v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2018
Apr. 30, 2018
Document And Entity Information    
Entity Registrant Name CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0000889609  
Document Type 10-Q  
Trading Symbol CPSS  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2018  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity a Voluntary Filer No  
Entity's Reporting Status Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   21,254,141
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018