v2.4.0.6
Document and Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Oct. 30, 2012
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000889609  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Is Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer? No  
Is Entity a Voluntary Filer? No  
Is Entity's Reporting Status Current? Yes  
Entity Filer Category Smaller Reporting Company  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   19,636,989
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012