v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Mar. 04, 2016
Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000889609    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2015    
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 Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 131,404,769
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   25,186,261  
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015