Upbound (UPBD) 10-K 1 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 21, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	RENT A CENTER INC DE
Entity Central Index Key	933,036
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
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			$ 502,272,496
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		53,413,636
Trading Symbol	RCII

Consolidated Statement of Opera

Consolidated Statement of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Store [Abstract]
Rentals and fees	$ 2,267,741	$ 2,500,053	$ 2,781,315
Merchandise sales	331,402	351,198	377,240
Installment sales	71,651	74,509	76,238
Other	9,620	12,706	19,158
Total store revenues	2,680,414	2,938,466	3,253,951
Franchise [Abstract]
Merchandise sales	13,157	16,358	15,577
Royalty income and fees	8,969	8,428	8,892
Total revenues	2,702,540	2,963,252	3,278,420
Store [Abstract]
Cost of rentals and fees	625,358	664,845	728,706
Cost of merchandise sold	322,628	323,727	356,696
Cost of installment sales	23,622	24,285	25,677
Total cost of store revenues	971,608	1,012,857	1,111,079
Other charges	0	0	34,698
Franchise [Abstract]
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	12,390	15,346	14,534
Total cost of revenues	983,998	1,028,203	1,160,311
Gross profit	1,718,542	1,935,049	2,118,109
Operating expenses [Abstract]
Labor	732,466	789,049	854,610
Other store expenses	744,187	791,614	833,914
General and administrative expenses	171,090	168,907	166,102
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles	74,639	80,456	80,720
Goodwill impairment charge	0	151,320	1,170,000
Other charges	59,219	20,299	20,651
Total operating expenses	1,781,601	2,001,645	3,125,997
Operating loss	(63,059)	(66,596)	(1,007,888)
Debt refinancing charges	1,936	0	0
Interest expense	45,996	47,181	49,326
Interest income	(791)	(503)	(634)
Loss before income taxes	(110,200)	(113,274)	(1,056,580)
Income tax benefit	(116,853)	(8,079)	(103,060)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 6,653	$ (105,195)	$ (953,520)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$ 0.12	$ (1.98)	$ (17.97)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	0.12	(1.98)	(17.97)
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.16	$ 0.32	$ 0.96

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net earnings (loss)	$ 6,653	$ (105,195)	$ (953,520)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(5,188)	(6,399)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5,241	(5,188)	(6,399)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 11,894	$ (110,383)	$ (959,919)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 72,968	$ 95,396
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,167 and $3,593 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	69,823	69,785
Prepaid expenses and other assets	64,577	54,989
Rental merchandise, net [Abstract]
On rent	701,803	795,118
Held for rent	167,188	206,836
Merchandise held for installment sale	4,025	3,629
Property assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $525,673 and $522,101 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	282,901	316,428
Goodwill	56,614	55,308
Other intangible assets, net	882	5,252
Total assets	1,420,781	1,602,741
LIABILITIES [Abstract]
Accounts payable - trade	90,352	108,238
Accrued liabilities	298,018	332,196
Deferred income taxes	87,081	173,144
Secured debt, net	134,125	186,747
Senior notes, net	538,762	537,483
Total liabilities	1,148,338	1,337,808
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]
Common stock, $.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 109,681,559 and 109,519,369 shares issued in 2017 and 2016, respectively	1,097	1,095
Additional paid-in capital	831,271	827,107
Retained earnings	798,743	800,640
Treasury stock at cost, $56,369,752 shares in 2017 and 2016	1,347,677	1,347,677
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(10,991)	(16,232)
Total stockholders' equity	272,443	264,933
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,420,781	$ 1,602,741

Consolidated Balance Sheets Con

Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parethetical) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,167,000	$ 3,593,000
Accumulated depreciation of property assets	$ 525,673,000	$ 522,101,000
Common stock - par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock - shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock - shares issued	109,681,559	109,519,369
Treasury stock - shares at cost	56,369,752,000	56,369,752

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		109,353,000
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,389,395	$ 1,094	$ 813,178	$ 1,927,445	$ (1,347,677)	$ (4,645)
Net earnings (loss)	(953,520)			(953,520)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,399)					(6,399)
Exercise of stock options, shares		66,000
Exercise of stock options	1,485		1,485
Vesting of restricted share units, shares		23,000
Vesting of restricted share units	0	$ 0
Tax effect of stock awards vested and options expired	(5,865)		(5,865)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition	9,541		9,541
Dividends declared	(51,047)			(51,047)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		109,442,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	383,590	$ 1,094	818,339	922,878	(1,347,677)	(11,044)
Net earnings (loss)	(105,195)			(105,195)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,188)					(5,188)
Vesting of restricted share units, shares		77,000
Vesting of restricted share units	0	$ 1	(1)
Tax effect of stock awards vested and options expired	(440)		(440)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition	9,209		9,209
Dividends declared	(17,043)			(17,043)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		109,519,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	264,933	$ 1,095	827,107	800,640	(1,347,677)	(16,232)
Net earnings (loss)	6,653			6,653
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 5,241					5,241
Exercise of stock options, shares	38,830	27,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 270		270
Vesting of restricted share units, shares		136,000
Vesting of restricted share units	0	$ 2	(2)
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition	3,896		3,896
Dividends declared	(8,550)			(8,550)
Ending balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		109,682,000
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 272,443	$ 1,097	$ 831,271	$ 798,743	$ (1,347,677)	$ (10,991)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 6,653	$ (105,195)	$ (953,520)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities [Abstract]
Depreciation of rental merchandise	618,390	657,090	718,100
Bad debt expense	15,702	15,449	15,260
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Requisite Service Period Recognition	3,896	9,209	9,541
Stock-based compensation expense	3,896	9,209	9,541
Depreciation for property assets	73,685	77,361	76,429
Loss on sale or disposal of property assets	15,795	3,718	11,897
Goodwill impairment charge	0	151,320	1,170,000
Amortization of impairment of intangibles	4,908	2,176	3,333
Amortization of financing fees	4,667	2,217	3,126
Write-off of debt financing fees	1,936	0	0
Deferred income taxes	(86,063)	(32,994)	(144,818)
Excess tax benefit related to stock awards	0	0	(86)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Rental merchandise	(487,130)	(523,697)	(622,149)
Receivables	(15,741)	(15,914)	(19,088)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(9,622)	104,379	31,636
Accounts payable - trade	(17,886)	11,883	(45,523)
Accrued liabilities	(18,657)	(2,929)	(23,144)
Net cash provided by operating activities	110,533	354,073	230,994
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property assets	(65,460)	(61,143)	(80,870)
Proceeds from sale of stores	4,638	5,262	15,964
Acquisitions of businesses	(2,525)	(3,098)	(25,170)
Net cash used in investing activities	(63,347)	(58,979)	(90,076)
Cash flows from financing activities
Exercise of stock options	270	0	1,485
Shares withheld for payment of employee tax withholdings	(225)	(338)	(506)
Excess tax benefit related to stock awards	0	0	86
Debt issuance costs	(5,258)	0	0
Proceeds from debt	347,635	52,245	531,180
Repayments of debt	(400,151)	(286,065)	(605,620)
Dividends paid	(12,811)	(25,554)	(51,011)
Net cash used in financing activities	(70,540)	(259,712)	(124,386)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	926	(349)	(2,295)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(22,428)	35,033	14,237
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	95,396	60,363	46,126
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	72,968	95,396	60,363
Supplemental cash flow information [Abstract]
Interest	41,339	44,469	49,386
Income taxes (excludes $7,321, $84,884 and $116,337 of income taxes refunded in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	$ 1,983	$ 18,536	$ 128,083

Consolidated Statements of Cas8

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income taxes refunded	$ 7,321	$ 84,884	$ 116,337

Nature of Operations and Summar

Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies [Text Block]	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, Mexico and Franchising. Our Core U.S. segment consists of company-owned rent-to-own stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico that lease household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. Our store in Canada operates under the name "Rent-A-Centre." 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, 2017 , we operated 2,381 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada and 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 retailers' locations. At December 31, 2017 , we operated 1,106 Acceptance Now Staffed locations and 125 Acceptance Now Direct locations. Our Mexico segment consists of our company-owned rent-to-own stores in Mexico that lease household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. At December 31, 2017 , we operated 131 stores in Mexico. Rent-A-Center Franchising International, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center, is a franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At December 31, 2017 , Franchising had 225 franchised stores operating in 31 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. 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 . Beginning in 2016, smartphones are depreciated over an 18 month straight-line basis beginning with the earlier of on rent or 90 consecutive days on held for rent. 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 or before the 90 th day following the time the account became past due in the Core U.S. and Mexico segments, and on or before the 150 th 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. Some franchisees purchase directly from a supplier but request reimbursement through ColorTyme Finance, Inc. and we recognize revenue for the commission we earn on these transactions. Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The installment notes 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 trade and notes 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. Trade receivables 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 receivables 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 trade receivables 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 5 years ) by the straight-line method. Our building is depreciated over 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 10 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 useful life of the asset utilizing the straight-line method. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 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 October 1, or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our reporting units are 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 determine the fair value of each reporting unit 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. We use a two-step approach to assess goodwill impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then the goodwill is not deemed impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds fair value, we perform a second analysis to measure the fair value of all assets and liabilities within the reporting unit, and if the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is considered impaired. The amount of the impairment is the difference between the carrying value of goodwill and the implied fair value, which is calculated as if the reporting unit had been acquired and accounted for as a business combination. As an alternative to this annual impairment testing, we may perform a qualitative assessment for impairment if it believes it is not more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit's net assets exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. 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, and other intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the asset. 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, vehicle liability and health insurance programs. 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 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 (Loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) 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 our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which we determine the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. We classify accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense and general & administrative expense, respectively. 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 (Loss) Per Common Share Basic earnings (loss) per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Diluted earnings (loss) 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 and vesting of stock awards 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 $86.1 million , $90.6 million and $96.2 million , for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Stock-Based Compensation We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees and directors, which are described more fully in Note N . 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 risk free interest rate. 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. Time-vesting restricted stock units are valued using the closing price on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the day before the grant date, adjusted for any provisions affecting fair value, such as the lack of dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period. Performance-based restricted stock units will vest in accordance with a total shareholder return formula, and are valued by a third-party valuation firm using Monte Carlo simulations. Stock-based compensation expense is reported within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. 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. Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. Rent-A-Center adopted ASU 2016-09 beginning January 1, 2017. We adopted the recognition of excess tax benefits in the provision for income taxes rather than paid-in-capital, and the classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows on a prospective basis. We elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur in our determination of compensation cost recognized each period. Furthermore, we adopted the minimum statutory withholding requirements and classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows on a modified retrospective and full retrospective basis, respectively. Additional amendments included in the accounting standard update were not applicable to us. Impacts resulting from adoption were immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Correction of Immaterial Errors

Correction of Immaterial Errors	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Correction of Immaterial Errors [Abstract]
Correction of Immaterial Errors [Text Block]	Correction of Immaterial Errors During the fourth quarter of 2016, we identified errors in accounting for our estimates for deferred taxes associated with our goodwill impairment reported in the fourth quarter 2015, resulting in an immaterial understatement of deferred income tax liabilities and overstatement of retained earnings, which affected periods beginning December 31, 2015 through September 30, 2016. 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 Stateme nts, 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 income tax benefit and an understatement of net loss of $86.9 million , respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015; a corresponding understatement of deferred income tax liabilities and overstatement of retained earnings in our consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015; and non-cash impacts to net loss and deferred income taxes in our consolidated cash flow statement at December 31, 2015. Due to the immaterial nature of the error correction, we revised our historical financial statements based on the amounts discussed above for 2015 herein, and revised the quarters within 2016 when they were published in 2017.

Receivables and Allowance for D

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]
Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables consist of the following: December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Installment sales receivable $ 55,516 $ 55,834 Trade and notes receivables 18,474 14,067 Other receivables — 3,477 Total receivables 73,990 73,378 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (4,167 ) (3,593 ) Total receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts $ 69,823 $ 69,785 The allowance for doubtful accounts related to installment sales receivable was $3.6 million and $3.3 million , and the allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade and notes receivable was $0.6 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts $ 3,593 $ 3,614 $ 4,023 Bad debt expense 15,702 15,449 15,260 Accounts written off (15,791 ) (16,095 ) (16,317 ) Recoveries 663 625 648 Ending allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,167 $ 3,593 $ 3,614

Rental Merchandise

Rental Merchandise	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rental Merchandise [Abstract]
Rental Merchandise [Text Block]	Rental Merchandise December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 On rent Cost $ 1,176,240 $ 1,338,670 Less accumulated depreciation (474,437 ) (543,552 ) Net book value, on rent $ 701,803 $ 795,118 Held for rent Cost $ 198,471 $ 255,857 Less accumulated depreciation (31,283 ) (49,021 ) Net book value, held for rent $ 167,188 $ 206,836

Property Assets

Property Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Assets [Abstract]
Property Assets [Text Block]	Property Assets December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Furniture and equipment $ 511,527 $ 522,036 Transportation equipment 10,585 11,854 Building and leasehold improvements 269,522 274,118 Land and land improvements 6,747 6,747 Construction in progress 10,193 23,774 Total property assets 808,574 838,529 Less accumulated depreciation (525,673 ) (522,101 ) Total property assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 282,901 $ 316,428 We had $7.3 million and $22.9 million of capitalized software costs included in construction in progress at December 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we placed in service internally developed software of approximately $32.1 million , $84.5 million and $22.9 million , respectively.

Intangible Assets and Acquisiti

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Text Block]	Intangible Assets and Acquisitions Goodwill Impairment Charge In the fourth quarter of 2017, we completed a qualitative assessment for impairment of goodwill as of October 1, 2017, concluding it was not more likely than not that the carrying value of our reporting unit's net assets exceeded the reporting unit's fair value and therefore no impairment of goodwill existed as of December 31. 2017. During 2016 and 2015, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $151.3 million and $1,170.0 million , respectively, in our Core U.S. segment. Intangible Assets Amortizable intangible assets consist of the following: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Avg. Life (years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Customer relationships 2 $ 79,670 $ 79,274 $ 79,106 $ 78,707 Vendor relationships 11 860 860 7,538 3,408 Non-compete agreements 3 6,748 6,262 6,746 6,023 Total other intangible assets $ 87,278 $ 86,396 $ 93,390 $ 88,138 Aggregate amortization expense (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2017 (1) $ 4,908 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 2,176 Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ 3,333 (1) Includes impairment charge of $3.9 million to our intangible assets, related to a vendor relationship, in the ANOW segment during the first quarter of 2017. 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 2018 $ 552 2019 310 2020 20 Thereafter — Total amortization expense $ 882 At December 31, 2017 , the amount of goodwill attributable to the Core U.S. and Acceptance Now segments was approximately $1.3 million and $55.3 million , respectively. At December 31, 2016 , the amount of goodwill allocated to the Acceptance Now segment was approximately $55.3 million and there was no goodwill allocated to the Core U.S. segment. A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Beginning goodwill balance $ 55,308 $ 206,122 Additions from acquisitions 1,217 1,442 Goodwill impairments and write-offs related to stores sold or closed — (152,239 ) Post purchase price allocation adjustments 89 (17 ) Ending goodwill balance $ 56,614 $ 55,308 Acquisitions The following table provides information concerning the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Year Ended December 31, (Dollar amounts in thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Number of stores acquired remaining open — — 5 Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores 8 3 34 Number of transactions 4 3 24 Total purchase price $ 2,547 $ 2,302 $ 25,488 Amounts allocated to: Goodwill $ 1,217 $ 1,442 $ 12,942 Non-compete agreements — — 1,166 Customer relationships 550 181 2,625 Rental merchandise 780 679 8,755 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. 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. The weighted average amortization period was approximately 21 months for intangible assets added during the year ended December 31, 2017 . Additions to goodwill due to acquisitions in 2017 were tax deductible.

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities [Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Accrued insurance costs $ 124,760 $ 125,172 Deferred revenue 51,742 58,255 Accrued compensation 37,783 40,551 Taxes other than income 27,415 22,556 Deferred compensation 11,323 11,394 Accrued interest payable 5,707 5,808 Deferred rent 3,937 5,199 Accrued dividends — 4,262 Accrued other 35,351 58,999 Total Accrued liabilities $ 298,018 $ 332,196

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	Income Taxes On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation (the “Tax Act”), which significantly revises the ongoing U.S. corporate income tax law by lowering the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0%, implementing a territorial tax system, imposing one-time tax on foreign unremitted earnings and setting limitations on deductibility of certain costs (e.g., interest expense), among other things. Loss before income taxes was comprised of the following: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Domestic $ (109,615 ) $ (110,347 ) $ (1,041,243 ) Foreign (585 ) (2,927 ) (15,337 ) Loss before income taxes $ (110,200 ) $ (113,274 ) $ (1,056,580 ) A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to actual follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Tax at statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 70.3 % — % — % Goodwill impairment — % (29.3 )% (27.0 )% State income taxes (1.8 )% 3.3 % 2.8 % Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits 3.5 % (0.2 )% — % Effect of current and prior year credits 1.7 % 2.9 % 0.5 % Adjustments to deferred taxes 1.6 % 0.6 % — % Valuation allowance (1.6 )% (6.6 )% (1.0 )% Other, net (2.7 )% 1.4 % (0.5 )% Effective income tax rate 106.0 % 7.1 % 9.8 % The components of income tax (benefit) expense are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Current (benefit) expense Federal $ (34,445 ) $ 23,752 $ 29,668 State 1,216 779 (6,432 ) Foreign (1,417 ) (582 ) 2,575 Total current (34,646 ) 23,949 25,811 Deferred (benefit) expense Federal (89,820 ) (27,307 ) (100,139 ) State 9,266 (6,586 ) (28,143 ) Foreign (1,653 ) 1,865 (589 ) Total deferred (82,207 ) (32,028 ) (128,871 ) Total income tax benefit $ (116,853 ) $ (8,079 ) $ (103,060 ) Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following: December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets State net operating loss carryforwards $ 22,154 $ 17,538 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 16,760 17,234 Accrued liabilities 49,619 70,733 Intangible assets 26,029 43,662 Other assets including credits 11,967 7,497 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 6,601 13,576 Total deferred tax assets 133,130 170,240 Valuation allowance (40,074 ) (35,410 ) Deferred tax assets, net 93,056 134,830 Deferred tax liabilities Rental merchandise (139,425 ) (234,211 ) Property assets (40,712 ) (73,763 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (180,137 ) (307,974 ) Net deferred taxes $ (87,081 ) $ (173,144 ) At December 31, 2017 , there are approximately $402.7 million of state Net Operating Loss (“NOL”) carryforwards expiring between 2018 and 2037 , offset by a valuation allowance of $60.2 million . Of the total remaining state NOL carryforwards, approximately 12.0% represent acquired NOLs. Utilization of these NOLs is subject to applicable annual limitations for U.S. state tax purposes. At December 31, 2017 , the Mexico NOL carryforwards were approximately $54.3 million , which expire between 2021 and 2027 , and are offset with a full valuation allowance. The Puerto Rico NOL is $1.8 million and it will expire in 2024 . In addition, at December 31, 2017 , we also had approximately $6.6 million in foreign tax credit (“FTC”) carryforwards expiring between 2020 and 2025 and are offset with a full valuation allowance. We establish a valuation allowance to the extent we consider it more likely than not that the deferred tax assets attributable to our NOLs, FTCs or other deferred tax assets will not be recovered. 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 2012. We are currently under examination in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and various states. We do not anticipate that adjustments as a result of these audits, if any, will result in a material change to our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share. As of each reporting date, the Company’s management considers new evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact management’s view with regard to future realization of deferred tax assets. In 2017, we increased the valuation allowance against Net Operating Losses and Credits in multiple state jurisdictions as well as foreign deferred tax assets that management believes will not be realized. In addition, the valuation allowance related to foreign tax credits was decreased due to the realization of foreign tax credits through deduction. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Beginning unrecognized tax benefit balance $ 33,723 $ 27,164 $ 13,376 (Reductions) additions based on tax positions related to current year (2,280 ) 773 1,508 Additions for tax positions of prior years 6,688 8,396 20,684 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (368 ) (2,246 ) (8,354 ) Settlements (444 ) (364 ) (50 ) Ending unrecognized tax benefit balance $ 37,319 $ 33,723 $ 27,164 Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2017 , is $6.2 million , net of federal benefit, which, if ultimately recognized, will affect our annual effective tax rate. During the next twelve months, we anticipate that it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could be reduced by approximately $2.4 million either because our tax position will be sustained upon audit or as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for specific jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2017 , we have accrued approximately $3.3 million for the payment of interest for uncertain tax positions and recorded interest expense of approximately $1.0 million for the year then ended, which are excluded from the reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits presented above. The SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ("SAB 118"), which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provisions of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act. Our accounting for the following elements of the Tax Act is incomplete. However, we were able to make reasonable estimates of certain effects and, therefore, recorded provisional adjustments as follows: • The Tax Act reduced the corporate tax rate to 21 percent, effective January 1, 2018. For our net federal deferred tax liabilities ("DTL"), we have recorded a provisional decrease of $76.5 million , with a corresponding net adjustment to deferred income tax benefit of $76.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This adjustment is based on a reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction in the corporate tax rate on our DTL's as of December 22, 2017. While we are able to make a reasonable estimate of the impact of the reduction in the corporate tax rate, our DTL's may be affected by other analyses related to the Tax Act, including our calculation of deemed repatriation of deferred foreign income, our calculation of the 100% bonus depreciation for assets placed in service in 2017 impacted by the Tax Act, and the state tax effect of adjustments made to federal temporary differences. • A provision in the Tax Act allows for 100% bonus depreciation on certain assets acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017. This immediate expensing will continue for assets acquired before December 31, 2022, at which point it will begin phasing out. While we have not yet completed all of the computations necessary or completed an inventory of our 2017 expenditures that qualify for immediate expensing, we have recorded a federal provisional benefit of $9.7 million based on our current intent to fully expense all qualifying expenditures. This resulted in a decrease of approximately $24.2 million to our current income tax payable and a corresponding increase in our DTLs of approximately $14.5 million (after considering the effects of the reduction in income tax rates). This provisional estimate is including the rate change provision above. • The Deemed Repatriation Transition Tax (Transition Tax) is a tax on previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits (E&P) of certain of our foreign subsidiaries. To assess the amount of the Transition Tax, we must determine, in addition to other factors, the amount of post-1986 E&P of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. We are able to make a reasonable estimate of the Transition Tax and currently estimate an obligation of $0.7 million . However, we are continuing to review additional information regarding our accumulated E&P and non-U.S. income taxes paid to more precisely compute the amount of the Transition Tax, if any. In addition, based on current state tax law, we estimate the state impact of the Transition Tax to be insignificant. This estimate will be revised based on a calculation of our final Transition Tax as well as any updated guidance on state treatment of the deemed repatriation. The effect of the tax rate change for items originally recognized in other comprehensive income was properly recorded in tax expense from continuing operations. This results in stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2017. Companies can make a policy election to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings the stranded tax effects directly arising from the change in the federal corporate tax rate. We do not intend to exercise the option to reclassify stranded tax effects within accumulated other comprehensive income in each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Act (or portion thereof) is recorded.

Senior Debt

Senior Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Senior Debt [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	Senior Debt On March 19, 2014, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") among the Company, the several lenders from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement, Bank of America, N.A., BBVA Compass Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and SunTrust Bank, as syndication agents, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement initially provided $900.0 million senior credit facility consisting of $225.0 million in term loans (the "Term Loans") and a $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility"). The Credit Agreement was previously amended on February 1, 2016 (the “First Amendment”), on September 30, 2016 (the “Second Amendment”), and on March 31, 2017 (the "Third Amendment and Waiver"). On June 6, 2017, we entered into a Fourth Amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”), effective as of June 6, 2017, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, the other agents party thereto and the lenders party thereto, to the Credit Agreement. The amounts outstanding under the Term Loans were $48.6 million and $191.8 million at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. The amount outstanding under the Revolving Facility was $85.0 million at December 31, 2017 and there were no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Facility at December 31, 2016 . Outstanding borrowings for senior debt at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were reduced by total unamortized issuance costs of $5.2 million and $5.1 million , respectively. The Term Loans are scheduled to mature on March 19, 2021 , and the Revolving Facility has a scheduled maturity of March 19, 2019 . The Term Loans are payable in consecutive quarterly installments each in an aggregate principal amount of $562,500 , with a final installment equal to the remaining principal balance of the Term Loans due on March 19, 2021. In the event our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio (as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement) exceeds 2.5:1, we are also required to pay down the Term Loans by a percentage of annual excess cash flow, as defined in the Credit Agreement. Additional payments will be equal to 25% of annual excess cash flows if the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio is between 2.5:1 and 3.0:1, increasing to 50% of annual excess cash flows if the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.0:1. We made a mandatory excess cash flow prepayment in March 2017 with respect to our results for the year ended December 31, 2016, of approximately $141 million and in March 2016 with respect to our results for the year ended December 31, 2015, of approximately $27 million . We anticipate making a mandatory excess cash flow prepayment in the first quarter of 2018 with respect to our results for the year ended December 31, 2017, of approximately $6 million . We are further required to pay down the Term Loans with proceeds from certain asset sales or borrowings as defined in the Credit Agreement. The debt facilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Facility Maturity Maximum Facility Amount Outstanding Amount Available Maximum Facility Amount Outstanding Amount Available Senior Debt: Term Loan March 19, 2021 $ 225,000 $ 48,563 $ — $ 225,000 $ 191,813 $ — Revolving Facility March 19, 2019 350,000 85,000 109,700 675,000 — 584,304 Total 575,000 133,563 109,700 900,000 191,813 584,304 Other indebtedness: Line of credit August 20, 2018 12,500 5,735 6,765 20,000 — 20,000 Total $ 587,500 139,298 $ 116,465 $ 920,000 191,813 $ 604,304 Unamortized debt issuance costs (5,173 ) (5,066 ) Total senior debt, net $ 134,125 $ 186,747 The full amount of the revolving credit facility may be used for the issuance of letters of credit. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the amounts available under the revolving credit facility were reduced by approximately $94.0 million and $90.7 million , respectively, for our outstanding letters of credit, resulting in availability of $109.7 million in our revolving credit facility, net of the $50 million of excess availability we must maintain on the Revolving Facility. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest at varying rates equal to either the Eurodollar rate plus 1.50% to 3.00% , or the prime rate plus 0.50% to 2.00% (ABR), at our election (pursuant to the Fourth Amendment discussed below). The margins on the Eurodollar loans and on the ABR loans for borrowings under the Revolving Facility, which were 3.00% and 2.00% , respectively, at December 31, 2017 , may fluctuate based upon an increase or decrease in our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio as defined by a pricing grid included in the Credit Agreement. The margins on the Eurodollar loans and on the ABR loans for Term Loans are 3.00% and 2.00% , respectively, but may also fluctuate in the event the all-in pricing for any subsequent incremental Term Loan exceeds the all-in pricing for prior Term Loans by more than 0.50% per annum. A commitment fee equal to 0.30% to 0.50% of the unused portion of the Revolving Facility is payable quarterly, and fluctuates dependent upon an increase or decrease in our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio. The commitment fee at December 31, 2017 , is equal to 0.50% of the unused portion of the Revolving Facility. Our borrowings under the Credit Agreement are, subject to certain exceptions, secured by a security interest in substantially all of our tangible and intangible assets, including intellectual property, and are also secured by a pledge of the capital stock of our U.S. subsidiaries. Subject to a number of exceptions, the Credit Agreement contains, without limitation, covenants that generally limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to: • incur additional debt; • repurchase capital stock, repurchase 6.625% notes and 4.75% notes and/or pay cash dividends when the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.75:1 (subject to an exception for cash dividends in an amount not to exceed $15 million annually); • incur liens or other encumbrances; • merge, consolidate or sell substantially all property or business; • sell, lease or otherwise transfer assets (other than in the ordinary course of business); • make investments or acquisitions (unless they meet financial tests and other requirements); or • enter into an unrelated line of business. Since the Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio at December 31, 2017 is greater than 3.75:1, we are limited to a maximum of $15.0 million in dividend payments for the fiscal year. As of December 31, 2017 , we have paid dividends of $12.8 million . The Fourth Amendment removed or modified certain covenants under the Credit Agreement, including: • the maximum Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio was removed; • the maximum Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio was removed; • the minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio was reduced from 1.50:1 to 1.10:1 and the definitions of Consolidated Fixed Charges and Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio were modified. In addition, the sole consequence of a breach of this covenant shall be that a Minimum Availability Period shall result, which impacts the borrowing capacity under the Loans; • any guarantee obligations of Foreign Subsidiaries may not exceed an aggregate of $10 million outstanding at any time; • indebtedness, including Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings and purchase money obligations that are secured by Liens permitted under the Credit Agreement, may not exceed an aggregate outstanding amount of $10 million, unless such Indebtedness was outstanding on the effective date of the Fourth Amendment; and • removed certain Permitted Investments, and modified Permitted Acquisitions, which is now tied to certain performance criteria, including the Borrowing Base. As a result of the Fourth Amendment, we are no longer required to maintain a certain Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio or Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, and we are prohibited from repurchasing our common stock and senior notes for the remaining term of the Credit Agreement. In addition, under the Fourth Amendment, we agreed to provide additional collateral protections to secure the obligations under the Credit Agreement. The Fourth Amendment reduced the total capacity of the Revolving Facility from $675 million to $350 million . The Fourth Amendment also modified the borrowing terms of the revolving loans under the Credit Agreement, which, as amended, establishes that the aggregate outstanding amounts (including after any draw request) not exceed the Borrowing Base. The Borrowing Base is tied to the Company’s Eligible Installment Sales Accounts, Inventory and Eligible Rental Contracts, in addition to Reserves and the Term Loan Reserve. We will provide to the Agent information necessary to calculate the Borrowing Base within 30 days of the end of each calendar month, unless the remaining availability of the Revolving Facility is less than 20% of the maximum borrowing capacity of the Revolving Facility or $60 million, in which case the Company must provide weekly information. The Credit Agreement as modified by the Fourth Amendment permits us to increase the amount of the Term Loans and/or the Revolving Facility from time to time on up to three occasions, in an aggregate amount of no more than $100 million . We may request an Incremental Revolving Loan or Incremental Term Loan, provided that at the time of such request, we are not in default, have obtained the consent of the administrative agent and the lenders providing such increase, and after giving effect thereto, (i) the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a pro forma basis is no less than 1.10:1, (ii) the Total Revolving Extensions of Credit do not exceed the Borrowing Base, and (iii) if the request occurs during a Minimum Availability Period, the Availability must be more than the Availability Threshold Amount. The Fourth Amendment permits the Agent, in its sole discretion, to make loans to us that it deems necessary or desires (i) to preserve or protect the Collateral, (ii) to enhance the likelihood of, or maximize the amount of, repayment of the Loans and other Obligations, or (iii) to pay any other amount chargeable to or requirement to be paid by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. The aggregate amount of such Protective Advances outstanding at any time may not exceed $35 million. In connection with the Fourth Amendment, we recorded a write-down of previously unamortized debt issuance costs of approximately $1.9 million in the second quarter of 2017. In addition, we paid arrangement and amendment fees to the Agent and the lenders that provided their consent to the Amendment of approximately $5.3 million , which were capitalized in the second quarter of 2017 and will be amortized to interest expense over the remaining term of the agreement. We also utilize our Revolving 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 Facility for general corporate purposes. 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. We believe the cash flow generated from operations, together with amounts available under our Credit Agreement, will be sufficient to fund our operations during the next 12 months. As of December 31, 2017 , we have issued letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $94 million . The table below shows the required and actual ratios under the Credit Agreement calculated as of December 31, 2017 : Required Ratio Actual Ratio Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio No less than 1.10:1 0.11:1 The actual Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage ratio was calculated pursuant to the Credit Agreement by dividing the sum of consolidated EBITDA minus Unfinanced Capital Expenditures minus the excess (to the extent positive) of (i) expenses for income taxes paid in cash minus (ii) cash income tax refunds received) for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2017 ( $5.3 million ), by consolidated fixed charges for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2017 ( $47.5 million ). For purposes of the calculation, “consolidated fixed charges” is defined as the sum of consolidated interest expense and scheduled principal payments on indebtedness actually made during such period. The actual Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 0.11 :1 as of December 31, 2017 was below the minimum requirement of 1.10 :1 as defined in the Fourth Amendment modifications above. As a result of being out of compliance with this covenant, we must maintain $50.0 million of excess availability on the Revolving Facility. Availability under our Revolving Facility was $109.7 million at December 31, 2017 , net of the $50 million of excess availability we must maintain on the Revolving Facility. Events of default under the Credit Agreement 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 Credit Agreement 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 a majority of Rent-A-Center’s Board of Directors are not Continuing Directors (all of the current members of our Board of Directors are Continuing Directors under the Credit Agreement). 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. In addition to the Revolving Facility discussed above, we maintain a $12.5 million unsecured, revolving line of credit with INTRUST Bank, N.A. to facilitate cash management. As of December 31, 2017 , we had $5.7 million outstanding borrowings against this line of credit and no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2016 . The line of credit renews annually. Borrowings under the line of credit bear interest at the greater of a variable rate or 2.00%. The table below shows the scheduled maturity dates of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2017 for each of the years ending December 31: (in thousands) Term Loan Revolving Facility INTRUST Line of Credit Total 2018 $ 2,250 $ — $ 5,735 $ 7,985 2019 2,250 85,000 — 87,250 2020 2,250 — — 2,250 2021 41,813 — — 41,813 2022 — — — — Thereafter — — — — Total senior debt $ 48,563 $ 85,000 $ 5,735 $ 139,298

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes [Abstract]
Subsidiary Guarantors Senior Notes [Text Block]	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 Prior Credit Agreement. The remaining net proceeds were used to repurchase shares of our common stock. The principal amount of the 6.625% notes outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , was $292.7 million , reduced by $1.8 million and $2.5 million of unamortized issuance costs, respectively. On May 2, 2013, we issued $250.0 million in senior unsecured notes due May 2021, bearing interest at 4.75%, 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 Prior Credit Agreement. The principal amount of the 4.75% notes outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , was $250.0 million , reduced by $2.1 million and $2.8 million of unamortized issuance costs, respectively. The indentures 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 when total leverage is greater than 2.50:1 (subject to an exception for cash dividends in an amount not to exceed $20 million annually); 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 and/or the 4.75% notes would trigger an event of default under our Credit Agreement. 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.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies Leases We lease space for substantially all of our Core U.S. and Mexico 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 $209.7 million , $231.3 million and $239.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2017 are as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases 2018 $ 158,347 2019 125,843 2020 94,362 2021 57,630 2022 26,328 Thereafter 3,729 Total future minimum rental payments $ 466,239 Contingencies From time to time, the Company, along with our subsidiaries, is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We reserve for 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. We are subject to unclaimed property audits by states in the ordinary course of business. We recently reached settlement agreements for the comprehensive multi-state unclaimed property audit. The property subject to review in this audit process included unclaimed wages, vendor payments and customer refunds. State escheat laws generally require entities to report and remit abandoned and unclaimed property to the state. Failure to timely report and remit the property can result in assessments that could include interest and penalties, in addition to the payment of the escheat liability itself. We routinely remit escheat payments to states in compliance with applicable escheat laws. The negotiated settlements did not have a material adverse impact to our financial statements. Alan Hall, et. al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc., et. al.; James DePalma, et. al. v. Rent-A-Center, Inc., et. al. On December 23, 2016, a putative class action was filed against us and certain of our former officers by Alan Hall in federal court in Sherman, Texas. The complaint alleges that the defendants violated Section 10(b) and/or Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by issuing false and misleading statements and omitting material facts regarding our business, including implementation of our point-of-sale system, operations and prospects during the period covered by the complaint. The complaint purports to be brought on behalf of all purchasers of our common stock from July 27, 2015 through October 10, 2016, and seeks damages in unspecified amounts and costs, fees, and expenses. A complaint filed by James DePalma also in Sherman, Texas alleging similar claims was consolidated by the court into the Hall matter. On October 19, 2017, the magistrate judge entered a recommendation to deny our motion to dismiss the complaint to the district judge who will decide the issue. We filed our objections to the magistrate's recommendation on November 2, 2017. On December 14, 2017, the district judge issued an order adopting the magistrate's report and denying our motion to dismiss the complaint. Discovery in this matter has now commenced. A hearing on class certification is scheduled for September 19, 2018. We continue to believe that these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves. However, we cannot assure you that we will be found to have no liability in this matter. Kevin Paul, derivatively and on behalf of Rent-A-Center, Inc. v. Robert D. Davis et. al.; Sheila Coleman, derivatively and on behalf of Rent-A-Center, Inc. v. Robert D. Davis et. al.; Michael Downing, derivatively and on behalf of Rent-A-Center, Inc. v. Mark E. Speese et. al. On March 15 and 16, 2017, substantially similar shareholder derivative suits were filed against certain current and former officers and directors and, nominally, against us, in state court in Dallas County, Texas. Another substantially similar shareholder derivative suit was filed against certain current and former officers and directors and, nominally, against us, in state court in Collin County, Texas on May 8, 2017. All three of the cases have been consolidated in state court in Dallas County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties owed to Rent-A-Center and otherwise mismanaged the affairs of the company as it concerns public statements made related to our point-of-sale system, operational results of our Acceptance Now segment, and our revenues and profitability. The petitions in these suits claim damages in unspecified amounts; seek an order directing the Company to make various changes to corporate governance and internal procedures, including putting forth a shareholder vote on various governance matters; restitution from the individual defendants; and cost, fees and expenses. We believe that these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves. However, we cannot assure you that the individual defendants will be found to have no liability in this matter. Arnaud van der Gracht de Rommerswael, derivatively and on behalf of Rent-A-Center, Inc. v. Mark Speese et. al. On April 3, 2017, another shareholder derivative suit was filed against certain current and former officers and directors, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., and, nominally, against us, in federal court in Sherman, Texas. The complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties owed to Rent-A-Center and otherwise mismanaged the affairs of the company as it concerns (i) public statements made related to the rollout of our point-of-sale system; (ii) compensation paid to Guy Constant and Robert Davis surrounding their resignations; and (iii) change-of-control language in certain debt agreements, which the suit alleges impacts shareholders’ willingness to vote for a slate of directors nominated by Engaged Capital Flagship Master Fund, LP. (“Engaged Capital”). The complaint claims damages in unspecified amounts, disgorgement of benefits from alleged breaches of duty by the individual defendants; an order declaring that certain language in the debt agreements is unenforceable; an order enjoining the lender defendants from enforcing certain provisions in the debt agreements; an order directing the Company’s board to approve Engaged Capital’s slate of directors; an order directing the Company to make unspecified changes to corporate governance and internal procedures; and costs, fees, and expenses. In response to the motion to dismiss filed by the defendants on April 25, 2017, the plaintiff amended his complaint on May 9, 2017 and on May 19, 2017. The amended complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment and waste of corporate assets related to alleged acts for the purposes of entrenching board members, including the approval of change-of-control language in certain debt agreements, the implementation of the point-of-sale system, and the severance compensation paid to Guy Constant and Robert Davis. On July 10, 2017, the plaintiff’s claims against JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. were dismissed. On October 12, 2017, the court issued an order requiring plaintiffs to re-plead the claims related to our point-of-sale system, and denying the motion to dismiss with respect to the waste and entrenchment claims. The plaintiffs failed to re-plead the claims related to our point-of-sale system. Discovery with respect to the remaining waste and entrenchment clams has now commenced. We continue to believe that these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves. However, we cannot assure you that the defendants will be found to have no liability in this matter. Blair v. Rent-A-Center, Inc. This matter is a state-wide class action complaint originally filed on March 13, 2017 in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges various claims, including that our cash sales and total rent to own prices exceed the pricing permitted under the Karnette Rental-Purchase Act. In addition, the plaintiffs allege that we fail to give customers a fully executed rental agreement and that all such rental agreements that were issued to customers unsigned are void under the law. The plaintiffs are seeking statutory damages under the Karnette Rental-Purchase Act which range from $100 - $1,000 per violation, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees. We believe that these claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves. However, we cannot assure you that we will be found to have no liability in this matter.

Other Charges and Credits - Cos

Other Charges and Credits - Cost of Revenues	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Charges and Credits - Cost of Revenues [Abstract]
Other Charges and Credits - Cost of Revenues [Text Block]	Other Charges and Credits - Cost of Revenues Write-down of Rental Merchandise. During 2015, we projected that we would not recover the carrying value of certain smartphones. We recorded a $34.7 million impairment charge, included in cost of revenues in the accompanying statement of operations.

Other Charges - Operating Expen

Other Charges - Operating Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Charges - Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Other Charges [Text Block]	Other Charges - Operating Expenses Acceptance Now Store Closures. During the first six months of 2017, we closed 319 Acceptance Now manned locations and 9 Acceptance Now direct locations, related to the hhgregg bankruptcy and liquidation plan and the Conn's referral contract termination. These closures resulted in pre-tax charges of $19.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, consisting primarily of rental merchandise losses, disposal of fixed assets, and other miscellaneous labor and shutdown costs. In addition, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $3.9 million to our intangible assets for our discontinued vendor relationship. Corporate Cost Rationalization. During the first nine months of 2017, we executed a head count reduction that impacted approximately 10% of our field support center workforce. This resulted in pre-tax charges for severance and other payroll-related costs of approximately $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Effects of Hurricanes. During the third quarter of 2017, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria caused significant damage in the continental United States and surrounding areas, including Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico, resulting in pre-tax expenses of approximately $5.4 million for inventory losses, store repair costs, fixed asset write-offs, and employee assistance. Approximately $2.1 million of these pre-tax expenses related to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, while the remaining $3.3 million related to Hurricane Maria. Write-down of Capitalized Software. During the fourth quarter of 2017 we discontinued certain IT software projects and as a result incurred pre-tax charges of $18.2 million , related to the write-down of capitalized assets and termination of associated license agreements. Core U.S. Store and Acceptance Now Consolidation Plan. During the second quarter of 2016, we closed 167 Core U.S. stores and 96 Acceptance Now locations, resulting in pre-tax charges of $20.1 million consisting of lease obligation costs, disposal of fixed assets, and other miscellaneous shutdown costs. During 2015, we closed 65 Core U.S. stores resulting in pre-tax restructuring charges of $4.3 million consisting of lease obligations costs, accelerated depreciation and disposal of fixed assets and inventory and other miscellaneous shutdown costs. Mexico Store Consolidation Plan. During the first quarter of 2016, we closed 14 stores in Mexico, resulting in pre-tax charges of $2.3 million in the Mexico segment for disposal of rental merchandise, disposal of fixed assets and leasehold improvements, and other miscellaneous shutdown costs. During 2015, we closed 34 stores in Mexico. These store closures resulted in pre-tax charges of $3.0 million in the Mexico segment for disposal of fixed assets and leasehold improvements, and other miscellaneous shutdown costs. Claims Settlement. In the fourth quarter of 2016, we recognized a gain of $2.2 million related to a legal claims settlement. Sourcing and Distribution Network Startup Costs. As part of our transformational sourcing and distribution initiative, we entered into an agreement with a third-party logistics partner. As a result, we incurred one-time costs to set up new warehousing facilities and distribution routes and we incurred other charges to close existing warehouse space and terminate employees. The pre-tax charges for these items were approximately $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflected in the Core U.S. segment. Sale of Stores. During 2015, we incurred pre-tax losses of $7.2 million on the sale of 40 Core U.S. stores to a franchisee and $0.3 million on the sale of 14 Core U.S. stores in Canada. We also incurred losses on the sale and closure of other Core U.S. stores of $1.1 million in 2015. Corporate Cost Rationalization. During 2015, we eliminated certain departments and functions in our field support center as a part of our efforts to transform and modernize our operations company-wide. This resulted in pre-tax charges for severance and other payroll-related costs of approximately $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. Activity with respect to other charges for the year ended December 31, 2017 is summarized in the below table: (In thousands) Accrued Charges at December 31, 2015 Charges & Adjustments Payments Accrued Charges at December 31, 2016 Charges & Adjustments Payments Accrued Charges at December 31, 2017 Cash charges: Labor reduction costs $ 3,340 $ 1,380 $ (3,327 ) $ 1,393 $ 3,765 $ (3,484 ) $ 1,674 Lease obligation costs 1,229 15,198 (9,799 ) 6,628 457 (4,980 ) 2,105 Other miscellaneous — 1,455 (1,455 ) — 723 (723 ) — Total cash charges $ 4,569 18,033 $ (14,581 ) $ 8,021 4,945 $ (9,187 ) $ 3,779 Non-cash charges: Rental merchandise losses 287 18,417 Loss on sale of fixed assets 3,491 1,032 Other, net 673 — Impairment of intangible asset — 3,896 Impairment of capitalized software costs — 18,205 Other (1) (2,185 ) 12,724 Total other charges $ 20,299 $ 59,219 (1) Other primarily includes incremental legal and advisory fees related to shareholder proposals, effects of hurricanes, and legal settlements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and primarily includes gain related to a legal claims settlement for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees and directors. Our plans consist of the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), and the Rent-A-Center 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2016 Plan") which are collectively known as the “Plans.” On March 9, 2016, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the 2016 Plan and directed that it be submitted for the approval of the stockholders. On June 2, 2016, the stockholders approved the 2016 Plan. The 2016 Plan authorizes the issuance of a total of 6,500,000 shares of common stock. Any shares of common stock granted in connection with an award of stock options or stock appreciation rights will be counted against this limit as one share and any shares of common stock granted in connection with awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock or similar forms of stock awards other than stock options and stock appreciation rights will be counted against this limit as two shares of common stock for every one share of common stock granted in connection with such awards. No shares of common stock will be deemed to have been issued if (1) such shares covered by the unexercised portion of an option that terminates, expires, or is cancelled or settled in cash or (2) such shares are forfeited or subject to awards that are forfeited, canceled, terminated or settled in cash. In any calendar year, (1) no employee will be granted options and/or stock appreciation rights for more than 800,000 shares of common stock; (2) no employee will be granted performance-based equity awards under the 2016 Plan (other than options and stock appreciation rights), covering more than 800,000 shares of common stock; and (3) no employee will be granted performance-based cash awards for more than $5,000,000. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , there were 1,705,660 and 302,935 shares, respectively, allocated to equity awards outstanding in the 2016 Plan. 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, 2017 and 2016 , there were 1,554,931 and 2,108,068 shares, respectively, allocated to equity awards outstanding in the 2006 Plan. The 2006 Plan expired in accordance with its terms on March 24, 2016, and all shares remaining available for grant under the 2006 Plan were canceled. 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 1,037,514 and 1,526,203 shares allocated to equity awards outstanding in the Equity Incentive Plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Equity Incentive Plan expired in accordance with its terms on January 13, 2016, and all shares remaining available for grant under the Equity Incentive Plan were canceled. Options granted to our employees generally become exercisable over a period of 1 to 4 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 stock performance against an index using a total shareholder return formula established at the date of grant for the subsequent three-year period. We record expense for these awards over the requisite service period, net of the expected forfeiture rate, since the employee must maintain employment to vest in the award. Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Stock options $ 2,023 $ 2,954 $ 4,030 Restricted share units 1,873 6,255 5,511 Total stock-based compensation expense 3,896 9,209 9,541 Tax benefit recognized in the statements of earnings 1,442 658 1,715 Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 2,454 $ 8,551 $ 7,826 We issue new shares of stock to satisfy option exercises and the vesting of restricted stock units. The fair value of unvested options that we expect to result in compensation expense was approximately $3.1 million with a weighted average number of years to vesting of 2.56 at December 31, 2017 . Information with respect to stock option activity related to the Plans for the year ended December 31, 2017 follows: Equity Awards Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) Balance outstanding at January 1, 2017 3,072,181 $ 25.07 Granted 935,532 9.46 Exercised (38,830 ) 17.01 Forfeited (695,697 ) 17.93 Expired (319,492 ) 30.37 Balance outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,953,694 $ 21.34 6.15 $ 344 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,645,305 $ 27.23 4.26 $ 344 The intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2015 was $53.3 thousand and $521.5 thousand , respectively, resulting in tax benefits of $18.7 thousand and $182.5 thousand , respectively, which are reflected as an outflow from operating activities and an inflow from financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. There were no options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2016 . The weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the Black-Scholes method. The weighted average grant date fair value and weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing models are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average grant date fair value $ 2.92 $ 3.06 $ 6.34 Weighted average risk free interest rate 1.78 % 1.31 % 1.42 % Weighted average expected dividend yield 3.03 % 3.16 % 3.32 % Weighted average expected volatility 45.44 % 39.64 % 33.28 % Weighted average expected life (in years) 4.50 4.63 5.05 Information with respect to non-vested restricted stock unit activity follows: Restricted Awards Outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance outstanding at January 1, 2017 1,362,131 $ 15.31 Granted 955,683 9.00 Vested (176,707 ) 19.39 Forfeited (796,696 ) 14.34 Balance outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,344,411 $ 10.87 Restricted stock units are valued using the closing price reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the trading day immediately preceding the day of the grant. Unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2017 , was approximately $6.0 million expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.79 years.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Deferred Compensation Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation Plan [Text Block]	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. 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 three-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, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we made matching cash contributions of $0.1 million , $0.3 million and $0.4 million , respectively, which represents 50% of the employees’ contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan up to an amount not to exceed 6% of each employee's respective compensation. No other discretionary contributions were made for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . The deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities were approximately $11.3 million and $11.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

401(k) Plan

401(k) Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
401(k) Plan [Abstract]
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	401(k) Plan We sponsor a defined contribution 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 three-year graded vesting schedule based on the participant's years of service with us. For the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , we made matching cash contributions of $7.0 million , $7.6 million and $7.2 million , respectively, which represents 50% of the employees’ contributions to the 401(k) plan up to an amount not to exceed 6% 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, 2017 and 2016 , 6.0% and 3.6% , respectively, of the total plan assets consisted of our common stock.

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	Fair Value We follow 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, 2017 , 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, 2017 and 2016 , 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 and was as follows at December 31, 2017 and 2016 : December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Difference Carrying Value Fair Value Difference 6.625% senior notes $ 292,740 $ 278,835 $ (13,905 ) $ 292,740 $ 266,393 $ (26,347 ) 4.75% senior notes 250,000 237,500 (12,500 ) 250,000 206,250 (43,750 ) Total senior notes $ 542,740 $ 516,335 $ (26,405 ) $ 542,740 $ 472,643 $ (70,097 )

Stock Repurchase Plan

Stock Repurchase Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
Stock repurchase plan [Text Block]	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. We have repurchased a total of 36,994,653 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $994.8 million as of December 31, 2017 . No shares were repurchased during 2017 and 2016 . Common stock repurchases are currently prohibited under the Fourth Amendment to our Credit Agreement. Please see Note I for further discussion of this restriction.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information [Text Block]	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, and our Core U.S. and franchising segments also offer smartphones. 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, Canada 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 and other intangible assets. 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. Our Mexico segment currently consists of our company-owned rent-to-own stores in Mexico. The nature of this segment's operations and assets are the same as our Core U.S. segment. The stores in our Franchising segment 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. Segment information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Revenues Core U.S. $ 1,835,422 $ 2,069,725 $ 2,371,823 Acceptance Now 797,987 817,814 818,325 Mexico 47,005 50,927 63,803 Franchising 22,126 24,786 24,469 Total revenues $ 2,702,540 $ 2,963,252 $ 3,278,420 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Gross profit Core U.S. $ 1,276,212 $ 1,467,679 $ 1,644,840 Acceptance Now 400,002 422,381 420,980 Mexico 32,592 35,549 42,354 Franchising 9,736 9,440 9,935 Total gross profit $ 1,718,542 $ 1,935,049 $ 2,118,109 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Operating profit (loss) Core U.S. $ 86,196 $ (1,020 ) $ (959,447 ) Acceptance Now 48,618 105,925 123,971 Mexico (260 ) (2,449 ) (14,149 ) Franchising 5,081 5,650 5,793 Total segments 139,635 108,106 (843,832 ) Corporate (202,694 ) (174,702 ) (164,056 ) Total operating loss $ (63,059 ) $ (66,596 ) $ (1,007,888 ) Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles Core U.S. (1) $ 31,070 $ 39,734 $ 49,137 Acceptance Now (2) 2,498 3,309 3,334 Mexico 1,973 3,179 5,160 Franchising 177 177 185 Total segments 35,718 46,399 57,816 Corporate 38,921 34,057 22,904 Total depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles $ 74,639 $ 80,456 $ 80,720 (1) We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $151.3 million and $1,170 million in the Core U.S. segment during the fourth quarters of 2016 and 2015 , respectively, not included in the table above. (2) We recorded an impairment of intangibles of $3.9 million in the Acceptance Now segment during the first quarter of 2017 that is not included in the table above. The impairment charge was recorded to Other Charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Capital expenditures Core U.S. $ 26,506 $ 20,802 $ 21,739 Acceptance Now 2,723 2,330 2,473 Mexico 124 283 204 Total segments 29,353 23,415 24,416 Corporate 36,107 37,728 56,454 Total capital expenditures $ 65,460 $ 61,143 $ 80,870 December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 On rent rental merchandise, net Core U.S. $ 408,993 $ 426,845 $ 540,004 Acceptance Now 278,443 354,486 350,046 Mexico 14,367 13,787 17,575 Total on rent rental merchandise, net $ 701,803 $ 795,118 $ 907,625 December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Held for rent rental merchandise, net Core U.S. $ 156,039 $ 192,718 $ 215,327 Acceptance Now 4,940 7,489 5,000 Mexico 6,209 6,629 8,520 Total held for rent rental merchandise, net $ 167,188 $ 206,836 $ 228,847 December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Assets by segment Revised Core U.S. $ 776,296 $ 860,717 $ 1,240,593 Acceptance Now 350,970 432,383 426,827 Mexico 33,529 31,415 38,898 Franchising 3,802 2,197 2,723 Total segments 1,164,597 1,326,712 1,709,041 Corporate 256,184 276,029 265,427 Total assets $ 1,420,781 $ 1,602,741 $ 1,974,468 December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Assets by country Revised United States $ 1,383,004 $ 1,567,933 $ 1,930,676 Mexico 33,529 31,415 38,898 Canada 4,248 3,393 4,894 Total assets $ 1,420,781 $ 1,602,741 $ 1,974,468 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Rentals and fees by inventory category Furniture and accessories $ 921,159 $ 927,537 $ 955,576 Consumer electronics 459,942 553,976 626,668 Appliances 351,893 391,539 415,278 Computers 124,158 148,889 207,906 Smartphones 57,927 93,449 163,667 Other products and services 352,662 384,663 412,220 Total rentals and fees $ 2,267,741 $ 2,500,053 $ 2,781,315 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Revenue by country United States $ 2,654,819 $ 2,911,613 $ 3,209,736 Mexico 47,005 50,927 63,803 Canada 716 712 4,881 Total revenues $ 2,702,540 $ 2,963,252 $ 3,278,420

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings Per Common Share Summarized basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 Numerator: Net earnings (loss) $ 6,653 $ (105,195 ) $ (953,520 ) Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding 53,282 53,121 53,050 Effect of dilutive stock awards (1) 562 — — Weighted-average dilutive shares 53,844 53,121 53,050 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.12 $ (1.98 ) $ (17.97 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.12 $ (1.98 ) $ (17.97 ) Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Anti-dilutive restricted share units — 482 257 Anti-dilutive performance share units 329 880 611 Anti-dilutive stock options 2,554 3,072 2,586 (1) There was no dilutive effect to the loss per common share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 due to the net loss incurred for both periods.

Unaudited Quarterly Data

Unaudited Quarterly Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Text Block]	Unaudited Quarterly Data Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 , and 2016 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share data) 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Year Ended December 31, 2017 Revenues $ 741,986 $ 677,635 $ 643,965 $ 638,954 Gross profit 462,663 432,533 412,465 410,881 Operating profit (loss) 1,152 (873 ) (8,445 ) (54,893 ) Net (loss) earnings (6,679 ) (8,893 ) (12,599 ) 34,824 Basic (loss) earnings per common share $ (0.13 ) $ (0.17 ) $ (0.24 ) $ 0.65 Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $ (0.13 ) $ (0.17 ) $ (0.24 ) $ 0.65 Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ — $ — (In thousands, except per share data) 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Year Ended December 31, 2016 Revenues $ 835,652 $ 749,619 $ 693,877 $ 684,104 Gross profit 534,944 500,158 457,226 442,721 Operating profit (loss) 48,430 27,550 16,700 (159,276 ) Net earnings (loss) 25,061 9,946 6,181 (146,383 ) Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.47 $ 0.19 $ 0.12 $ (2.76 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.47 $ 0.19 $ 0.12 $ (2.76 ) Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ 0.08

Nature of Operations and Summ30

Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Nature of Operations [Policy Text Block]	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, Mexico and Franchising. Our Core U.S. segment consists of company-owned rent-to-own stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico that lease household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. Our store in Canada operates under the name "Rent-A-Centre." 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, 2017 , we operated 2,381 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada and 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 retailers' locations. At December 31, 2017 , we operated 1,106 Acceptance Now Staffed locations and 125 Acceptance Now Direct locations. Our Mexico segment consists of our company-owned rent-to-own stores in Mexico that lease household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. At December 31, 2017 , we operated 131 stores in Mexico. Rent-A-Center Franchising International, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center, is a franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At December 31, 2017 , Franchising had 225 franchised stores operating in 31 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 [Policy Text Block]	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. 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 . Beginning in 2016, smartphones are depreciated over an 18 month straight-line basis beginning with the earlier of on rent or 90 consecutive days on held for rent. 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 or before the 90 th day following the time the account became past due in the Core U.S. and Mexico segments, and on or before the 150 th 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 [Policy Text Block]	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 [Policy Text Block]	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. Some franchisees purchase directly from a supplier but request reimbursement through ColorTyme Finance, Inc. and we recognize revenue for the commission we earn on these transactions.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Policy Text Block]	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The installment notes 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 trade and notes 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. Trade receivables 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 receivables 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 trade receivables 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 [Policy Text Block]	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 5 years ) by the straight-line method. Our building is depreciated over 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 10 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 useful life of the asset utilizing the straight-line method.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 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 October 1, or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our reporting units are 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 determine the fair value of each reporting unit 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. We use a two-step approach to assess goodwill impairment. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then the goodwill is not deemed impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds fair value, we perform a second analysis to measure the fair value of all assets and liabilities within the reporting unit, and if the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is considered impaired. The amount of the impairment is the difference between the carrying value of goodwill and the implied fair value, which is calculated as if the reporting unit had been acquired and accounted for as a business combination. As an alternative to this annual impairment testing, we may perform a qualitative assessment for impairment if it believes it is not more likely than not that the carrying value of a reporting unit's net assets exceeds the reporting unit's fair value. 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, and other intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the asset.
Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets [Policy Text Block]	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 [Policy Text Block]	Self-Insurance Liabilities We have self-insured retentions with respect to losses under our workers' compensation, general liability, vehicle liability and health insurance programs. 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 [Policy Text Block]	Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of our foreign operations is 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 [Policy Text Block]	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised exclusively of our foreign currency translation adjustment.
Income Taxes [Policy Text Block]	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 our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which we determine the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. We classify accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense and general & administrative expense, respectively.
Sales Tax [Policy Text Block]	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 (Loss) Per Common Share [Policy Text Block]	Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share Basic earnings (loss) per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Diluted earnings (loss) 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 and vesting of stock awards at the beginning of the year, or for the period outstanding during the year for current year issuances.
Advertising Costs [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are expensed when incurred. Advertising expense was $86.1 million , $90.6 million and $96.2 million , for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.
Share-based Compensation [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees and directors, which are described more fully in Note N . 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 risk free interest rate. 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. Time-vesting restricted stock units are valued using the closing price on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the day before the grant date, adjusted for any provisions affecting fair value, such as the lack of dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period. Performance-based restricted stock units will vest in accordance with a total shareholder return formula, and are valued by a third-party valuation firm using Monte Carlo simulations. Stock-based compensation expense is reported within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Reclassifications [Policy Text Block]	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 [Policy Text Block]	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.
Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements [Text Block]	Newly Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. Rent-A-Center adopted ASU 2016-09 beginning January 1, 2017. We adopted the recognition of excess tax benefits in the provision for income taxes rather than paid-in-capital, and the classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows on a prospective basis. We elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur in our determination of compensation cost recognized each period. Furthermore, we adopted the minimum statutory withholding requirements and classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows on a modified retrospective and full retrospective basis, respectively. Additional amendments included in the accounting standard update were not applicable to us. Impacts resulting from adoption were immaterial to the consolidated financial statements.

Receivables and Allowance for31

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]
Receivables [Table Text Block]	Receivables consist of the following: December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Installment sales receivable $ 55,516 $ 55,834 Trade and notes receivables 18,474 14,067 Other receivables — 3,477 Total receivables 73,990 73,378 Less allowance for doubtful accounts (4,167 ) (3,593 ) Total receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts $ 69,823 $ 69,785
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts [Table Text Block]	Changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Beginning allowance for doubtful accounts $ 3,593 $ 3,614 $ 4,023 Bad debt expense 15,702 15,449 15,260 Accounts written off (15,791 ) (16,095 ) (16,317 ) Recoveries 663 625 648 Ending allowance for doubtful accounts $ 4,167 $ 3,593 $ 3,614

Rental Merchandise Rental Merch

Rental Merchandise Rental Merchandise (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Rental Merchandise [Abstract]
Rental Merchandise [Table Text Block]	Rental Merchandise December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 On rent Cost $ 1,176,240 $ 1,338,670 Less accumulated depreciation (474,437 ) (543,552 ) Net book value, on rent $ 701,803 $ 795,118 Held for rent Cost $ 198,471 $ 255,857 Less accumulated depreciation (31,283 ) (49,021 ) Net book value, held for rent $ 167,188 $ 206,836

Property Assets Property Assets

Property Assets Property Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Assets [Abstract]
Property Assets [Table Text Block]	Property Assets December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Furniture and equipment $ 511,527 $ 522,036 Transportation equipment 10,585 11,854 Building and leasehold improvements 269,522 274,118 Land and land improvements 6,747 6,747 Construction in progress 10,193 23,774 Total property assets 808,574 838,529 Less accumulated depreciation (525,673 ) (522,101 ) Total property assets, net of accumulated depreciation $ 282,901 $ 316,428

Intangible Assets and Acquisi34

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	Amortizable intangible assets consist of the following: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (Dollar amounts in thousands) Avg. Life (years) Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Customer relationships 2 $ 79,670 $ 79,274 $ 79,106 $ 78,707 Vendor relationships 11 860 860 7,538 3,408 Non-compete agreements 3 6,748 6,262 6,746 6,023 Total other intangible assets $ 87,278 $ 86,396 $ 93,390 $ 88,138
Aggregate Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	Aggregate amortization expense (in thousands): Year Ended December 31, 2017 (1) $ 4,908 Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 2,176 Year Ended December 31, 2015 $ 3,333 (1) Includes impairment charge of $3.9 million to our intangible assets, related to a vendor relationship, in the ANOW segment during the first quarter of 2017.
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]	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 2018 $ 552 2019 310 2020 20 Thereafter — Total amortization expense $ 882
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Beginning goodwill balance $ 55,308 $ 206,122 Additions from acquisitions 1,217 1,442 Goodwill impairments and write-offs related to stores sold or closed — (152,239 ) Post purchase price allocation adjustments 89 (17 ) Ending goodwill balance $ 56,614 $ 55,308
Acquisitions [Table Text Block]	The following table provides information concerning the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . Year Ended December 31, (Dollar amounts in thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Number of stores acquired remaining open — — 5 Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores 8 3 34 Number of transactions 4 3 24 Total purchase price $ 2,547 $ 2,302 $ 25,488 Amounts allocated to: Goodwill $ 1,217 $ 1,442 $ 12,942 Non-compete agreements — — 1,166 Customer relationships 550 181 2,625 Rental merchandise 780 679 8,755

Accrued Liabilities Accrued Lia

Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accrued Liabilities December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Accrued insurance costs $ 124,760 $ 125,172 Deferred revenue 51,742 58,255 Accrued compensation 37,783 40,551 Taxes other than income 27,415 22,556 Deferred compensation 11,323 11,394 Accrued interest payable 5,707 5,808 Deferred rent 3,937 5,199 Accrued dividends — 4,262 Accrued other 35,351 58,999 Total Accrued liabilities $ 298,018 $ 332,196

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Loss Before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	Loss before income taxes was comprised of the following: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Domestic $ (109,615 ) $ (110,347 ) $ (1,041,243 ) Foreign (585 ) (2,927 ) (15,337 ) Loss before income taxes $ (110,200 ) $ (113,274 ) $ (1,056,580 )
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to actual follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Tax at statutory rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 70.3 % — % — % Goodwill impairment — % (29.3 )% (27.0 )% State income taxes (1.8 )% 3.3 % 2.8 % Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits 3.5 % (0.2 )% — % Effect of current and prior year credits 1.7 % 2.9 % 0.5 % Adjustments to deferred taxes 1.6 % 0.6 % — % Valuation allowance (1.6 )% (6.6 )% (1.0 )% Other, net (2.7 )% 1.4 % (0.5 )% Effective income tax rate 106.0 % 7.1 % 9.8 %
Components of Income Tax Expense [Table Text Block]	The components of income tax (benefit) expense are as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Current (benefit) expense Federal $ (34,445 ) $ 23,752 $ 29,668 State 1,216 779 (6,432 ) Foreign (1,417 ) (582 ) 2,575 Total current (34,646 ) 23,949 25,811 Deferred (benefit) expense Federal (89,820 ) (27,307 ) (100,139 ) State 9,266 (6,586 ) (28,143 ) Foreign (1,653 ) 1,865 (589 ) Total deferred (82,207 ) (32,028 ) (128,871 ) Total income tax benefit $ (116,853 ) $ (8,079 ) $ (103,060 )
Deferred Tax Assets [Table Text Block]	Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following: December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets State net operating loss carryforwards $ 22,154 $ 17,538 Foreign net operating loss carryforwards 16,760 17,234 Accrued liabilities 49,619 70,733 Intangible assets 26,029 43,662 Other assets including credits 11,967 7,497 Foreign tax credit carryforwards 6,601 13,576 Total deferred tax assets 133,130 170,240 Valuation allowance (40,074 ) (35,410 ) Deferred tax assets, net 93,056 134,830 Deferred tax liabilities Rental merchandise (139,425 ) (234,211 ) Property assets (40,712 ) (73,763 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (180,137 ) (307,974 ) Net deferred taxes $ (87,081 ) $ (173,144 )
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Table Text Block]	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Beginning unrecognized tax benefit balance $ 33,723 $ 27,164 $ 13,376 (Reductions) additions based on tax positions related to current year (2,280 ) 773 1,508 Additions for tax positions of prior years 6,688 8,396 20,684 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (368 ) (2,246 ) (8,354 ) Settlements (444 ) (364 ) (50 ) Ending unrecognized tax benefit balance $ 37,319 $ 33,723 $ 27,164

Senior Debt Senior Debt (Tables

Senior Debt Senior Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Senior Debt [Abstract]
Debt facilities [Table Text Block]	The debt facilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows: December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Facility Maturity Maximum Facility Amount Outstanding Amount Available Maximum Facility Amount Outstanding Amount Available Senior Debt: Term Loan March 19, 2021 $ 225,000 $ 48,563 $ — $ 225,000 $ 191,813 $ — Revolving Facility March 19, 2019 350,000 85,000 109,700 675,000 — 584,304 Total 575,000 133,563 109,700 900,000 191,813 584,304 Other indebtedness: Line of credit August 20, 2018 12,500 5,735 6,765 20,000 — 20,000 Total $ 587,500 139,298 $ 116,465 $ 920,000 191,813 $ 604,304 Unamortized debt issuance costs (5,173 ) (5,066 ) Total senior debt, net $ 134,125 $ 186,747
Financial covenants ratios [Table Text Block]	The table below shows the required and actual ratios under the Credit Agreement calculated as of December 31, 2017 : Required Ratio Actual Ratio Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio No less than 1.10:1 0.11:1
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt [Table Text Block]	The table below shows the scheduled maturity dates of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2017 for each of the years ending December 31: (in thousands) Term Loan Revolving Facility INTRUST Line of Credit Total 2018 $ 2,250 $ — $ 5,735 $ 7,985 2019 2,250 85,000 — 87,250 2020 2,250 — — 2,250 2021 41,813 — — 41,813 2022 — — — — Thereafter — — — — Total senior debt $ 48,563 $ 85,000 $ 5,735 $ 139,298

Commitments and Contingencies C

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2017 are as follows: (In thousands) Operating Leases 2018 $ 158,347 2019 125,843 2020 94,362 2021 57,630 2022 26,328 Thereafter 3,729 Total future minimum rental payments $ 466,239

Other Charges - Operating Exp39

Other Charges - Operating Expenses Other Charges - Operating Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Charges - Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Other Charges [Table Text Block]	Activity with respect to other charges for the year ended December 31, 2017 is summarized in the below table: (In thousands) Accrued Charges at December 31, 2015 Charges & Adjustments Payments Accrued Charges at December 31, 2016 Charges & Adjustments Payments Accrued Charges at December 31, 2017 Cash charges: Labor reduction costs $ 3,340 $ 1,380 $ (3,327 ) $ 1,393 $ 3,765 $ (3,484 ) $ 1,674 Lease obligation costs 1,229 15,198 (9,799 ) 6,628 457 (4,980 ) 2,105 Other miscellaneous — 1,455 (1,455 ) — 723 (723 ) — Total cash charges $ 4,569 18,033 $ (14,581 ) $ 8,021 4,945 $ (9,187 ) $ 3,779 Non-cash charges: Rental merchandise losses 287 18,417 Loss on sale of fixed assets 3,491 1,032 Other, net 673 — Impairment of intangible asset — 3,896 Impairment of capitalized software costs — 18,205 Other (1) (2,185 ) 12,724 Total other charges $ 20,299 $ 59,219 (1) Other primarily includes incremental legal and advisory fees related to shareholder proposals, effects of hurricanes, and legal settlements for the year ended December 31, 2017 and primarily includes gain related to a legal claims settlement for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense [Table Text Block]	Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Stock options $ 2,023 $ 2,954 $ 4,030 Restricted share units 1,873 6,255 5,511 Total stock-based compensation expense 3,896 9,209 9,541 Tax benefit recognized in the statements of earnings 1,442 658 1,715 Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 2,454 $ 8,551 $ 7,826
Stock option activity [Table Text Block]	Information with respect to stock option activity related to the Plans for the year ended December 31, 2017 follows: Equity Awards Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands) Balance outstanding at January 1, 2017 3,072,181 $ 25.07 Granted 935,532 9.46 Exercised (38,830 ) 17.01 Forfeited (695,697 ) 17.93 Expired (319,492 ) 30.37 Balance outstanding at December 31, 2017 2,953,694 $ 21.34 6.15 $ 344 Exercisable at December 31, 2017 1,645,305 $ 27.23 4.26 $ 344
Weighted average fair values of options granted [Table Text Block]	The weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the Black-Scholes method. The weighted average grant date fair value and weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing models are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Weighted average grant date fair value $ 2.92 $ 3.06 $ 6.34 Weighted average risk free interest rate 1.78 % 1.31 % 1.42 % Weighted average expected dividend yield 3.03 % 3.16 % 3.32 % Weighted average expected volatility 45.44 % 39.64 % 33.28 % Weighted average expected life (in years) 4.50 4.63 5.05
Nonvested restricted stock units activity [Table Text Block]	Information with respect to non-vested restricted stock unit activity follows: Restricted Awards Outstanding Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance outstanding at January 1, 2017 1,362,131 $ 15.31 Granted 955,683 9.00 Vested (176,707 ) 19.39 Forfeited (796,696 ) 14.34 Balance outstanding at December 31, 2017 1,344,411 $ 10.87

Fair Value Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	The fair value of our senior notes is based on Level 1 inputs and was as follows at December 31, 2017 and 2016 : December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 (In thousands) Carrying Value Fair Value Difference Carrying Value Fair Value Difference 6.625% senior notes $ 292,740 $ 278,835 $ (13,905 ) $ 292,740 $ 266,393 $ (26,347 ) 4.75% senior notes 250,000 237,500 (12,500 ) 250,000 206,250 (43,750 ) Total senior notes $ 542,740 $ 516,335 $ (26,405 ) $ 542,740 $ 472,643 $ (70,097 )

Segment Information Segment Inf

Segment Information Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information [Table Text Block]	Segment information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 is as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Revenues Core U.S. $ 1,835,422 $ 2,069,725 $ 2,371,823 Acceptance Now 797,987 817,814 818,325 Mexico 47,005 50,927 63,803 Franchising 22,126 24,786 24,469 Total revenues $ 2,702,540 $ 2,963,252 $ 3,278,420 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Gross profit Core U.S. $ 1,276,212 $ 1,467,679 $ 1,644,840 Acceptance Now 400,002 422,381 420,980 Mexico 32,592 35,549 42,354 Franchising 9,736 9,440 9,935 Total gross profit $ 1,718,542 $ 1,935,049 $ 2,118,109 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Operating profit (loss) Core U.S. $ 86,196 $ (1,020 ) $ (959,447 ) Acceptance Now 48,618 105,925 123,971 Mexico (260 ) (2,449 ) (14,149 ) Franchising 5,081 5,650 5,793 Total segments 139,635 108,106 (843,832 ) Corporate (202,694 ) (174,702 ) (164,056 ) Total operating loss $ (63,059 ) $ (66,596 ) $ (1,007,888 ) Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles Core U.S. (1) $ 31,070 $ 39,734 $ 49,137 Acceptance Now (2) 2,498 3,309 3,334 Mexico 1,973 3,179 5,160 Franchising 177 177 185 Total segments 35,718 46,399 57,816 Corporate 38,921 34,057 22,904 Total depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles $ 74,639 $ 80,456 $ 80,720 (1) We recorded goodwill impairment charges of $151.3 million and $1,170 million in the Core U.S. segment during the fourth quarters of 2016 and 2015 , respectively, not included in the table above. (2) We recorded an impairment of intangibles of $3.9 million in the Acceptance Now segment during the first quarter of 2017 that is not included in the table above. The impairment charge was recorded to Other Charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Capital expenditures Core U.S. $ 26,506 $ 20,802 $ 21,739 Acceptance Now 2,723 2,330 2,473 Mexico 124 283 204 Total segments 29,353 23,415 24,416 Corporate 36,107 37,728 56,454 Total capital expenditures $ 65,460 $ 61,143 $ 80,870 December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 On rent rental merchandise, net Core U.S. $ 408,993 $ 426,845 $ 540,004 Acceptance Now 278,443 354,486 350,046 Mexico 14,367 13,787 17,575 Total on rent rental merchandise, net $ 701,803 $ 795,118 $ 907,625 December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Held for rent rental merchandise, net Core U.S. $ 156,039 $ 192,718 $ 215,327 Acceptance Now 4,940 7,489 5,000 Mexico 6,209 6,629 8,520 Total held for rent rental merchandise, net $ 167,188 $ 206,836 $ 228,847 December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Assets by segment Revised Core U.S. $ 776,296 $ 860,717 $ 1,240,593 Acceptance Now 350,970 432,383 426,827 Mexico 33,529 31,415 38,898 Franchising 3,802 2,197 2,723 Total segments 1,164,597 1,326,712 1,709,041 Corporate 256,184 276,029 265,427 Total assets $ 1,420,781 $ 1,602,741 $ 1,974,468 December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Assets by country Revised United States $ 1,383,004 $ 1,567,933 $ 1,930,676 Mexico 33,529 31,415 38,898 Canada 4,248 3,393 4,894 Total assets $ 1,420,781 $ 1,602,741 $ 1,974,468 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Rentals and fees by inventory category Furniture and accessories $ 921,159 $ 927,537 $ 955,576 Consumer electronics 459,942 553,976 626,668 Appliances 351,893 391,539 415,278 Computers 124,158 148,889 207,906 Smartphones 57,927 93,449 163,667 Other products and services 352,662 384,663 412,220 Total rentals and fees $ 2,267,741 $ 2,500,053 $ 2,781,315 Year Ended December 31, (In thousands) 2017 2016 2015 Revenue by country United States $ 2,654,819 $ 2,911,613 $ 3,209,736 Mexico 47,005 50,927 63,803 Canada 716 712 4,881 Total revenues $ 2,702,540 $ 2,963,252 $ 3,278,420

Earnings Per Common Share Earni

Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Summarized basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated as follows: Year Ended December 31, (In thousands, except per share data) 2017 2016 2015 Numerator: Net earnings (loss) $ 6,653 $ (105,195 ) $ (953,520 ) Denominator: Weighted-average shares outstanding 53,282 53,121 53,050 Effect of dilutive stock awards (1) 562 — — Weighted-average dilutive shares 53,844 53,121 53,050 Basic earnings (loss) per share $ 0.12 $ (1.98 ) $ (17.97 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ 0.12 $ (1.98 ) $ (17.97 ) Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings (loss) per common share: Anti-dilutive restricted share units — 482 257 Anti-dilutive performance share units 329 880 611 Anti-dilutive stock options 2,554 3,072 2,586 (1) There was no dilutive effect to the loss per common share for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 due to the net loss incurred for both periods.

Unaudited Quarterly Data Unaudi

Unaudited Quarterly Data Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Abstract]
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Table Text Block]	Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 , and 2016 is as follows: (In thousands, except per share data) 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Year Ended December 31, 2017 Revenues $ 741,986 $ 677,635 $ 643,965 $ 638,954 Gross profit 462,663 432,533 412,465 410,881 Operating profit (loss) 1,152 (873 ) (8,445 ) (54,893 ) Net (loss) earnings (6,679 ) (8,893 ) (12,599 ) 34,824 Basic (loss) earnings per common share $ (0.13 ) $ (0.17 ) $ (0.24 ) $ 0.65 Diluted (loss) earnings per common share $ (0.13 ) $ (0.17 ) $ (0.24 ) $ 0.65 Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ — $ — (In thousands, except per share data) 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Year Ended December 31, 2016 Revenues $ 835,652 $ 749,619 $ 693,877 $ 684,104 Gross profit 534,944 500,158 457,226 442,721 Operating profit (loss) 48,430 27,550 16,700 (159,276 ) Net earnings (loss) 25,061 9,946 6,181 (146,383 ) Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.47 $ 0.19 $ 0.12 $ (2.76 ) Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.47 $ 0.19 $ 0.12 $ (2.76 ) Cash dividends declared per common share $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ 0.08

Nature of Operations and Summ45

Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Number of company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada and Puerto Rico	2,381
Number of retail installment sales stores	45
Number of Acceptance Now Staffed locations	1,106
Number of Acceptance Now Direct locations	125
Number of stores in Mexico	131
Number of Franchised stores	225
Number of states with Franchised stores	31
Rental merchandise, net [Abstract]
Minimum Period in Held for Rent status needed for depreciation of merchandise	180 days
Maximum Period used for depreciation of Merchandise Held for Rent	18 months
Maximum Period used for depreciation of smartphones Held for Rent	18 months
Minimum Period in Held for Rent status needed for depreciation of smartphones	90 days
Maximum period of past due required to charge off remaining book value of rental merchandise for Core U.S. segment	90 days
Maximum period of past due required to charge off remaining book value of rental merchandise for Acceptance Now segment	150 days
Maximum period of past due required to charge off remaining book value of rental merchandise for Mexico segment	60 days
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Abstract]
Minimum Period of Past Due Required to Charge Off installment Notes	120 days
Maximum period in current status allowed to Franchisees for payment of receivables	30 days
Minimum period of past due required to write off receivables from Franchisees	120 days
Goodwill and Other Intangibles [Abstract]
Amortization period for acquired customer relationships	21 months
Amortization period for vendor relationships minimum	7 years
Amortization period for vendor relationships maximum	15 years
Advertising Costs [Abstract]
Advertising Costs | $	$ 86.1	$ 90.6	$ 96.2
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 Erro46

Correction of Immaterial Errors Correction of Immaterial Errors (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 34,824	$ (12,599)	$ (8,893)	$ (6,679)	$ (146,383)	$ 6,181	$ 9,946	$ 25,061	$ 6,653	$ (105,195)	$ (953,520)
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)											$ 86,900

Receivables and Allowance for47

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Gross	$ 73,990	$ 73,378
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,167 and $3,593 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	69,823	69,785
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts [Roll Forward]
Bad debt expense	15,702	15,449	$ 15,260
Accounts written off	(15,791)	(16,095)	(16,317)
Recoveries	663	625	648
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,167)	(3,593)	$ (3,614)	$ (4,023)
Installment sales receivable [Member]
Receivables [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Gross	55,516	55,834
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts [Roll Forward]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(3,600)	(3,300)
Trade and notes receivables [Member]
Receivables [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Gross	18,474	14,067
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts [Roll Forward]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(600)	(300)
Other receivables [Member]
Receivables [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Gross	$ 0	$ 3,477

Rental Merchandise Rental Mer48

Rental Merchandise Rental Merchandise (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Rental Merchandise [Abstract]
On rent cost	$ 1,176,240	$ 1,338,670
On rent accumulated depreciation	(474,437)	(543,552)
On rent	701,803	795,118	$ 907,625
Held for rent cost	198,471	255,857
Held for rent accumulated depreciation	(31,283)	(49,021)
Held for rent	$ 167,188	$ 206,836	$ 228,847

Property Assets Property Asse49

Property Assets Property Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property Assets [Abstract]
Furniture and equipment	$ 511,527,000	$ 522,036,000
Transportation equipment	10,585,000	11,854,000
Building and leasehold improvements	269,522,000	274,118,000
Land and land improvements	6,747,000	6,747,000
Construction in progress	10,193,000	23,774,000
Total property assets	808,574,000	838,529,000
Accumulated depreciation of property assets	(525,673,000)	(522,101,000)
Property assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $525,673 and $522,101 in 2017 and 2016, respectively	282,901,000	316,428,000
Capitalized software costs included in construction in progress	7,300,000	22,900,000
Cost of internally developed software placed in service	$ 32,100,000	$ 84,500,000	$ 22,900,000

Intangible Assets and Acquisi50

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)store
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of stores acquired remaining open | store	0	0	5
Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores | store	8	3	34
Number of transactions	4	3	24
Total purchase price	$ 2,547	$ 2,302	$ 25,488
Acquisition amounts allocated to goodwill	1,217	1,442	12,942
Acquisition amounts allocated to rental merchandise	$ 780	679	8,755
Acquired intangible assets weighted average useful life	21 months
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment charge	$ 0	151,320	1,170,000
Acquisition amounts allocated to goodwill	1,217	1,442	12,942
Post purchase price allocation adjustments	89	(17)
Goodwill impairments and write-offs related to stores sold or closed	0	152,239
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible asset	3,900	0
Gross carrying amount	87,278	93,390
Accumulated amortization	86,396	88,138
Goodwill	56,614	55,308	206,122
Amortization of impairment of intangibles	4,908	2,176	3,333
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Rolling Maturity [Abstract]
2018 Estimated amortization expense	552
2019 Estimated amortization expense	310
2020 Estimated amortization expense	20
Thereafter Estimated amortization expense	0
Other intangible assets, net	882	5,252
Core Us [Member]
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,300	0
Acceptance Now [Member]
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Line Items]
Goodwill	55,300	55,300
Customer relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition amounts allocated to finite-lived intangible assets	$ 550	181	2,625
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Line Items]
Average life	2 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 79,670	79,106
Accumulated amortization	$ 79,274	78,707
Vendor relationships [Member]
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Line Items]
Average life	11 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 860	7,538
Accumulated amortization	860	3,408
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition amounts allocated to finite-lived intangible assets	$ 0	0	$ 1,166
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Line Items]
Average life	3 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 6,748	6,746
Accumulated amortization	$ 6,262	$ 6,023

Accrued Liabilities Accrued L51

Accrued Liabilities Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued insurance costs	$ 124,760	$ 125,172
Deferred revenue	51,742	58,255
Accrued compensation	37,783	40,551
Taxes other than income	27,415	22,556
Deferred compensation	11,323	11,394
Accrued interest payable	5,707	5,808
Deferred rent	3,937	5,199
Accrued dividends	0	4,262
Accrued other	35,351	58,999
Accrued liabilities	$ 298,018	$ 332,196

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Domestic loss before income taxes	$ (109,615)	$ (110,347)	$ (1,041,243)
Foreign loss before income taxes	(585)	(2,927)	(15,337)
Loss before income taxes	$ (110,200)	$ (113,274)	$ (1,056,580)
Tax at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017	70.30%	0.00%	0.00%
Goodwill impairment	0.00%	(29.30%)	(27.00%)
State income taxes	(1.80%)	3.30%	2.80%
Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits	3.50%	(0.20%)	0.00%
Effect of current and prior year credits	1.70%	2.90%	0.50%
Adjustments to deferred taxes	1.60%	0.60%	0.00%
Valuation allowance	(1.60%)	(6.60%)	(1.00%)
Other, net	(2.70%)	1.40%	(0.50%)
Effective income tax rate	106.00%	7.10%	9.80%
Federal current (benefit) expense	$ (34,445)	$ 23,752	$ 29,668
State current (benefit) expense	1,216	779	(6,432)
Foreign current (benefit) expense	(1,417)	(582)	2,575
Total current (benefit) expense	(34,646)	23,949	25,811
Federal deferred (benefit) expense	(89,820)	(27,307)	(100,139)
State deferred (benefit) expense	9,266	(6,586)	(28,143)
Foreign deferred (benefit) expense	(1,653)	1,865	(589)
Total deferred (benefit) expense	(82,207)	(32,028)	(128,871)
Income tax benefit	(116,853)	(8,079)	$ (103,060)
State net operating loss carryforwards	22,154	17,538
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	16,760	17,234
Accrued liabilities	49,619	70,733
Intangible assets	26,029	43,662
Other assets including credits	11,967	7,497
Foreign tax credit carryfowards	6,601	13,576
Total deferred tax assets	133,130	170,240
Valuation allowance	(40,074)	(35,410)
Deferred tax assets, net	93,056	134,830
Rental merchandise	(139,425)	(234,211)
Property assets	(40,712)	(73,763)
Deferred income taxes	(180,137)	(307,974)
Deferred income taxes	$ (87,081)	$ (173,144)
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards with limitations on use	Of the total remaining state NOL carryforwards, approximately 12.0% represent acquired NOLs. Utilization of these NOLs is subject to applicable annual limitations for U.S. state tax purposes.
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits is reasonably possible	$ 76,500
Tax Act provisional benefit	9,700
Tax Act decrease in current income tax payable	24,200
Tax Act increase in deferred tax liability	14,500
Tax Act transition tax obligation	700
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	402,700
Tax credit carryforward valuation allowance	60,200
Foreign [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax credit carryforward	6,600
Mexico [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	54,300
Puerto Rico [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 1,800

Income Taxes Unrecognized tax b

Income Taxes Unrecognized tax benefit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]
(Reductions) additions based on tax positions related to current year		$ 773	$ 1,508
(Reductions) additions based on tax positions related to current year	$ (2,280)
Additions for tax positions of prior years	6,688	8,396	20,684
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(368)	(2,246)	(8,354)
Settlements	(444)	(364)	(50)
Unrecognized tax benefit balance	37,319	$ 33,723	$ 27,164	$ 13,376
Tax benefits, if recognized, affect annual effective tax rate	6,200
Unrecognized tax benefits, potential reduction	2,400
Accrued for payment of interest related to unrecognized tax benefits	3,300
Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits	$ 1,000

Senior Debt Senior Debt (Detail

Senior Debt Senior Debt (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Senior Debt [Abstract]
Required minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio		1.10
Actual consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio		0.11
Adjusted consolidated ebitda		$ 5,300,000
Consolidated fixed charges		47,500,000
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized debt issuance expense		(5,200,000)	$ (5,100,000)
Mandatory excess cash flow pre-payment		141,000,000	27,000,000
Secured debt, net		134,125,000	186,747,000
Letters of credit, amount outstanding		$ 94,000,000	90,700,000
Commitment fee percentage		0.50%
Equity restrictions		$ 15,000,000
Dividends paid		12,811,000	25,554,000	$ 51,011,000
Senior credit facilities, additional amount allowed		100,000,000
Debt refinancing charges	$ 1,900,000	$ 1,936,000	0	$ 0
Debt arrangement and amendment fees	$ 5,300,000
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		30
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage		0.30%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage		0.50%
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 225,000,000	225,000,000
Amount outstanding		$ 48,563,000	191,813,000
Maturity date		Mar. 19, 2021
Term loan periodic payment, principal		$ 562,500
Amount available		0	0
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018		2,250,000
2,019		2,250,000
2,020		2,250,000
2,021		41,813,000
2,022		0
Thereafter		$ 0
Term Loan [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable rate		3.00%
Term Loan [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable rate		2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 350,000,000	675,000,000
Amount outstanding		$ 85,000,000	0
Maturity date		Mar. 19, 2019
Amount available		$ 109,700,000	584,304,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018		0
2,019		85,000,000
2,020		0
2,021		0
2,022		0
Thereafter		$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable rate		3.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis margin on variable rate		1.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis margin on variable rate		3.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Margin on variable rate		2.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis margin on variable rate		0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Prime Rate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis margin on variable rate		2.00%
Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 575,000,000	900,000,000
Amount outstanding		133,563,000	191,813,000
Amount available		109,700,000	584,304,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		12,500,000	20,000,000
Amount outstanding		$ 5,735,000	0
Maturity date		Aug. 20, 2018
Amount available		$ 6,765,000	20,000,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018		5,735,000
2,019		0
2,020		0
2,021		0
2,022		0
Thereafter		0
Senior Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		587,500,000	920,000,000
Amount outstanding		139,298,000	191,813,000
Amount available		116,465,000	$ 604,304,000
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,018		7,985,000
2,019		87,250,000
2,020		2,250,000
2,021		41,813,000
2,022		0
Thereafter		$ 0

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senio55

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	$ 542,740	$ 542,740
Unamortized debt issuance expense	5,200	5,100
Covenant for debt basket available under senior notes	20,000
Event of default for senior notes - failure of other debt payment at maturity in excess of this amount	50,000
Event of default for senior notes - not discharged, bonded or insured judgment in excess of this amount	$ 50,000
Our ownership percentage of subsidiary guarantors of senior notes	100.00%
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Initial Borrowing in Senior Notes	$ 300,000
Portion of proceeds from senior notes used to repay outstanding term debt	200,000
Carrying value of senior notes	292,740	292,740
Unamortized debt issuance expense	$ 1,800	2,500
Percentage of original aggreate principle amount of senior notes included in repurchase price at change of control	101.00%
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Initial Borrowing in Senior Notes	$ 250,000
Portion of proceeds from senior notes used to repay outstanding term debt	200,000
Carrying value of senior notes	250,000	250,000
Unamortized debt issuance expense	$ 2,100	$ 2,800
Percentage of original aggreate principle amount of senior notes included in repurchase price at change of control	101.00%
Senior Notes, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	103.313%
Senior Notes, Redemption, Period One [Member] | Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	103.563%

Commitments and Contingencies56

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 209,700	$ 231,300	$ 239,200
2018 future minimum rental payments	158,347
2019 future minimum rental payments	125,843
2020 future minimum rental payments	94,362
2021 future minimum rental payments	57,630
2022 future minimum rental payments	26,328
Thereafter future minimum rental payments	3,729
Total future minimum rental payments	$ 466,239

Other Charges and Credits - C57

Other Charges and Credits - Cost of Revenues Other Charges and Credits - Cost of Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Charges and Credits - Cost of Revenues [Abstract]
Other charges	$ 0	$ 0	$ 34,698

Other Charges - Operating Exp58

Other Charges - Operating Expenses Other Charges - Operating Expenses (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)store
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Other		$ (12,724)	$ 2,185
Restructuring cash charges		3,779	8,021	$ 4,569
Loss from Catastrophes		5,400
Start-up and Decommissioning Costs				2,800
Impairment of intangible asset		3,900	0
Write-down of Capitalized Software		18,205	0
Other charges		59,219	20,299	20,651
Hurricane Harvey and Irma [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Loss from Catastrophes		2,100
Hurricane Maria [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Loss from Catastrophes		3,300
Labor reduction costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges		1,674	1,393	3,340
Lease obligation costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges		2,105	6,628	1,229
Other miscellaneous [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges		0	0	0
2017 Acceptance Now Consolidation Plan [Member] | Acceptance Now [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pretax other charges		19,200
Impairment of intangible asset		$ 3,900
2017 Field Support Center Restructuring Plan [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Head count reduction as percent of total workforce		10.00%
2017 Field Support Center Restructuring Plan [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] | Labor reduction costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges		$ 3,400
2016 US Core Store and Acceptance Now Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pretax other charges			$ 20,100
2016 US Core Store and Acceptance Now Consolidation Plan [Member] | Acceptance Now [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed | store			96
2016 US Core Store and Acceptance Now Consolidation Plan [Member] | Core Us [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed | store			167
2015 US Core Store Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pretax other charges				$ 4,300
2015 US Core Store Consolidation Plan [Member] | Core Us [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed | store				65
2016 Mexico Store Consolidation Plan [Member] | Mexico [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed | store			14	34
Pretax other charges	$ 2,300			$ 3,000
2015 Sale of Stores to Franchisee [Member] | Core Us [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed | store				40
Pretax other charges				$ 7,200
2015 Sale of Stores to Canada [Member] | Core Us [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed | store				14
Pretax other charges				$ 300
2015 Other Sale of Stores [Member] | Core Us [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Pretax other charges				1,100
2015 Field Support Center Restructuring Plan [Member] | Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] | Labor reduction costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges				$ 2,000
Payments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring payments		(9,187)	$ (14,581)
Payments [Member] | Labor reduction costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring payments		(3,484)	(3,327)
Payments [Member] | Lease obligation costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring payments		(4,980)	(9,799)
Payments [Member] | Other miscellaneous [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring payments		(723)	(1,455)
Restructuring charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges		4,945	18,033
Restructuring charges [Member] | Labor reduction costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges		3,765	1,380
Restructuring charges [Member] | Lease obligation costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges		457	15,198
Restructuring charges [Member] | Other miscellaneous [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring cash charges		723	1,455
Non-Cash Charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Rental merchandise losses		18,417	287
Other, net		0	673
Loss on sale of fixed assets		$ 1,032	$ 3,491
Manned Location [Member] | 2017 Acceptance Now Consolidation Plan [Member] | Acceptance Now [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed | store		319
Direct Location [Member] | 2017 Acceptance Now Consolidation Plan [Member] | Acceptance Now [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of stores closed | store		9

Stock-Based Compensation Stoc59

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercise period of options once vested	10 years
Stock options exercised, intrinsic value	$ 53,300		$ 521,500
Tax benefits from exercise of stock options	$ 18,700		182,500
Stock options outstanding	2,953,694	3,072,181
Restricted share units outstanding	1,344,411	1,362,131
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 3,896,000	$ 9,209,000	9,541,000
Tax benefit recognized in the statements of earnings	1,442,000	658,000	1,715,000
Share-based compensation expense, net of tax	$ 2,454,000	$ 8,551,000	$ 7,826,000
Stock options granted	935,532
Exercise of stock options, shares	(38,830)
Stock options forfeited	(695,697)
Stock options expired	(319,492)
Stock options outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$ 21.34	$ 25.07
Stock options granted, weighted average exercise price	9.46
Stock options exercised, weighted average exercise price	17.01
Stock options forfeited, weighted average exercise price	17.93
Stock options expired, weighted average exercise price	$ 30.37
Stock options outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual life	6 years 1 month 25 days
Stock options outstanding, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 344,000
Stock options exercisable	1,645,305
Stock options exercisable, weighted average exercise price	$ 27.23
Stock options exercisable, weighted average remaining contractual life	4 years 3 months 2 days
Stock options exercisable, aggregate intrinsic value	$ 344,000
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 2.92	$ 3.06	$ 6.34
Weighted average risk free interest rate	1.78%	1.31%	1.42%
Weighted average expected dividend yield	3.03%	3.16%	3.32%
Weighted average expected volatility	45.44%	39.64%	33.28%
Weighted average expected life (in years)	4 years 6 months	4 years 7 months 17 days	5 years 18 days
Restricted share units granted	955,683
Restricted share units vested	(176,707)
Restricted share units forfeited	(796,696)
Restricted share units outstanding, weighted average exercise price	$ 10.87	$ 15.31
Restricted share units granted, weighted average exercise price	9
Restricted share units vested, weighted average exercise price	19.39
Restricted share units forfeited, weighted average exercise price	$ 14.34
2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to issue	7,000,000
Stock options outstanding	1,554,931	2,108,068
2016 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to issue	6,500,000
Stock options outstanding	1,705,660	302,935
Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options outstanding	1,037,514	1,526,203
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of options granted	1 year
Vesting % of performance based restricted stock units	0.00%
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of options granted	4 years
Vesting % of performance based restricted stock units	200.00%
Stock options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested awards - to result in compensation expense	$ 3,100,000
Weighted average number of years to vesting	2 years 6 months 22 days
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 2,023,000	$ 2,954,000	$ 4,030,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unvested awards - to result in compensation expense	$ 6,000,000
Weighted average number of years to vesting	1 year 9 months 16 days
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,873,000	$ 6,255,000	$ 5,511,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | 2006 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to issue	3,500,000

Deferred Compensation Plan Defe

Deferred Compensation Plan Deferred Compensation Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred Compensation Plan [Abstract]
Maximum Deferral Percentage of Base Compensation under Deferred Compensation Plan	50.00%
Maximum Deferral Percentage of Bonus Compensation under Deferred Compensation Plan	100.00%
Contributions by Employer under Deferred Compensation Plan	$ 100	$ 300	$ 400
Employer match under Deferred Compensation Plan, Percent	50.00%
Employee Contribution Maximum Percent of Compensation under Deferred Compensation Plan	6.00%
Discretionary Contribution under Deferred Compensation Plan	$ 0
Deferred compensation	$ 11,323	$ 11,394

401(k) Plan 401(k) Plan (Detail

401(k) Plan 401(k) Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
401(k) Plan [Abstract]
Maximum contribution % of eligible pre-tax compensation allowed to participants of defined contribution plan	50.00%
Employer match	$ 7	$ 7.6	$ 7.2
Employer match, percent	50.00%
Employer match, percent of employees' compensation	6.00%
Percent of company stock purchased	6.00%	3.60%

Fair Value Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	$ 542,740	$ 542,740
Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value	(26,405)	(70,097)
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of senior notes	516,335	472,643
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	292,740	292,740
Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value	(13,905)	(26,347)
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of senior notes	278,835	266,393
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	250,000	250,000
Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value	(12,500)	(43,750)
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of senior notes	$ 237,500	$ 206,250

Stock Repurchase Plan Stock Rep

Stock Repurchase Plan Stock Repurchase Plan (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)shares
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
Authorized common stock repurchase amount	$ 1,250
Common stock repurchased, shares | shares	36,994,653
Common stock repurchased, purchase price	$ 994.8

Segment Information Segment I64

Segment Information Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)store	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)store	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 638,954	$ 643,965	$ 677,635	$ 741,986	$ 684,104	$ 693,877	$ 749,619	$ 835,652	$ 2,702,540	$ 2,963,252	$ 3,278,420
Gross profit	410,881	412,465	432,533	462,663	442,721	457,226	500,158	534,944	1,718,542	1,935,049	2,118,109
Operating profit (Loss)	(54,893)	$ (8,445)	$ (873)	$ 1,152	(159,276)	$ 16,700	$ 27,550	$ 48,430	(63,059)	(66,596)	(1,007,888)
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles									74,639	80,456	80,720
Goodwill impairment charge									0	151,320	1,170,000
Impairment of intangible asset									3,900	0
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									65,460	61,143	80,870
On rent	701,803				795,118				701,803	795,118	907,625
Held for rent	167,188				206,836				167,188	206,836	228,847
Assets	$ 1,420,781				1,602,741				1,420,781	1,602,741	1,974,468
Rentals and fees									$ 2,267,741	2,500,053	2,781,315
Number of retail installment sales stores | store	45								45
Royalty Fee Percentage Minimum									2.00%
Royalty Fee Percentage Maximum									6.00%
Furniture and accessories [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rentals and fees									$ 921,159	927,537	955,576
Consumer electronics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rentals and fees									459,942	553,976	626,668
Appliances [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rentals and fees									351,893	391,539	415,278
Computers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rentals and fees									124,158	148,889	207,906
Smartphones [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rentals and fees									57,927	93,449	163,667
Other products and services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Rentals and fees									352,662	384,663	412,220
Core Us [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									1,835,422	2,069,725	2,371,823
Gross profit									1,276,212	1,467,679	1,644,840
Operating profit (Loss)									86,196	(1,020)	(959,447)
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles									31,070	39,734	49,137
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									26,506	20,802	21,739
On rent	$ 408,993				426,845				408,993	426,845	540,004
Held for rent	156,039				192,718				156,039	192,718	215,327
Assets	776,296				860,717				776,296	860,717	1,240,593
Acceptance Now [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									797,987	817,814	818,325
Gross profit									400,002	422,381	420,980
Operating profit (Loss)									48,618	105,925	123,971
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles									2,498	3,309	3,334
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									2,723	2,330	2,473
On rent	278,443				354,486				278,443	354,486	350,046
Held for rent	4,940				7,489				4,940	7,489	5,000
Assets	350,970				432,383				350,970	432,383	426,827
Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									47,005	50,927	63,803
Gross profit									32,592	35,549	42,354
Operating profit (Loss)									(260)	(2,449)	(14,149)
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles									1,973	3,179	5,160
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									124	283	204
On rent	14,367				13,787				14,367	13,787	17,575
Held for rent	6,209				6,629				6,209	6,629	8,520
Assets	33,529				31,415				33,529	31,415	38,898
Franchising [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									22,126	24,786	24,469
Gross profit									9,736	9,440	9,935
Operating profit (Loss)									5,081	5,650	5,793
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles									177	177	185
Assets	3,802				2,197				3,802	2,197	2,723
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (Loss)									139,635	108,106	(843,832)
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles									35,718	46,399	57,816
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									29,353	23,415	24,416
Assets	1,164,597				1,326,712				1,164,597	1,326,712	1,709,041
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (Loss)									(202,694)	(174,702)	(164,056)
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles									38,921	34,057	22,904
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets									36,107	37,728	56,454
Assets	256,184				276,029				256,184	276,029	265,427
2017 Acceptance Now Consolidation Plan [Member] | Acceptance Now [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible asset									3,900
United States [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									2,654,819	2,911,613	3,209,736
Assets	1,383,004				1,567,933				1,383,004	1,567,933	1,930,676
Mexico [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									47,005	50,927	63,803
Assets	33,529				31,415				33,529	31,415	38,898
Canada [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues									716	712	4,881
Assets	$ 4,248				$ 3,393				$ 4,248	$ 3,393	$ 4,894

Earnings Per Common Share Ear65

Earnings Per Common Share Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net earnings (loss)	$ 34,824	$ (12,599)	$ (8,893)	$ (6,679)	$ (146,383)	$ 6,181	$ 9,946	$ 25,061	$ 6,653	$ (105,195)	$ (953,520)
Weighted-average shares outstanding									53,282	53,121	53,050
Effect of dilutive stock awards	562									0	0
Weighted-average dilutive shares									53,844	53,121	53,050
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$ 0.65	$ (0.24)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.13)	$ (2.76)	$ 0.12	$ 0.19	$ 0.47	$ 0.12	$ (1.98)	$ (17.97)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	$ 0.65	$ (0.24)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.13)	$ (2.76)	$ 0.12	$ 0.19	$ 0.47	$ 0.12	$ (1.98)	$ (17.97)
Performance share units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings (loss per common share									329	880	611
Restricted share units [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings (loss per common share	0									482	257
Stock options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings (loss per common share									2,554	3,072	2,586

Unaudited Quarterly Data Unau66

Unaudited Quarterly Data Unaudited Quarterly Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 638,954	$ 643,965	$ 677,635	$ 741,986	$ 684,104	$ 693,877	$ 749,619	$ 835,652	$ 2,702,540	$ 2,963,252	$ 3,278,420
Gross profit	410,881	412,465	432,533	462,663	442,721	457,226	500,158	534,944	1,718,542	1,935,049	2,118,109
Operating profit (Loss)	(54,893)	(8,445)	(873)	1,152	(159,276)	16,700	27,550	48,430	(63,059)	(66,596)	(1,007,888)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 34,824	$ (12,599)	$ (8,893)	$ (6,679)	$ (146,383)	$ 6,181	$ 9,946	$ 25,061	$ 6,653	$ (105,195)	$ (953,520)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share	$ 0.65	$ (0.24)	$ (0.17)	$ (0.13)	$ (2.76)	$ 0.12	$ 0.19	$ 0.47	$ 0.12	$ (1.98)	$ (17.97)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share	0.65	(0.24)	(0.17)	(0.13)	(2.76)	0.12	0.19	0.47	0.12	(1.98)	(17.97)
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.08	$ 0.16	$ 0.32	$ 0.96