v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Oct. 31, 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 Sep. 30, 2018  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity's Reporting Status Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   22,589,549
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018