65,378	44,337
Franchising [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	36,197	43,741	38,983
Gross profit	'	6,658	6,893	6,496
Operating profit	'	1,853	2,326	3,220
Depreciation	'	79	89	132
Assets	'	$1,688	$2,711	$3,571

Segment_Information_Revenue_fr

Segment Information Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rentals and fees	$2,698,395	$2,654,081	$2,496,863
Furniture and accessories [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rentals and fees	913,398	858,245	785,918
Consumer electronics [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rentals and fees	664,882	696,621	670,135
Appliances [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rentals and fees	431,100	421,762	385,795
Computers [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rentals and fees	345,646	357,014	366,619
Other products and services [Member]	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'
Rentals and fees	$343,369	$320,439	$288,396

Segment_Information_Revenue_fr1

Segment Information Revenue from External Customers, by Geographical Areas (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$3,104,183	$3,082,646	$2,882,184
United States [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	3,045,738	3,042,435	2,863,694
Mexico [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	47,169	22,603	4,303
Canada [Member]	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Revenues	$11,276	$17,608	$14,187

Earnings_Per_Common_Share_Deta

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Common Share (Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of anti-dilutive stock options	1,507,355	1,115,245	744,640
Earnings Per Common Share (Table Details) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net earnings	$128,238	$181,703	$163,464
Basic weighted average shares	54,804,000	58,913,000	61,188,000
Effect of dilutive stock options	358,000	492,000	701,000
Diluted weighted average shares	55,162,000	59,405,000	61,889,000
Basic earnings per common share	$2.34	$3.08	$2.67
Diluted earnings per common share	$2.32	$3.06	$2.64

Unaudited_Quarterly_Data_Detai

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
				First Quarter [Member]	First Quarter [Member]	First Quarter [Member]	Second Quarter [Member]	Second Quarter [Member]	Second Quarter [Member]	Third Quarter [Member]	Third Quarter [Member]	Third Quarter [Member]	Fourth Quarter [Member]	Fourth Quarter [Member]	Fourth Quarter [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$3,104,183	$3,082,646	$2,882,184	$819,281	$835,254	$742,178	$760,511	$749,698	$698,253	$754,780	$739,314	$704,271	$769,611	$758,380	$737,482
Gross Profit	2,149,446	2,133,917	2,052,516	550,678	560,417	523,148	530,620	526,973	506,355	529,332	519,341	505,724	538,816	527,186	517,289
Operating profit	246,169	315,671	291,329	78,784	90,476	80,486	77,230	78,454	72,872	55,773	67,798	57,363	34,382	78,943	80,608
Net earnings	$128,238	$181,703	$163,464	$46,133	$50,968	$44,272	$41,876	$43,825	$39,713	$27,165	$39,701	$30,948	$13,064	$47,209	$48,531
Basic earnings per common share	$2.34	$3.08	$2.67	$0.80	$0.86	$0.70	$0.76	$0.74	$0.64	$0.51	$0.67	$0.52	$0.25	$0.81	$0.82
Diluted earnings per common share	$2.32	$3.06	$2.64	$0.79	$0.85	$0.69	$0.76	$0.74	$0.63	$0.50	$0.67	$0.51	$0.25	$0.80	$0.81
Cash dividends paid per common share	$0.84	$0.64	$0.44	$0.21	$0.16	$0.06	$0.21	$0.16	$0.06	$0.21	$0.16	$0.16	$0.21	$0.16	$0.16