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Document and Company Information - shares	6 Months Ended
Document and Company Information - shares	Jun. 30, 2011	Jul. 25, 2011
Document and Company Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	RENT A CENTER INC DE
Entity Central Index Key	0000933036
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2011
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		61,641,139

Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Store
Rentals and fees	$ 617,796,000	$ 586,523,000	$ 1,228,224,000	$ 1,170,371,000
Merchandise sales	50,973,000	43,031,000	150,239,000	132,428,000
Installment sales	16,571,000	14,503,000	33,258,000	29,640,000
Other	4,143,000	19,523,000	9,482,000	39,859,000
Franchise
Merchandise sales	7,525,000	6,755,000	16,671,000	15,180,000
Royalty income and fees	1,245,000	1,208,000	2,557,000	2,484,000
Revenues	698,253,000	671,543,000	1,440,431,000	1,389,962,000
Store expenses
Cost of rentals and fees	139,295,000	129,818,000	274,944,000	259,932,000
Cost of merchandise sold	39,510,000	32,603,000	108,089,000	94,414,000
Cost of installment sales	5,898,000	5,003,000	11,946,000	10,429,000
Salaries and other expenses	395,091,000	381,121,000	792,289,000	772,592,000
Franchise expenses
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	7,195,000	6,454,000	15,949,000	14,522,000
Direct operating expenses	586,989,000	554,999,000	1,203,217,000	1,151,889,000
General and administrative expenses	32,047,000	32,173,000	66,600,000	63,948,000
Amortization and write-down of intangibles	1,132,000	1,540,000	1,990,000	2,591,000
Litigation settlement	0	0	2,800,000	0
Impairment charge	0	0	7,320,000	0
Restructuring charge	4,933,000	0	4,933,000	0
Total operating expenses	625,101,000	588,712,000	1,286,860,000	1,218,428,000
Operating profit	73,152,000	82,831,000	153,571,000	171,534,000
Interest expense	9,613,000	6,051,000	19,373,000	12,134,000
Interest income	(237,000)	(156,000)	(391,000)	(324,000)
Earnings before income taxes	63,776,000	76,936,000	134,589,000	159,724,000
Income tax expense	23,888,000	29,106,000	50,471,000	60,433,000
NET EARNINGS	$ 39,888,000	$ 47,830,000	$ 84,118,000	$ 99,291,000
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.64	$ 0.73	$ 1.34	$ 1.51
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.63	$ 0.72	$ 1.32	$ 1.49
Cash dividends per common share	$ 0.06	$ 0	$ 0.12	$ 0

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 74,031

$ 70,727

^[1]

Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $7,340 in 2011 and $8,673 in 2010

44,573

53,890

^[1]

Prepaid expenses and other assets

66,872

170,713

^[1]

Rental merchandise, net

On rent

673,431

655,248

^[1]

Held for rent

194,239

181,606

^[1]

Merchandise held for installment sale

5,083

5,417

^[1]

Property assets, net

250,604

224,639

^[1]

Goodwill, net

1,323,501

1,320,467

^[1]

Other intangible assets, net

11,265

5,624

^[1]

Total Assets

2,643,599

2,688,331

^[1]

LIABILITIES

Accounts payable - trade

64,316

126,051

^[1]

Accrued liabilities

285,042

288,415

^[1]

Deferred income taxes

261,599

218,952

^[1]

Senior debt

361,544

401,114

^[1]

Senior notes

300,000

^[1]

Total Liabilities

1,272,501

1,334,532

^[1]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common stock, $.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 107,387,342 and 105,990,704 shares issued in 2011 and 2010, respectively

1,073

1,060

^[1]

Additional paid-in capital

745,524

712,600

^[1]

Retained earnings

1,617,433

1,541,168

^[1]

Treasury stock, 45,784,146 and 42,845,444 shares at cost in 2011 and 2010, respectively

(996,970)

(904,274)

^[1]

Cumulative translation adjustment

4,038

3,245

^[1]

Total Stockholders' Equity

1,371,098

1,353,799

^[1]

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$ 2,643,599

$ 2,688,331

^[1]

[1]

Audited

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

^[1]

Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$ 7,340,000

$ 8,673,000

Common stock - par value

$ 0.01

Common stock - shares authorized

250,000,000

Common stock - shares issued

107,387,342

105,990,704

Treasury stock - shares at cost

45,784,146

42,845,444

[1]

Audited

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2010

Cash flows from operating activities

Net earnings

$ 84,118

$ 99,291

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities

Depreciation of rental merchandise

268,369

253,851

Bad debt expense

632

8,669

Stock-based compensation expense

2,523

2,252

Depreciation of property assets

31,831

31,523

Loss on sale or disposal of property assets

1,546

Amortization of intangibles

1,990

394

Amortization of financing fees

1,017

1,027

Deferred income taxes

42,648

(28,474)

(6,456)

(2,420)

Impairment charge

7,320

Restructuring charge

4,933

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions

Rental merchandise

(304,941)

(253,815)

Receivables

8,685

(10,798)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

102,672

4,057

Accounts payable - trade

(61,735)

(39,923)

Accrued liabilities

(12,420)

21,132

Net cash provided by operating activities

171,250

88,312

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of property assets

(59,216)

(29,790)

Proceeds from sale of property assets

132

Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired

(1,016)

(1,229)

Net cash used in investing activities

(60,100)

(30,971)

Cash flows from financing activities

Purchase of treasury stock

(92,695)

(6,450)

Exercise of stock options

24,966

8,317

6,456

2,420

Payments on capital leases

(175)

(591)

Proceeds from debt

141,875

52,525

Repayments of debt

(181,445)

(141,280)

Dividends paid

(7,621)

Net cash used in financing activities

(108,639)

(85,059)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

793

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

3,304

(27,709)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

70,727

^[1]

101,803

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 74,031

$ 74,094

[1]

Audited

Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations

1. Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations.

The interim financial statements of Rent-A-Center, Inc. included herein have been prepared by us pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC's rules and regulations, although we believe the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We suggest that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of those of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly our results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Principles of Consolidation and Nature of Operations. These financial statements include the accounts of Rent-A-Center, Inc. and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to “Rent-A-Center” refer only to Rent-A-Center, Inc., the parent, and references to “we,” “us” and “our” refer to the consolidated business operations of Rent-A-Center and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

Our primary operating segment consists of leasing household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. We also offer merchandise on an installment sales basis in certain of our stores. At June 30, 2011, we operated 3,022 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, including 41 retail installment sales stores under the names “Get It Now” and “Home Choice,” and 18 rent-to-own stores in Canada under the name “Rent-A-Centre.”

We also operate kiosk locations under the trade name “RAC Acceptance,” which offers the rent-to-own transaction to consumers who do not qualify for financing from the traditional retailer. These kiosks are located within such retailer's store locations. At June 30, 2011, we operated 611 RAC Acceptance locations.

ColorTyme, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center, is a nationwide franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At June 30, 2011, ColorTyme had 210 franchised stores operating in 32 states. ColorTyme's primary source of revenue is the sale of rental merchandise to its franchisees, who in turn offer the merchandise to the general public for rent or purchase under a rent-to-own program. The balance of ColorTyme's revenue is generated primarily from royalties based on franchisees' monthly gross revenues.

From 2005 to 2010, we also offered an array of financial services in certain of our existing stores under the names “RAC Financial Services” and “Cash AdvantEdge.” The financial services we offered included, but were not limited to, short term secured and unsecured loans, debit cards, check cashing and money transfer services.

New Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), which allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The amendments to the Codification in the ASU do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 will not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.

In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). The amendments in this ASU generally represent clarification of Topic 820, but also include instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements has changed. This update results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied prospectively. Early application is not permitted. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 will not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the FASB or other standards setting bodies that we adopt as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe the impact of any other recently issued standards that are not yet effective are either not applicable to us at this time or will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements upon adoption.

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Abstract]

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions

2. Intangible Assets and Acquisitions.

Amortizable intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):

			June 30, 2011				December 31, 2010
		Avg.	Gross				Gross
		Life	Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Accumulated
		(years)	Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amortization

Non-compete agreements …		3	$	6,096	$	6,077	$	6,094	$	6,057
Customer relationships ……		2		67,910		63,918		67,811		62,224
Vendor relationships……….		11		7,538		284		—		—
	Total ……………………		$	81,544	$	70,279	$	73,905	$	68,281

Estimated remaining amortization expense, assuming current intangible balances and no new acquisitions, for each of the years ending December 31, is as follows (in thousands):

	Estimated
	Amortization Expense
2011………………………………………………………………………		$	1,922
2012………………………………………………………………………			2,938
2013………………………………………………………………………			571
2014………………………………………………………………………			568
2015………………………………………………………………………			568
Thereafter…………………………………………………………………			4,698
Total………………………………………………………………………		$	11,265

A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows (in thousands):
			June 30,		December 31,
			2011		2010

Balance as of January 1, ………………………………………………			$	1,320,467	$	1,268,684
	Additions from acquisitions ………………………………………..			616		55,922
	Goodwill related to stores sold or closed…………………………..			—		(4,320)	⁽¹⁾
	Post purchase price allocation adjustments …………………………			2,418		181
		Balance as of the end of the period ………………………………	$	1,323,501	$	1,320,467

__________

⁽¹⁾

Includes $1.8 million of goodwill impairment related to the discontinuation of our financial services business.

Additions to goodwill due to acquisitions in the first six months of 2011 were tax deductible.

The Rental Store, Inc.

On December 20, 2010, we acquired The Rental Store, Inc., a leading provider of consumer lease-purchase transactions through third-party retail furniture and electronics retailers. This acquisition resulted in the addition of 158 kiosks to our RAC Acceptance program as of December 31, 2010. The initial accounting for the acquisition was not finalized as of December 31, 2010 due to the timing of the transaction. As of June 30, 2011, we have completed our analysis of acquired intangible assets and determined an adjustment of $7.5 million from goodwill to vendor relationships was necessary. This adjustment was made in the quarter ending June 30, 2011. Post purchase price allocation adjustments include the vendor relationship adjustment and various other off-setting adjustments including rental merchandise as discussed in the first quarter 2011.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Subsidiary Guarantors Senior Notes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Subsidiary Guarantors Senior Notes [Abstract]

Senior Notes

3. Subsidiary Guarantors.

6⅝% Senior Notes. On November 2, 2010, we issued $300.0 million in senior unsecured notes due November 2020, bearing interest at 6⅝%, pursuant to an indenture dated November 2, 2010, among Rent-A-Center, Inc., its subsidiary guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, as trustee. A portion of the proceeds of this offering were used to repay approximately $200.0 million of outstanding term debt under our senior credit facility. The remaining net proceeds are being used to repurchase shares of our common stock.

The 2010 indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to:

• incur additional debt;

• sell assets or our subsidiaries;

• grant liens to third parties;

• pay cash dividends or repurchase stock; and

• engage in a merger or sell substantially all of our assets.

Events of default under the 2010 indenture include customary events, such as a cross-acceleration provision in the event that we default in the payment of other debt due at maturity or upon acceleration for default in an amount exceeding $50.0 million, as well as in the event a judgment is entered against us in excess of $50.0 million that is not discharged, bonded or insured.

The 6⅝% notes may be redeemed on or after November 15, 2015, at our option, in whole or in part, at a premium declining from 103.313%. The 6⅝% notes may be redeemed on or after November 15, 2018, at our option, in whole or in part, at par. The 6⅝% notes also require that upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the 2010 indenture), the holders of the notes have the right to require us to repurchase the notes at a price equal to 101% of the original aggregate principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. This would trigger an event of default under our senior credit facilities. We are not required to maintain any financial ratios under the 2010 indenture.

Rent-A-Center and its subsidiary guarantors have fully, jointly and severally, and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of Rent-A-Center with respect to the 6⅝% notes. Rent-A-Center has no independent assets or operations, and each subsidiary guarantor is 100% owned directly or indirectly by Rent-A-Center. The only direct or indirect subsidiaries of Rent-A-Center that are not guarantors are minor subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability of any of the subsidiary guarantors to transfer funds to Rent-A-Center in the form of loans, advances or dividends, except as provided by applicable law.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

4. Income Taxes. We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign income taxes. Along with our U.S. subsidiaries, we file a U.S. federal consolidated income tax return. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, foreign and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2007. The appeals process with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Appeals for the years 2001 through 2007 has been completed. We reached agreement on all issues except one issue with respect to the 2003 tax year which also recurs in each of the 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 taxable years. We believe the position and supporting case law applied by the IRS are incorrectly applied to our situation and that our fact pattern is distinguishable from the IRS' position. We intend to vigorously defend our position on the issue. This matter has been docketed in the United States Tax Court for trial in November 2011. Currently, we are also under examination in various states. We do not anticipate that adjustments, if any, regarding the 2003 through 2007 disputed issue or state examinations will result in a material change to our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.

In determining the quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate based on forecasted annual income, permanent items, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant factors that could impact the annual effective tax rate include management's assessment of certain tax matters and the composition of taxable income between the various jurisdictions in which we operate. We recognize the impact of significant discrete items separately in the quarter in which they occur.

We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust the balance as new information becomes available.

We provide for uncertain tax positions and related interest and penalties and adjust our unrecognized tax benefits, accrued interest and penalties in the normal course of our business. At June 30, 2011, our unrecognized tax benefits increased by $59,000 from December 31, 2010.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Fair Value

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Fair Value [Abstract]

Fair Value

5. Fair Value. At June 30, 2011, our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables, senior debt and senior notes. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximates fair value at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, because of the short maturities of these instruments. Our senior debt is variable rate debt that re-prices frequently and entails no significant change in credit risk and, as a result, fair value approximates carrying value. The fair value of our senior notes is based on observable market data. At June 30, 2011, the fair value of our senior notes was $298.5 million, which was approximately $1.5 million below their carrying value of $300.0 million. At December 31, 2010, the fair value of our senior notes was $299.8 million, which was approximately $200,000 below their carrying value of $300.0 million.

We use a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which classifies the inputs used in measuring fair values, in determining the fair value of our non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, which consist primarily of goodwill. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. There were no changes in the methods and assumptions used in measuring fair value during the period.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 133
-Paragraph 44A, 44B
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15C, 15D
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15A
-Subparagraph a-d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 15B
-Subparagraph a, b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 107
-Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 157
-Paragraph 32, 33, 34
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 159
-Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 21
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13537-108611

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 28
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 16
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6947722&loc=d3e13504-108611

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 820
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19296-110258

+ Details

Impairment Charge

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Impairment Charge [Abstract]

Impairment Charge

6. Impairment Charge.

Our impairment charge consists of the following (in thousands):

		Six months ended
		June 30, 2011

Loan write-down…………………………………………………………………….			$	2,569
Fixed asset disposal………………………………………………………………….				1,172
Other…………………………………………………………………………………				3,579
	Total …………………………………………………………………………….		$	7,320

During the six months ended June 30, 2011, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of approximately $7.3 million related to the discontinuation of our financial services business that was announced on October 25, 2010, all of which was recorded in the first quarter of 2011. The charge in the first quarter of 2011 primarily related to additional loan write-downs, fixed asset disposals (store reconstruction), and other miscellaneous items. During the fourth quarter of 2010, we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $18.9 million, which primarily related to fixed asset disposals, goodwill impairment, loan write-downs, and other miscellaneous items. The impairment charge was based on the amount that the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value of the assets. The fair value was based on our historical experience with store acquisitions and divestitures, which are Level 3 inputs.

Restructuring Charge	6 Months Ended
Restructuring Charge	Jun. 30, 2011
Restructuring Charge [Abstract]
Restructuring Charge	7. Restructuring Charge. During the second quarter of 2011, we recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $4.9 million in connection with the December 2010 acquisition of The Rental Store, Inc. This charge related to post-acquisition lease terminations. We expect the costs will be fully paid by the third quarter of 2017.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for restructuring and related activities. Description of restructuring activities such as exit and disposal activities, include facts and circumstances leading to the plan, the expected plan completion date, the major types of costs associated with the plan activities, total expected costs, the accrual balance at the end of the period, and the periods over which the remaining accrual will be settled.

+ References + Details

Repurchases of Outstanding Securities	6 Months Ended
Repurchases of Outstanding Securities	Jun. 30, 2011
Repurchases of Outstanding Securities [Abstract]
Repurchases of Outstanding Securities	8. Repurchases of Outstanding Securities. Our Board of Directors has authorized a common stock repurchase program, permitting us to purchase, from time to time, in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, up to an aggregate of $800.0 million of Rent-A-Center common stock. We have repurchased a total of 26,409,047 shares and 23,470,345 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $643.9 million and $551.2 million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, under this common stock repurchase program. We repurchased 2,069,937 shares for $64.2 million in the second quarter of 2011. Through the six months ended June 30, 2011, we repurchased a total of 2,938,702 shares for approximately $92.8 million in cash.

Earnings Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

9. Earnings Per Share.

Basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated as follows:

		Three months ended June 30, 2011
			Weighted
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Average Shares	Per Share

Basic earnings per common share …………	$	39,888	62,450	$	0.64
Effect of dilutive stock options ……………		—	698

Diluted earnings per common share ………	$	39,888	63,148	$	0.63

		Three months ended June 30, 2010
			Weighted
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Average Shares	Per Share

Basic earnings per common share …………	$	47,830	65,945	$	0.73
Effect of dilutive stock options ……………		—	828

Diluted earnings per common share ………	$	47,830	66,773	$	0.72

		Six months ended June 30, 2011
			Weighted
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Average Shares	Per Share

Basic earnings per common share …………	$	84,118	62,902	$	1.34
Effect of dilutive stock options ……………		—	818

Diluted earnings per common share ………	$	84,118	63,720	$	1.32

		Six months ended June 30, 2010
			Weighted
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Average Shares	Per Share

Basic earnings per common share …………	$	99,291	65,822	$	1.51
Effect of dilutive stock options ……………		—	823

Diluted earnings per common share ………	$	99,291	66,645	$	1.49

For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the number of stock options that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share and, therefore anti-dilutive, were 489,870 and 1,933,176, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, the number of stock options that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share and, therefore anti-dilutive, were 484,995 and 2,198,971, respectively.

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Jun. 30, 2011
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	10. Subsequent Events. On July 14, 2011, we announced the completion of the refinancing of our senior secured debt. Our new $750.0 million senior credit facilities consist of a $250.0 million, five-year term loan and a $500.0 million, five-year revolving credit facility. On that day, we drew down the $250.0 million in term loans and $100.0 million under the revolving facility and utilized the proceeds to prepay our existing senior term debt.

Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations (Policies) [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”), which allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. ASU 2011-05 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders' equity. The amendments to the Codification in the ASU do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income and are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 will not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share. In May 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). The amendments in this ASU generally represent clarification of Topic 820, but also include instances where a particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or disclosing information about fair value measurements has changed. This update results in common principles and requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The amendments are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and are to be applied prospectively. Early application is not permitted. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 will not have a material impact on our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 140
-Paragraph 46
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 5, 6, 16-19
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 18
-Paragraph 20
-Subparagraph a(2)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 96-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 97-2
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 3A
-Section 02, 03

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph k
-Article 1

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph c
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph d
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 40
-Section 45
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/section&trid=2197723

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6921930&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.3A-02)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6959686&loc=d3e355033-122828

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2196966

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382870&loc=d3e33801-111570

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 325
-SubTopic 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197087

+ Details

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Tables) [Abstract]

Amortizable Intangible Assets

			June 30, 2011				December 31, 2010
		Avg.	Gross				Gross
		Life	Carrying		Accumulated		Carrying		Accumulated
		(years)	Amount		Amortization		Amount		Amortization

Non-compete agreements …		3	$	6,096	$	6,077	$	6,094	$	6,057
Customer relationships ……		2		67,910		63,918		67,811		62,224
Vendor relationships……….		11		7,538		284		—		—
	Total ……………………		$	81,544	$	70,279	$	73,905	$	68,281

Estimated Amortization Expense

	Estimated
	Amortization Expense
2011………………………………………………………………………		$	1,922
2012………………………………………………………………………			2,938
2013………………………………………………………………………			571
2014………………………………………………………………………			568
2015………………………………………………………………………			568
Thereafter…………………………………………………………………			4,698
Total………………………………………………………………………		$	11,265

Changes in Recorded Goodwill

A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows (in thousands):
			June 30,		December 31,
			2011		2010

Balance as of January 1, ………………………………………………			$	1,320,467	$	1,268,684
	Additions from acquisitions ………………………………………..			616		55,922
	Goodwill related to stores sold or closed…………………………..			—		(4,320)	⁽¹⁾
	Post purchase price allocation adjustments …………………………			2,418		181
		Balance as of the end of the period ………………………………	$	1,323,501	$	1,320,467

__________

⁽¹⁾

Includes $1.8 million of goodwill impairment related to the discontinuation of our financial services business.

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References + Details

Impairment Charge (Table)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Impairment Charge (Table) [Abstract]

Impairment Charge

		Six months ended
		June 30, 2011

Loan write-down…………………………………………………………………….			$	2,569
Fixed asset disposal………………………………………………………………….				1,172
Other…………………………………………………………………………………				3,579
	Total …………………………………………………………………………….		$	7,320

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Earnings Per Share (Tables) [Abstract]

Earnings Per Common Share

		Three months ended June 30, 2011
			Weighted
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Average Shares	Per Share

Basic earnings per common share …………	$	39,888	62,450	$	0.64
Effect of dilutive stock options ……………		—	698

Diluted earnings per common share ………	$	39,888	63,148	$	0.63

		Three months ended June 30, 2010
			Weighted
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Average Shares	Per Share

Basic earnings per common share …………	$	47,830	65,945	$	0.73
Effect of dilutive stock options ……………		—	828

Diluted earnings per common share ………	$	47,830	66,773	$	0.72

		Six months ended June 30, 2011
			Weighted
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Average Shares	Per Share

Basic earnings per common share …………	$	84,118	62,902	$	1.34
Effect of dilutive stock options ……………		—	818

Diluted earnings per common share ………	$	84,118	63,720	$	1.32

		Six months ended June 30, 2010
			Weighted
(In thousands, except per share data)	Net Earnings		Average Shares	Per Share

Basic earnings per common share …………	$	99,291	65,822	$	1.51
Effect of dilutive stock options ……………		—	823

Diluted earnings per common share ………	$	99,291	66,645	$	1.49

Significant Accounting Policies and Nature of Operations (Details)	Jun. 30, 2011
Nature of Operations (Details) [Abstract]
Number of company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico	3,022
Number of retail installment sales stores	41
Number of rent-to-own stores in Canada	18
Number of RAC Acceptance locations	611
Number of ColorTyme franchised stores	210
Number of states with ColorTyme franchised stores	32

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Details)
$ in Thousands

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2010

USD ($)

Acquisitions (Details) [Abstract]

Number of locations added via acquisition of The Rental Store, Inc

158

Vendor relationships

$ 7,500

Goodwill Roll Forward

Goodwill, beginning balance

1,320,467

^[1]

$ 1,268,684

Additions from acquisitions

616

55,922

(4,320)

Post purchase price allocation adjustment

2,418

181

Goodwill, ending balance

1,323,501

1,320,467

^[1]

Goodwill impairment related to discontinuation of our financial services business

1,800

Estimated Amortization Expense (Table Details) [Abstract]

1,922

2,938

571

568

568

4,698

$ 11,265

Noncompete Agreements Member

Finite Lived Intangible Assets Line Items

Average Life (years)

Gross carrying amount

$ 6,096

6,094

Accumulated amortization

$ 6,077

6,057

Customer Relationships Member

Finite Lived Intangible Assets Line Items

Average Life (years)

Gross carrying amount

$ 67,910

67,811

Accumulated amortization

$ 63,918

62,224

Vendor Relationships [Member]

Finite Lived Intangible Assets Line Items

Average Life (years)

Gross carrying amount

$ 7,538

Accumulated amortization

284

Total Amortizable Intangible Assets [Member]

Finite Lived Intangible Assets Line Items

Gross carrying amount

81,544

73,905

Accumulated amortization

$ 70,279

$ 68,281

[1]

Audited

Subsidiary Guarantors Senior Notes (Details) $ in Millions	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)
Senior Notes (Details) [Abstract]
Face value of senior notes	$ 300.0
Interest rate of senior notes	6.625%
Portion of proceeds from senior notes used to repay outstanding term debt	$ 200.0
Senior notes - redeemable at a premium declining from this percentage	103.313%
Percentage of original aggregate principal amount of senior notes included in repurchase price at change of control	101.00%
Event of default for senior notes - failure of other debt payment at maturity in excess of this amount	$ 50.0
Event of default for senior notes - not discharged, bonded or insured judgment in excess of this amount	$ 50.0
Subsidiary Guarantors (Details) [Abstract]
Our ownership percentage of subsidiary guarantors of senior notes	100.00%

Income Taxes (Details)	6 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details)	Jun. 30, 2011 USD ($)
Income Tax (Details) [Abstract]
Number of issues in disagreement with case law applied by IRS	one
Amount of increase in unrecognized tax benefits since year end	$ 59,000

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Fair Value (Details) [Abstract]

Fair value of senior notes

$ 298,500,000

$ 299,800,000

Carrying value of senior notes

300,000,000

^[1]

Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value

$ 1,500,000

$ 200,000

[1]

Audited

Impairment Charge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
Impairment Charge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Impairment Charge (Details) [Abstract]
Impairment charge	$ 0	$ 18,900	$ 0	$ 7,320	$ 0
Impairment Charge (Table Details) [Abstract]
Loan write-down	0			2,569
Fixed asset disposal	0			1,172
Other	0			3,579
Total	$ 0	$ 18,900	$ 0	$ 7,320	$ 0

Restructuring Charge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Restructuring Charge (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Restructuring Charge (Details) [Abstract]
Restructuring charge	$ 4,933	$ 0	$ 4,933	$ 0

Repurchases of Outstanding Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Repurchases of Outstanding Securities (Details) [Abstract]
Authorized aggregate amount		$ 800.0
Total number of shares repurchased since inception of our stock repurchase program (shares)		26,409,047	23,470,345
Aggregate purchase price of shares repurchased since inception of our stock repurchase program		$ 643.9	$ 551.2
Number of shares repurchased (shares)	2,069,937	2,938,702
Purchase price of shares repurchased	$ 64.2	$ 92.8

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Earnings Per Share (Details) [Abstract]
Number of anti-dilutive stock options	489,870	1,933,176	484,995	2,198,971
Earnings Per Share (Table Details) [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 39,888	$ 47,830	$ 84,118	$ 99,291
Basic weighted average shares	62,450,000	65,945,000	62,902,000	65,822,000
Effect of dilutive stock options	698,000	828,000	818,000	823,000
Diluted weighted average shares	63,148,000	66,773,000	63,720,000	66,645,000
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.64	$ 0.73	$ 1.34	$ 1.51
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.63	$ 0.72	$ 1.32	$ 1.49

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Diluted Earnings Per Share
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6510752

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Contingent Stock Agreement
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6508534

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Antidilution
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505113

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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

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Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A7
-Appendix A

+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 128
-Paragraph 171
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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-Subparagraph a
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
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-Publisher FASB
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

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-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 07-4
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+ Details

Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 14, 2011 USD ($)
Subsequent Events (Details) [Abstract]
New credit facilities total, maximum	$ 750.0
Term loan, maximum	250.0
Revolving credit facility, maximum	500.0
Proceeds from issuance of term loan	250.0
Proceeds from issuance of revolving credit facility	$ 100.0