v3.5.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Oct. 27, 2016
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, 2016  
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   23,841,970
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016