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Document and Company Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Company Information - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Company Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	RENT A CENTER INC DE
Entity Central Index Key	0000933036
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2014
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
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 Public Float			$ 1,476,369,423
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		53,025,180
Trading Symbol	RCII

Consolidated Statements of Earnings - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Store
Rentals and fees	$ 2,745,828	$ 2,695,895	$ 2,653,925
Merchandise sales	290,048	278,753	300,077
Installment sales	75,889	71,475	67,071
Other	19,949	18,133	16,391
Store revenues	3,131,714	3,064,256	3,037,464
Franchise
Merchandise sales	19,236	24,556	32,893
Royalty income and fees	6,846	5,206	5,314
Revenues	3,157,796	3,094,018	3,075,671
Store
Cost of rentals and fees	704,595	676,674	642,387
Cost of merchandise sold	231,520	216,206	241,219
Cost of installment sales	26,084	24,541	23,287
Cost of store revenues	962,199	917,421	906,893
Vendor settlement credit	(6,836)	0	0
Franchise
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	18,070	23,104	31,314
Cost of revenues	973,433	940,525	938,207
Gross profit	2,184,363	2,153,493	2,137,464
Operating expenses
Store labor	888,929	881,671	840,377
Other store expenses	839,801	789,212	764,770
General and administrative expenses	162,316	147,621	140,039
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles	87,399	87,980	79,249
Other charges	12,456	0	0
Total operating expenses	1,990,901	1,906,484	1,824,435
Operating profit	193,462	247,009	313,029
Finance charges from refinancing	(4,213)	0	0
Interest expense	(47,843)	(39,628)	(32,065)
Interest income	(947)	(815)	(842)
Earnings before income taxes	142,353	208,196	281,806
Income tax expense	45,931	79,439	101,788
NET EARNINGS	$ 96,422	$ 128,757	$ 180,018
Basic earnings per common share	$ 1.82	$ 2.35	$ 3.06
Diluted earnings per common share	1.81	2.33	3.03
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.93	$ 0.86	$ 0.69

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 96,422	$ 128,757	$ 180,018
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,656)	(2,017)	2,775
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,656)	(2,017)	2,775
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 91,766	$ 126,740	$ 182,793

- Definition

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

+ References + Details

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 46,126	$ 42,274
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,023 and $3,700 in 2014 and 2013, respectively	65,492	59,178
Prepaid expenses and other assets	206,150	78,471
Rental merchandise, net
On rent	960,414	913,476
Held for rent	277,442	210,722
Merchandise held for installment sale	4,855	4,038
Property assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $440,586 and $433,935 in 2014 and 2013, respectively	332,726	336,498
Goodwill, net	1,370,459	1,364,549
Other intangible assets, net	7,533	8,969
Total Assets	3,271,197	3,018,175
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable - trade	141,878	120,438
Accrued liabilities	351,812	327,090
Deferred income taxes	345,299	318,503
Senior debt	492,813	366,275
Senior notes	550,000	550,000
Total Liabilities	1,881,802	1,682,306
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; 109,353,001 and 109,108,218 shares issued in 2014 and 2013, respectively	1,094	1,091
Additional paid-in capital	813,178	802,124
Retained earnings	1,927,445	1,880,320
Treasury stock at cost, 56,369,752 shares in 2014 and 2013	(1,347,677)	(1,347,677)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,645)	11
Total Stockholders' Equity	1,389,395	1,335,869
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$ 3,271,197	$ 3,018,175

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,023	$ 3,700
Accumulated depreciation	$ 440,586	$ 433,935
Common stock - par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock - shares authorized	250,000,000	250,000,000
Common stock - shares issued	109,353,001	109,108,218
Treasury stock - shares at cost	56,369,752	56,369,752

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 1,348,677	$ 1,077	$ 757,933	$ 1,658,857	$ (1,068,443)	$ (747)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011		107,800,000
Net earnings	180,018			180,018
Other comprehensive income (loss)	2,775					2,775
Purchase of treasury stock	(61,860)		(35)		(61,825)
Exercise of stock options, shares		604,000
Exercise of stock options	14,120	$ 7	14,113
Vesting of restricted share units, shares		127,000
Vesting of restricted share units	1	$ 1
Tax effects of stock awards vested and options exercised	4,348		4,348
Stock-based compensation	(8,366)		8,366
Dividends declared	40,588			40,588
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,455,857	$ 1,085	784,725	1,798,287	(1,130,268)	2,028
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012		108,531,000
Net earnings	128,757			128,757
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,017)					(2,017)
Purchase of treasury stock	(217,421)		(12)		(217,409)
Exercise of stock options, shares		479,000
Exercise of stock options	11,932	$ 5	11,927
Vesting of restricted share units, shares		98,000
Vesting of restricted share units	1	$ 1
Tax effects of stock awards vested and options exercised	(972)		(972)
Stock-based compensation	6,456		6,456
Dividends declared	(46,724)			(46,724)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,335,869	$ 1,091	802,124	1,880,320	(1,347,677)	11
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013		109,108,000
Net earnings	96,422			96,422
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (4,656)					(4,656)
Exercise of stock options, shares	(211,617)	212,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 4,647	$ 2	4,645
Vesting of restricted share units, shares		33,000
Vesting of restricted share units	1	$ 1
Tax effects of stock awards vested and options exercised	(150)		(150)
Stock-based compensation	6,559		6,559
Dividends declared	(49,297)			(49,297)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 1,389,395	$ 1,094	$ 813,178	$ 1,927,445	$ (1,347,677)	$ (4,645)
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		109,353,000

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Purchase of treasury stock (shares)	0	5,874	1,798

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$ 96,422	$ 128,757	$ 180,018
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation of rental merchandise	685,115	652,161	620,917
Bad debt expense	15,509	14,589	12,953
Stock-based compensation expense	6,559	6,456	8,366
Depreciation of property assets	78,747	76,451	73,361
Loss on sale or disposal of property assets	10,363	1,499	465
Amortization of intangibles	2,955	3,559	4,668
Amortization of financing fees	3,218	3,191	2,765
Deferred income taxes	26,796	24,020	3,429
Tax benefits related to stock option exercises	(331)	(406)	(4,348)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Rental merchandise	(796,672)	(767,680)	(683,803)
Receivables	(21,823)	(19,248)	(13,390)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(130,690)	(9,798)	1,772
Accounts payable - trade	21,440	19,373	(3,999)
Accrued liabilities	21,505	1,418	14,724
Net cash provided by operating activities	19,113	134,342	217,898
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property assets	(83,785)	(108,367)	(102,453)
Proceeds from sale of property assets	14,474	19,973	4,984
Acquisitions of businesses	(27,354)	(41,236)	(13,258)
Net cash used in investing activities	(96,665)	(129,630)	(110,727)
Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of treasury stock	0	(217,421)	(61,860)
Exercise of stock options	4,647	11,932	14,121
Tax benefit related to stock option exercises	(331)	(406)	(4,348)
Payments on capital leases	0	0	(27)
Proceeds from debt	772,860	908,145	606,570
Repayments of debt	(646,323)	(679,370)	(659,745)
Dividends paid	(48,663)	(46,809)	(37,866)
Net cash used in financing activities	82,852	(23,117)	(134,459)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(1,448)	(408)	310
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	3,852	(18,813)	(26,978)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	42,274	61,087	88,065
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	46,126	42,274	61,087
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest	48,064	36,897	31,574
Income taxes (excludes $3,372, $2,426 and $4,169 of income taxes refunded in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$ 146,250	$ 52,255	$ 88,873

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes refunded	$ 3,372	$ 2,426	$ 4,169

Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies	Dec. 31, 2014
Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies	Note A — Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies A summary of the significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows: 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 any or all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. We report four operating segments: Core U.S., Acceptance Now, Mexico (formerly reported as International, see Note S to the consolidated financial statements) and Franchising. Our Core U.S. segment consists of company-owned rent-to-own stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico that lease household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. Our stores in Canada operate under the name "Rent-A-Centre." We also offer merchandise on an installment sales basis in certain of our stores under the names “Get It Now” and “Home Choice.” At December 31, 2014, we operated 2,824 company-owned stores nationwide and in Canada and Puerto Rico, including 45 retail installment sales stores. Our Acceptance Now segment generally offers the rent-to-own transaction to consumers who do not qualify for financing from the traditional retailer through kiosks located within such retailer's locations. At December 31, 2014, we operated 1,406 Acceptance Now locations. Our Mexico segment consists of our company-owned rent-to-own stores in Mexico that lease household durable goods to customers on a rent-to-own basis. At December 31, 2014, we operated 177 stores in Mexico. Rent-A-Center Franchising International, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Rent-A-Center, is a franchisor of rent-to-own stores. At December 31, 2014, Franchising had 187 franchised stores operating in 30 states. Our Franchising segment'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 transaction. The balance of our Franchising segment's revenue is generated primarily from royalties based on franchisees' monthly gross revenues. Rental Merchandise Rental merchandise is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for merchandise is generally provided using the income forecasting method, which is intended to match as closely as practicable the recognition of depreciation expense with the consumption of the rental merchandise, and assumes no salvage value. The consumption of rental merchandise occurs during periods of rental and directly coincides with the receipt of rental revenue over the rental purchase agreement period. Under the income forecasting method, merchandise held for rent is not depreciated and merchandise on rent is depreciated in the proportion of rents received to total rents provided in the rental contract, which is an activity-based method similar to the units of production method. Effective January 1, 2013, we depreciate merchandise (including computers, tablets and smartphones) that is held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days using the straight-line method over a period generally not to exceed 18 months. Prior to January 1, 2013, merchandise held for rent (except for computers and tablets) that was at least 270 days old and held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days, was depreciated using the straight-line method over a period generally not to exceed 20 months. Prior to January 1, 2013, the straight-line method was used for computers and tablets that were 24 months old or older and which had become idle over a period of at least six months, generally not to exceed an aggregate depreciation period of 30 months. This change has not had a significant impact on cost of revenues, gross profit, net earnings or earnings per share. Rental merchandise which is damaged and inoperable is expensed when such impairment occurs. If a customer does not return the merchandise or make payment, the remaining book value of the rental merchandise associated with delinquent accounts is generally charged off on the 90^th day following the time the account became past due in the Core U.S. and Mexico segments, and on the 150^th day in the Acceptance Now segment. We maintain a reserve for these expected expenses. In addition, any minor repairs made to rental merchandise are expensed at the time of the repair. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at several financial institutions, which at times may not be federally insured or may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on such accounts. Revenues Merchandise is rented to customers pursuant to rental purchase agreements which provide for weekly, semi-monthly or monthly rental terms with non-refundable rental payments. Generally, the customer has the right to acquire title either through a purchase option or through payment of all required rentals. Rental revenue and fees are recognized over the rental term and merchandise sales revenue is recognized when the customer exercises the purchase option and pays the cash price due. Cash received prior to the period in which it should be recognized is deferred and recognized according to the rental term. Revenue is accrued for uncollected amounts due based on historical collection experience. However, the total amount of the rental purchase agreement is not accrued because the customer can terminate the rental agreement at any time and we cannot enforce collection for non-payment of future rents. Revenues from the sale of merchandise in our retail installment stores are recognized when the installment note is signed, the customer has taken possession of the merchandise and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues from the sale of rental merchandise are recognized upon shipment of the merchandise to the franchisee. Franchise royalty income and fee revenue is recognized upon completion of substantially all services and satisfaction of all material conditions required under the terms of the franchise agreement. Some franchisees purchase directly from a supplier but request reimbursement through ColorTyme Finance, Inc. and we recognize revenue for the commission we earn on these transactions. Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The installment notes receivable associated with the sale of merchandise at our Get It Now and Home Choice stores generally consists of the sales price of the merchandise purchased and any additional fees for services the customer has chosen, less the customer’s down payment. No interest is accrued and interest income is recognized each time a customer makes a payment, generally on a monthly basis. We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts for our installment notes receivable. Our policy for determining the allowance is based on historical loss experience, as well as the results of management’s review and analysis of the payment and collection of the installment notes receivable within the previous year. We believe our allowance is adequate to absorb any known or probable losses. Our policy is to charge off installment notes receivable that are 120 days or more past due. Charge-offs are applied as a reduction to the allowance for doubtful accounts and any recoveries of previously charged off balances are applied as an increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The majority of Franchising’s trade and notes receivable relate to amounts due from franchisees. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a franchisee’s financial condition and collateral is generally not required. Trade receivables are due within 30 days and are stated at amounts due from franchisees net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. Franchising determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, Franchising’s previous loss history, the franchisee’s current ability to pay its obligation to Franchising, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Franchising writes off trade receivables that are 120 days or more past due and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. Property Assets and Related Depreciation Furniture, equipment and vehicles are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (generally five years) by the straight-line method. Our building is depreciated over 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the useful life of the asset or the initial term of the applicable leases by the straight-line method, whichever is shorter. We have incurred costs to develop computer software for internal use. We capitalize the costs incurred during the application development stage, which includes designing the software configuration and interfaces, coding, installation, and testing. Costs incurred during the preliminary stages along with post-implementation stages of internally developed software are expensed as incurred. Internally developed software costs, once placed in service, are amortized over various periods up to ten years. We incur repair and maintenance expenses on our vehicles and equipment. These amounts are recognized when incurred, unless such repairs significantly extend the life of the asset, in which case we amortize the cost of the repairs for the remaining life of the asset utilizing the straight-line method. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We record goodwill when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be periodically evaluated for impairment. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of goodwill is not recoverable from future cash flows. We perform an assessment of goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our reporting units are generally our reportable operating segments. Factors which could necessitate an interim impairment assessment include a sustained decline in our stock price, prolonged negative industry or economic trends and significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company changed its annual impairment testing date from December 31 to October 1. The Company believes this new date is preferable because it allows for more timely completion of the annual goodwill impairment test prior to the end of our annual financial reporting period. This change in accounting principle does not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. The Company has determined that it will be impracticable to objectively determine projected cash flow and related valuation estimates that would have been used as of each October 1 of prior reporting periods without the use of hindsight. As such, the Company applied the change in annual impairment testing date prospectively beginning October 1, 2014. We assess recoverability using methodologies which include the present value of estimated future cash flows and comparisons of multiples of enterprise values to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows and discount rates. Discount rates are based upon our cost of capital. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, a second analysis is performed to measure the fair value of all assets and liabilities within the reporting unit. If, based on the second analysis, it is determined that the fair value of the assets and liabilities is less than the carrying value, we would recognize impairment charges in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value over fair value. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in our Core U.S. segment as a result of the sustained underperformance of certain stores located in Canada. These charges are included in amortization and write-down of intangibles in the consolidated statements of earnings. Acquired customer relationships are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over a 21 month period, non-compete agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the contractual life of the agreements, vendor relationships are amortized using the straight-line method over a 7 or 15 year period, other intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the asset and goodwill associated with acquisitions is not amortized. Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We evaluate all long-lived assets, including intangible assets, excluding goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized when the carrying amounts of such assets cannot be recovered by the undiscounted net cash flows they will generate. Self-Insurance Liabilities We have self-insured retentions with respect to losses under our workers' compensation, general liability, vehicle liability and health insurance programs. We establish reserves for our liabilities associated with these losses by obtaining forecasts for the ultimate expected losses and estimating amounts needed to pay losses within our self-insured retentions. We make assumptions on our liabilities within our self-insured retentions using actuarial loss forecasts, company-specific development factors, general industry loss development factors, and third-party claim administrator loss estimates which are based on known facts surrounding individual claims. These assumptions incorporate expected increases in health care costs. Periodically, we reevaluate our estimate of liability within our self-insured retentions. At that time, we evaluate the adequacy of our reserves by comparing amounts reserved on our balance sheet for anticipated losses to our updated actuarial loss forecasts and third-party claim administrator loss estimates, and make adjustments to our reserves as needed. Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of our foreign operations is the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange on the last day of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses are generally translated at a daily exchange rate and equity transactions are translated using the actual rate on the day of the transaction. Other Comprehensive Income Other comprehensive income is comprised exclusively of our foreign currency translation adjustment. Income Taxes We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes become payable. Income tax accounting requires management to make estimates and apply judgments to events that will be recognized in one period under rules that apply to financial reporting in a different period in our tax returns. In particular, judgment is required when estimating the value of future tax deductions, tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs), as represented by deferred tax assets. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates. We use our historical experience and our short- and long-range business forecasts to provide insight and assist us in determining recoverability. When it is determined the recovery of all or a portion of a deferred tax asset is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. We include NOLs in the calculation of deferred tax assets. NOLs are utilized to the extent allowable due to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and relevant state statutes. 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. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have recorded a liability, is audited and effectively settled. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which we determine the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. We classify interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense. We intend to reinvest substantially all of the unremitted earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and postpone their remittance indefinitely. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes for these non-U.S. subsidiaries was recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Sales Taxes We apply the net basis for sales taxes imposed on our goods and services in our consolidated statements of earnings. We are required by the applicable governmental authorities to collect and remit sales taxes. Accordingly, such amounts are charged to the customer, collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity. Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Diluted earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus, if dilutive, the assumed exercise of stock options at the beginning of the year, or for the period outstanding during the year for current year issuances. Advertising Costs Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are expensed when incurred. Advertising expense was $94.8 million, $92.6 million and $97.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Stock-Based Compensation We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees and directors, which are described more fully in Note N. We recognize share-based payment awards to our employees and directors at the estimated fair value on the grant date. Determining the fair value of any share-based award requires information about several variables that include, but are not limited to, expected stock volatility over the terms of the award, expected dividend yields and the predicted employee exercise behavior. We base expected life on historical exercise and post-vesting employment-termination experience, and expected volatility on historical realized volatility trends. In addition, all stock-based compensation expense is recorded net of an estimated forfeiture rate. The forfeiture rate is based upon historical activity and is analyzed at least annually as actual forfeitures occur. Compensation costs are recognized net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. We issue new shares to settle stock awards. Stock options are valued using a Black-Scholes pricing model. Restricted stock units are valued using the last trade before the day of the grant, adjusted for any provisions affecting fair value, such as the lack of dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense is reported within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the reported amounts for the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or earnings per share in any period. Use of Estimates In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent losses and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In applying accounting principles, we must often make individual estimates and assumptions regarding expected outcomes or uncertainties. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates. New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which clarifies existing accounting literature relating to how and when a company recognizes revenue. Under ASU 2014-09, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for Rent-A-Center beginning January 1, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. The ASU allows adoption with either retrospective application to each prior period presented, or retrospective application with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. We are currently in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, and we are evaluating the transition alternatives. 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.

Correction of Immaterial Errors

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Correction of Immaterial Errors [Abstract]

Correction of Immaterial Errors

Note B — Correction of Immaterial Errors

During the fourth quarter of 2014, we identified errors in accounting for revenues, cost of revenues and other store expenses resulting in an immaterial correction of errors in our previously issued consolidated financial statements. Each of these errors affected periods beginning prior to 2012 through December 31, 2014. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 99, Materiality, and SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, management evaluated the materiality of the errors from qualitative and quantitative perspectives, and concluded that while the errors did not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material misstatement of our previously issued consolidated financial statements, correcting these errors in the fourth quarter would have been material to the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014.

Due to the immaterial nature of the error corrections, we have recorded the cumulative effect of these adjustments of $6.5 million for periods prior to 2012 as a decrease in the previously reported January 1, 2012, retained earnings of $1,665.4 million, resulting in a revised January 1, 2012, retained earnings of $1,658.9 million. These adjustments also cumulatively impacted the following balance sheet line items as of December 31, 2013:



	December 31, 2013
(In thousands)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Receivables	$	58,686	$	492		$	59,178
On rent rental merchandise	914,618		(1,142		)	913,476
Held for rent rental merchandise	210,450		272			210,722
Total assets	3,018,553		(378		)	3,018,175
Accounts payable - trade	120,166		272			120,438
Accrued liabilities	315,235		11,855			327,090
Deferred income taxes	323,326		(4,823		)	318,503
Total liabilities	1,675,002		7,304			1,682,306
Retained earnings	1,888,002		(7,682		)	1,880,320
Total equity	1,343,551		(7,682		)	1,335,869

The errors discussed above, adjusted for the related income tax expense impact, resulted in an understatement of net earnings of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, and an overstatement of net earnings of $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, respectively, an overstatement of net earnings of $1.6 million for three-month period ended March 31, 2014, an understatement of net earnings of $0.1 million for three-month period ended June 30, 2014, and an understatement of net earnings of $0.6 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2014, respectively, as detailed in the tables below. We will revise the quarters within 2014 when they are published in future filings.



	Year Ended December 31, 2013							Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised		Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Rentals and fees	$	2,698,395	$	(2,500	)	$	2,695,895	$	2,654,081	$	(156	)	$	2,653,925
Installment sales	72,705		(1,230		)	71,475		68,356		(1,285		)	67,071
Franchise merchandise sales	30,991		(6,435		)	24,556		38,427		(5,534		)	32,893
Total revenues	3,104,183		(10,165		)	3,094,018		3,082,646		(6,975		)	3,075,671
Cost of rentals and fees	683,221		(6,547		)	676,674		646,090		(3,703		)	642,387
Cost of installment sales	25,771		(1,230		)	24,541		24,572		(1,285		)	23,287
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	29,539		(6,435		)	23,104		36,848		(5,534		)	31,314
Total cost of revenues	954,737		(14,212		)	940,525		948,729		(10,522		)	938,207
Gross profit	2,149,446		4,047			2,153,493		2,133,917		3,547			2,137,464
Store labor	880,437		1,234			881,671		838,131		2,246			840,377
Other store expenses	787,239		1,973			789,212		760,827		3,943			764,770
Operating profit	246,169		840			247,009		315,671		(2,642		)	313,029
Earnings before income taxes	207,356		840			208,196		284,448		(2,642		)	281,806
Income tax expense	79,118		321			79,439		102,745		(957		)	101,788
Net earnings	128,238		519			128,757		181,703		(1,685		)	180,018
Basic earnings per common share	$	2.34	$	0.01		$	2.35	$	3.08	$	(0.02	)	$	3.06
Diluted earnings per common share	$	2.32	$	0.01		$	2.33	$	3.06	$	(0.03	)	$	3.03



	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Rentals and fees	$	694,168	$	(2,981	)	$	691,187
Installment sales	18,356		(296		)	18,060
Franchise merchandise sales	7,324		(1,996		)	5,328
Total revenues	833,746		(5,273		)	828,473
Cost of rentals and fees	177,870		(2,654		)	175,216
Cost of installment sales	6,382		(296		)	6,086
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	7,000		(1,996		)	5,004
Total cost of revenues	270,869		(4,946		)	265,923
Gross profit	562,877		(327		)	562,550
Store labor	225,678		260			225,938
Other store expenses	215,440		(282		)	215,158
Operating profit	59,763		(305		)	59,458
Finance charges from refinancing	1,946		2,267			4,213
Earnings before income taxes	46,652		(2,572		)	44,080
Income tax expense	17,795		(981		)	16,814
Net earnings	28,857		(1,591		)	27,266
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.55	$	(0.03	)	$	0.52
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.54	$	(0.03	)	$	0.51



	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014							Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised		Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Rentals and fees	$	684,134	$	(2,385	)	$	681,749	$	1,378,302	$	(5,366	)	$	1,372,936
Installment sales	18,054		(283		)	17,771		36,410		(579		)	35,831
Franchise merchandise sales	5,963		(2,123		)	3,840		13,287		(4,119		)	9,168
Total revenues	773,217		(4,791		)	768,426		1,606,963		(10,064		)	1,596,899
Cost of rentals and fees	177,512		(2,912		)	174,600		355,382		(5,566		)	349,816
Cost of installment sales	6,358		(283		)	6,075		12,740		(579		)	12,161
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	5,737		(2,123		)	3,614		12,737		(4,119		)	8,618
Total cost of revenues	236,720		(5,318		)	231,402		507,589		(10,264		)	497,325
Gross profit	536,497		527			537,024		1,099,374		200			1,099,574
Store labor	222,083		186			222,269		447,761		446			448,207
Other store expenses	205,658		110			205,768		421,098		(172		)	420,926
Operating profit	40,159		231			40,390		99,922		(74		)	99,848
Finance charges from refinancing	—		—			—		1,946		2,267			4,213
Earnings before income taxes	28,608		231			28,839		75,260		(2,341		)	72,919
Income tax expense	11,075		83			11,158		28,870		(898		)	27,972
Net earnings	17,533		148			17,681		46,390		(1,443		)	44,947
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.33	$	—		$	0.33	$	0.88	$	(0.03	)	$	0.85
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.33	$	—		$	0.33	$	0.87	$	(0.03	)	$	0.84



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014							Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised		Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Rentals and fees	$	678,190	$	(2,848	)	$	675,342	$	2,056,492	$	(8,214	)	$	2,048,278
Installment sales	18,089		(267		)	17,822		54,499		(846		)	53,653
Franchise merchandise sales	6,524		(2,047		)	4,477		19,811		(6,166		)	13,645
Total revenues	769,525		(5,162		)	764,363		2,376,488		(15,226		)	2,361,262
Cost of rentals and fees	177,208		(3,167		)	174,041		532,590		(8,733		)	523,857
Cost of installment sales	6,134		(267		)	5,867		18,874		(846		)	18,028
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	6,247		(2,047		)	4,200		18,984		(6,166		)	12,818
Total cost of revenues	230,086		(5,481		)	224,605		737,675		(15,745		)	721,930
Gross profit	539,439		319			539,758		1,638,813		519			1,639,332
Store labor	218,523		100			218,623		666,284		546			666,830
Other store expenses	209,302		(878		)	208,424		630,400		(1,050		)	629,350
Operating profit	44,823		1,097			45,920		144,745		1,023			145,768
Finance charges from refinancing	—		—			—		1,946		2,267			4,213
Earnings before income taxes	33,042		1,097			34,139		108,302		(1,244		)	107,058
Income tax expense	7,736		478			8,214		36,606		(420		)	36,186
Net earnings	25,306		619			25,925		71,696		(824		)	70,872
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.48	$	0.01		$	0.49	$	1.36	$	(0.02	)	$	1.34
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.48	$	0.01		$	0.49	$	1.35	$	(0.02	)	$	1.33

The errors discussed above also resulted in changes to previously reported amounts in our consolidated statements of cash flows. The previously reported changes in operating assets and liabilities in the reconciliation of net income to cash provided by operating activities have been revised as detailed in the tables below. These errors had no impact on net cash provided by operating activities. We will revise the quarters within 2014 when they are published in future filings.



	Year Ended December 31, 2013									Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised			Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Net earnings	$	128,238		$	519		$	128,757		$	181,703		$	(1,685	)	$	180,018
Depreciation of rental merchandise	655,591			(3,430		)	652,161			622,261			(1,344		)	620,917
Deferred income taxes	23,699			321			24,020			4,386			(957		)	3,429
Rental merchandise	(770,879		)	3,199			(767,680		)	(686,247		)	2,444			(683,803		)
Receivables	(19,124		)	(124		)	(19,248		)	(13,370		)	(20		)	(13,390		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(9,798		)	—			(9,798		)	1,772			—			1,772
Accounts payable - trade	20,600			(1,227		)	19,373			(5,498		)	1,499			(3,999		)
Accrued liabilities	676			742			1,418			14,661			63			14,724
Net cash provided by operating activities	134,342			—			134,342			217,898			—			217,898



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Net earnings	$	28,857		$	(1,591	)	$	27,266
Depreciation of rental merchandise	169,843			(354		)	169,489
Finance charges from refinancing	1,946			(1,946		)	—
Deferred income taxes	(24,370		)	(980		)	(25,350		)
Rental merchandise	(135,407		)	(792		)	(136,199		)
Receivables	(2,849		)	114			(2,735		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(4,609		)	4,212			(397		)
Accounts payable - trade	2,368			1,009			3,377
Accrued liabilities	56,922			328			57,250
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,060			—			120,060



	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014									Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised			Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Net earnings	$	46,390		$	(1,443	)	$	44,947		$	71,696		$	(824	)	$	70,872
Depreciation of rental merchandise	339,773			(736		)	339,037			509,596			(1,418		)	508,178
Finance charges from refinancing	1,946			(1,946		)	—			1,946			(1,946		)	—
Deferred income taxes	(51,204		)	(897		)	(52,101		)	(64,912		)	(418		)	(65,330		)
Rental merchandise	(313,324		)	11,603			(301,721		)	(515,166		)	(24,184		)	(539,350		)
Receivables	(7,039		)	(8		)	(7,047		)	(20,307		)	(38		)	(20,345		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	270			(6,790		)	(6,520		)	(11,017		)	4,212			(6,805		)
Accounts payable - trade	(663		)	(272		)	(935		)	(3,407		)	26,634			23,227
Accrued liabilities	(2,943		)	489			(2,454		)	7,502			(2,018		)	5,484
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,961			—			68,961			63,263			—			63,263

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Receivables [Abstract]

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Note C — Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Receivables consist of the following:



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Installment sales receivable	$	56,516		$	51,335
Trade and notes receivables	12,999			11,543
Total	69,515			62,878
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,023		)	(3,700		)
Net receivables	$	65,492		$	59,178

The allowance for doubtful accounts related to installment sales receivable was $3.5 million and $2.9 million, and the allowance for doubtful accounts related to trade and notes receivable was $0.5 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	3,700		$	2,920		$	3,919
Bad debt expense	15,509			14,589			12,953
Accounts written off	(15,718		)	(14,271		)	(14,337		)
Recoveries	532			462			385
Ending balance	$	4,023		$	3,700		$	2,920

- Definition

The entire disclosure for claims held for amounts due a entity, excluding financing receivables. Examples include, but are not limited to, trade accounts receivables, notes receivables, loans receivables. Includes disclosure for allowance for credit losses.

+ References + Details

Rental Merchandise

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Rental Merchandise [Abstract]

Rental Merchandise

Note D — Rental Merchandise



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
On rent
Cost	$	1,565,421		$	1,462,494
Less accumulated depreciation	(605,007		)	(549,018		)
Net book value, on rent	$	960,414		$	913,476
Held for rent
Cost	$	343,747		$	271,465
Less accumulated depreciation	(66,305		)	(60,743		)
Net book value, held for rent	$	277,442		$	210,722

Property Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property Assets

Note E — Property Assets



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Furniture and equipment	$	359,982		$	332,607
Transportation equipment	11,451			11,957
Building and leasehold improvements	314,343			325,597
Land and land improvements	6,853			6,853
Construction in progress	80,683			93,419
	773,312			770,433
Less accumulated depreciation	(440,586		)	(433,935		)
	$	332,726		$	336,498

We had $73.4 million and $86.3 million of capitalized software costs included in construction in progress at December 31, 2014, and 2013 respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we placed in service internally developed software of approximately $51.6 million, $4.6 million and $8.4 million, respectively.

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Abstract]

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions

Note F — Intangible Assets and Acquisitions

Intangible Assets

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



		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Avg. Life (years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Non-compete agreements	3	$	5,585	$	5,435	$	6,337	$	6,102
Customer relationships	2	76,299		74,182		74,799		71,899
Vendor relationships	11	7,538		2,272		7,538		1,704
Total		$	89,422	$	81,889	$	88,674	$	79,705

Aggregate amortization expense (in thousands):



Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	2,955
Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	3,559
Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	4,668

Estimated 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
2015	$	2,365
2016	1,038
2017	568
2018	445
2019	445
Thereafter	2,672
	$	7,533

At December 31, 2014, the amount of goodwill allocated to the Core U.S. and Acceptance Now segments was approximately $1,316.1 million and $54.4 million, respectively. At December 31, 2013, the amount of goodwill allocated to the Core U.S. and Acceptance Now segments was approximately $1,310.1 million and $54.4 million, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in our Core U.S. segment as a result of the sustained underperformance of certain stores located in Canada. These charges are included in depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles in the consolidated statements of earnings.

A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Balance as of January 1,	$	1,364,549		$	1,344,665
Additions from acquisitions	14,562			28,282
Goodwill impairments and write-offs related to stores sold or closed	(8,458		)	(9,038		)
Post purchase price allocation adjustments	(194		)	640
Balance as of the end of the period	$	1,370,459		$	1,364,549

Acquisitions

The following table provides information concerning the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Number of stores acquired remaining open	6		47		6
Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores	13		38		31
Number of transactions	26		47		19
Total purchase price	$	26,653	$	41,236	$	13,258
Amounts allocated to:
Goodwill	$	14,562	$	28,282	$	6,874
Non-compete agreements	—		235		—
Customer relationships	1,525		2,959		1,160
Rental merchandise	9,731		11,843		4,380
Property and other assets	835		910		845

Purchase prices are determined by evaluating the average monthly rental income of the acquired stores and applying a multiple to the total for rent-to-own store acquisitions. All acquisitions have been accounted for as asset purchases, and the operating results of the acquired stores and accounts have been included in the financial statements since their date of acquisition.

The weighted average amortization period was approximately 21 months months for intangible assets added during the year ended December 31, 2014. Additions to goodwill due to acquisitions in 2014 were tax deductible.

- 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

Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities

Note G — Accrued Liabilities



	December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Accrued insurance costs	$	125,067	$	123,447
Accrued compensation	55,354		54,104
Deferred revenue	58,880		54,307
Taxes other than income	20,632		24,742
Accrued dividends	12,737		12,103
Deferred rent	9,585		10,424
Deferred compensation	9,653		8,339
Accrued interest payable	5,766		5,609
Accrued other	54,138		34,015
	$	351,812	$	327,090

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Note H — Income Taxes

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to actual follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.8	%	2.6	%	1.5	%
Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits	0.3	%	0.4	%	(0.2	)%
Effect of prior year credits	(2.0	)%	—	%	—	%
Adjustments to deferred taxes	(2.4	)%	—	%	—	%
Other, net	(0.4	)%	0.2	%	(0.2	)%
Total	32.3	%	38.2	%	36.1	%

The components of income tax expense are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Current expense
Federal	$	14,943		$	45,784		$	86,839
State	4,032			5,888			10,428
Foreign	1,673			5,659			3,100
Total current	20,648			57,331			100,367
Deferred expense
Federal	24,556			20,721			5,663
State	(90		)	2,521			(4,100		)
Foreign	817			(1,134		)	(142		)
Total deferred	25,283			22,108			1,421
Total	$	45,931		$	79,439		$	101,788

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following:



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	—		$	1,798
State net operating loss carryforwards	16,937			15,072
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	18,182			11,789
Accrued liabilities	72,058			59,718
Other assets including credits	6,993			2,619
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	12,306			10,584
	126,476			101,580
Valuation allowance	(24,709		)	(14,116		)
Deferred tax liabilities
Rental merchandise	(285,371		)	(255,541		)
Property assets	(2,222		)	(41,740		)
Intangible assets	(157,527		)	(108,686		)
	(445,120		)	(405,967		)
Net deferred taxes	$	(343,353	)	$	(318,503	)

During the year ended December 31, 2014, we utilized all of our approximately $5.1 million of federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards to offset taxable income. There are approximately $348.1 million of state NOL carryforwards expiring between 2015 and 2032. Of the total remaining state NOL carryforwards, approximately 18.0% represent acquired NOLs. Utilization of these NOLs is subject to applicable annual limitations for U.S. state tax purposes. At December 31, 2014, the foreign NOL carryforwards were approximately $60.6 million, which expire between 2020 and 2024, and are offset with a full valuation allowance. In addition, at December 31, 2014, we also had approximately $12.3 million in foreign tax credit (“FTC”) carryforwards expiring between 2020 and 2024. We establish a valuation allowance to the extent we consider it more likely than not that the deferred tax assets attributable to our NOLs, FTCs or other deferred tax assets will not be recovered.

We have not provided for deferred income taxes on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries because of our intention to indefinitely reinvest these earnings outside the U.S. The determination of the amount of the unrecognized deferred income tax liability related to the undistributed earnings is not practicable; however, unrecognized foreign income tax credits would be available to reduce a portion of this liability.

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 2011. We are currently under examination in various states. We do not anticipate that adjustments as a result of these audits, if any, will result in a material change to our consolidated statement of earnings, financial condition, statement of cash flows or earnings per share.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows:



	(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2013	$	10,167
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	50
Additions for tax positions of prior years	3,742
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(786		)
Balance at January 1, 2014	13,173
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	425
Additions for tax positions of prior years	2,400
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2,225		)
Settlements	(397		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	13,376

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, is $10.7 million, net of federal benefit, which, if ultimately recognized, will affect our annual effective tax rate.

As of December 31, 2014, we have accrued approximately $2.0 million for the payment of interest and recorded interest expense of approximately $209,000 for the year then ended, which are excluded from the reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits presented above.

Senior Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Senior Debt [Abstract]

Senior Debt

Note I — Senior Debt

On March 19, 2014, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") among the Company, the several lenders from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement, Bank of America, N.A., BBVA Compass Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and SunTrust Bank, as syndication agents, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The Credit Agreement represents a refinancing of our senior secured debt outstanding under our prior credit agreement, the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 28, 2003, as amended and restated as of July 14, 2011, and as amended by the First Amendment dated as of April 13, 2012, among the Company, the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (as amended, the "Prior Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement provides for a new $900.0 million senior credit facility consisting of $225 million in term loans (the "Term Loans") and a $675 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Facility").

Also, on March 19, 2014, we borrowed $225.0 million in Term Loans and $100.0 million under the Revolving Facility and utilized the proceeds to repay our prior senior secured debt outstanding under the Prior Credit Agreement. The Term Loans are payable in consecutive quarterly installments each in an aggregate principal amount of $562,500, with a final installment equal to the remaining principal balance of the Term Loans due on March 19, 2021.

The debt facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Facility Maturity	Maximum Facility		Amount Outstanding		Amount Available		Maximum Facility		Amount Outstanding		Amount Available
		(In thousands)
Senior Debt:
Term Loan	March 19, 2021	$	225,000	$	223,313	$	—	$	250,000	$	187,500	$	—
Revolving Facility	March 19, 2019	675,000		255,000		315,600		500,000		160,500		234,830
		900,000		478,313		315,600		750,000		348,000		234,830
Other Indebtedness:
Line of credit	August 21, 2015	20,000		14,500		5,500		20,000		18,275		1,725
Total		$	920,000	$	492,813	$	321,100	$	770,000	$	366,275	$	236,555

The full amount of the revolving credit facility may be used for the issuance of letters of credit. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amounts available under the revolving credit facility were reduced by approximately $104.4 million and $104.7 million, respectively, for our outstanding letters of credit.

Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest at varying rates equal to either the Eurodollar rate plus 1.50% to 2.75%, or the prime rate plus 0.50% to 1.75% (ABR), at our election. The margins on the Eurodollar loans and on the ABR loans for borrowings under the Revolving Facility, which were 2.50% and 1.50%, respectively, at December 31, 2014, may fluctuate based upon an increase or decrease in our consolidated total leverage ratio as defined by a pricing grid included in the Credit Agreement. The margins on the Eurodollar loans and on the ABR loans for Term Loans are 3.00% and 2.00%, respectively, but may also fluctuate in the event the all-in pricing for any subsequent incremental Term Loan exceeds the all-in pricing for prior Term Loans by more than 0.50% per annum. A commitment fee equal to 0.30% to 0.50% of the unused portion of the Revolving Facility is payable quarterly, and fluctuates dependent upon an increase or decrease in our consolidated total leverage ratio. The commitment fee at December 31, 2014, is equal to 0.50% of the unused portion of the Revolving Facility.

Our borrowings under the Credit Agreement are, subject to certain exceptions, secured by a security interest in substantially all of our tangible and intangible assets, including intellectual property, and are also secured by a pledge of the capital stock of our U.S. subsidiaries.

The Credit Agreement also permits us to increase the amount of the Term Loans and/or the Revolving Facility from time to time on up to three occasions, in an aggregate amount of no more than $250.0 million, provided that we are not in default at the time and have obtained the consent of the administrative agent and the lenders providing such increase.

Subject to a number of exceptions, the Credit Agreement contains, without limitation, covenants that generally limits our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:


•	incur additional debt;


•	repurchase capital stock, 6.625% notes and 4.75% notes and/or pay cash dividends (subject to a restricted payments basket under which approximately $83 million is available);


•	incur liens or other encumbrances;


•	merge, consolidate or sell substantially all property or business;


•	sell, lease or otherwise transfer assets (other than in the ordinary course of business);


•	make investments or acquisitions (unless they meet financial tests and other requirements); or


•	enter into an unrelated line of business.

The Credit Agreement requires us to comply with several financial covenants, including: (i) a consolidated total leverage ratio of no greater than 4.50:1 from the quarter ended March 31, 2014, to the quarter ended September 30, 2015, 4.25:1 from the quarter ended December 31, 2015, to the quarter ended September 30, 2016, and 4.00:1 thereafter; (ii) a consolidated senior secured leverage ratio of no greater than 2.75:1; and (iii) a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.50:1 from the quarter ended March 31, 2014, to December 31, 2015, and 1.75:1 thereafter. The table below shows the required and actual ratios under the Credit Agreement calculated as of December 31, 2014:



	Required Ratio		Actual Ratio
Consolidated total leverage ratio	No greater than	4.50:1	3.56:1
Consolidated senior secured leverage ratio	No greater than	2.75:1	1.59:1
Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio	No less than	1.50:1	1.82:1

These financial covenants, as well as the related components of their computation, are defined in the Credit Agreement, which is included as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated as of March 19, 2014. In accordance with the Credit Agreement, the consolidated total leverage ratio was calculated by dividing the consolidated funded debt outstanding at December 31, 2014 ($1,021.7 million) by consolidated EBITDA for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2014 ($287.1 million). For purposes of the covenant calculations, (i) “consolidated funded debt” is defined as outstanding indebtedness less cash in excess of $25.0 million, and (ii) “consolidated EBITDA” is generally defined as consolidated net income (a) plus the sum of income taxes, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, extraordinary non-cash expenses or losses, and other non-cash charges, and (b) minus the sum of interest income, extraordinary income or gains, other non-cash income, and cash payments with respect to extraordinary non-cash expenses or losses recorded in prior fiscal quarters. Consolidated EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is presented not as a measure of operating results, but rather as a measure used to determine covenant compliance under our senior credit facilities.

The consolidated senior secured leverage ratio was calculated pursuant to the Credit Agreement by dividing the consolidated senior secured debt outstanding at December 31, 2014 ($457.2 million) by consolidated EBITDA for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2014 ($287.1 million). For purposes of the covenant calculation, “consolidated senior secured debt” is generally defined as the aggregate principal amount of consolidated funded debt that is then secured by liens on property or assets of the Company or its subsidiaries.

The consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was calculated pursuant to the Credit Agreement by dividing the sum of consolidated EBITDA and consolidated lease expense for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2014 ($531.4 million), by consolidated fixed charges for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2014 ($291.2 million). For purposes of the covenant calculation, “consolidated fixed charges” is defined as the sum of consolidated interest expense and consolidated lease expense.

Events of default under our senior credit facilities include customary events, such as a cross-acceleration provision in the event that we default on other debt. In addition, an event of default under the Credit Agreement would occur if a change of control occurs. This is defined to include the case where a third party becomes the beneficial owner of 35% or more of our voting stock or certain changes in Rent-A-Center’s Board of Directors occur. An event of default would also occur if one or more judgments were entered against us of $50.0 million or more and such judgments were not satisfied or bonded pending appeal within 30 days after entry.

We utilize our revolving credit facility for the issuance of letters of credit, as well as to manage normal fluctuations in operational cash flow caused by the timing of cash receipts. In that regard, we may from time to time draw funds under the revolving credit facility for general corporate purposes. Amounts are drawn as needed due to the timing of cash flows and are generally paid down as cash is generated by our operating activities.

In addition to the senior debt discussed above, we maintain a $20.0 million unsecured, revolving line of credit with INTRUST Bank, N.A. to facilitate cash management.

The table below shows the scheduled maturity dates of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2014.



	Term Loan		Revolving Facility		INTRUST Line of Credit		Total
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2015	$	2,250	$	—	$	14,500	$	16,750
2016	2,250		—		—		2,250
2017	2,250		—		—		2,250
2018	2,250		—		—		2,250
2019	2,250		255,000		—		257,250
Thereafter	212,063		—		—		212,063
	$	223,313	$	255,000	$	14,500	$	492,813

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Senior Notes [Abstract]

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes

Note J — Subsidiary Guarantors – Senior Notes

On November 2, 2010, we issued $300.0 million in senior unsecured notes due November 2020, bearing interest at 6.625%, 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 were used to repurchase shares of our common stock.

On May 2, 2013, we issued $250.0 million in senior unsecured notes due May 2021, bearing interest at 4.750%, pursuant to an indenture dated May 2, 2013, 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 repurchase shares of our common stock under a $200.0 million accelerated stock buyback program. The remaining net proceeds were used to repay outstanding revolving debt under our senior credit facility.

The indenture governing the 6.625% notes and the 4.75% notes are substantially similar. Each 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 (subject to a restricted payments basket under which approximately $83 million is available); and


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

Events of default under each 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 6.625% 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 6.625% notes may be redeemed on or after November 15, 2018, at our option, in whole or in part, at par. The 6.625% 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.

The 4.75% notes may be redeemed on or after May 1, 2016, at our option, in whole or in part, at a premium declining from 103.563%. The 4.75% notes may be redeemed on or after May 1, 2019, at our option, in whole or in part, at par. The 4.75% notes also require that upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the 2013 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.

Any mandatory repurchase of the 6.625% notes an/or the 4.75% notes would trigger an event of default under our senior credit facilities. We are not required to maintain any financial ratios under either of the indentures.

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 6.625% notes and the 4.75% 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.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

Note K — Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

We lease space for substantially all of our Core U.S. and Mexico stores, certain support facilities and the majority of our delivery vehicles under operating leases expiring at various times through 2023. Certain of the store leases contain escalation clauses for increased taxes and operating expenses. Rental expense was $244.3 million, $240.9 million and $235.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2014 are as follows:



	Operating Leases
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2015	$	182,590
2016	146,342
2017	104,310
2018	63,762
2019	27,643
Thereafter	3,895
	$	528,542

Contingencies

From time to time, we, along with our subsidiaries, are party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. We reserve for loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. We regularly monitor developments related to these legal proceedings, and review the adequacy of our legal reserves on a quarterly basis. We do not expect these losses to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements if and when such losses are incurred.

We are subject to unclaimed property audits by states in the ordinary course of business. A comprehensive multi-state unclaimed property audit is currently in progress. The property subject to review in this audit process includes unclaimed wages, vendor payments and customer refunds. State escheat laws generally require entities to report and remit abandoned and unclaimed property to the state. Failure to timely report and remit the property can result in assessments that could include interest and penalties, in addition to the payment of the escheat liability itself. We routinely remit escheat payments to states in compliance with applicable escheat laws. Management believes it is too early to determine the ultimate outcome of this audit, as our remediation efforts are still in process.

Franchising Guarantees

Our subsidiary, ColorTyme Finance, Inc. (“ColorTyme Finance”), is a party to an agreement with Citibank, N.A., pursuant to which Citibank provides up to $27.0 million in aggregate financing to qualifying franchisees of Franchising. Under the Citibank agreement, upon an event of default by the franchisee under agreements governing this financing and upon the occurrence of certain other events, Citibank can assign the loans and the collateral securing such loans to ColorTyme Finance, with ColorTyme Finance paying or causing to be paid the outstanding debt to Citibank and then succeeding to the rights of Citibank under the debt agreements, including the right to foreclose on the collateral. Rent-A-Center and ColorTyme Finance guarantee the obligations of the franchise borrowers under the Citibank facility. An additional $20.0 million of financing is provided by Texas Capital Bank, National Association under an agreement similar to the Citibank financing, which is guaranteed by Rent-A-Center East, Inc., a subsidiary of Rent-A-Center. The maximum guarantee obligations under these agreements, excluding the effects of any amounts that could be recovered under collateralization provisions, is $47.0 million, of which $16.4 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2014.

Vendor Settlement Credit	12 Months Ended
Vendor Settlement Credit	Dec. 31, 2014
Vendor Settlement Credit [Abstract]
Vendor Settlement Credit	Note L — Vendor Settlement Credit We participated in an anti-trust class-action suit as an entity that indirectly purchased liquid-crystal displays from certain manufacturers during the period from 1999 to 2006. We received net proceeds of approximately $6.8 million pursuant to a negotiated settlement of this matter based on the number of LCD units purchased during that time period. The settlement proceeds are reported as a reduction to cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of earnings for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges	12 Months Ended
Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring, Impairment, and Other Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note M — Other Charges Store Consolidation Plan. During the second quarter of 2014, we closed 150 Core U.S. stores and merged those accounts into existing Core U.S. stores as part of a multi-year program designed to transform and modernize our operations company-wide in order to improve profitability in the Core U.S. segment. The decision to close these stores was based on management's analysis and evaluation of the markets in which we operate, including our market share, operating results, competitive positioning and growth potential for the affected stores. The store closures resulted in pre-tax restructuring charges of $4.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The charges included approximately $1.3 million in early lease termination costs, $3.2 million of accelerated depreciation expense for fixed assets, leasehold improvements and write-off of merchandise inventory and $0.4 million of other operating costs to decommission the stores. We did not record a liability for future lease obligations on these properties as the fair value of the liability at the cease-use date was reduced to zero by estimated sublease rentals that could be obtained for the properties. Accordingly, future lease obligations of approximately $2.1 million that remain as of December 31, 2014, will either be expensed monthly or recognized in full upon negotiation of early termination and are scheduled to be paid out through 2016. Corporate Restructuring. During the third quarter of 2014, we eliminated certain departments and functions in our field support center as a part of our efforts to transform and modernize our operations company-wide. This resulted in restructuring charges of approximately $2.8 million for severance and other payroll-related costs. Impairment Charge. During the third quarter of 2014, we recorded a $4.6 million impairment charge related to internally-developed computer software that was placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2014. We determined that certain components developed for our new store management information system would not be utilized. Mexico Store Closures. During 2014, management identified 8 stores in Mexico that will be closed in early 2015. Leasehold improvements and certain other assets will be abandoned upon the closure of the stores, and approximately $0.2 million of the accelerated depreciation related to these assets was recognized in 2014.

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

Note N — Stock-Based Compensation

We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees and directors. Our plans consist of the Rent-A-Center, Inc. Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”), the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), and the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Incentive Plan”), which are collectively known as the “Plans.”

The 2006 Plan authorizes the issuance of 7,000,000 shares of Rent-A-Center’s common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2006 Plan, of which no more than 3,500,000 shares may be issued in the form of restricted stock, deferred stock or similar forms of stock awards which have value without regard to future appreciation in value of or dividends declared on the underlying shares of common stock. In applying these limitations, the following shares will be deemed not to have been issued: (1) shares covered by the unexercised portion of an option that terminates, expires, or is canceled or settled in cash, and (2) shares that are forfeited or subject to awards that are forfeited, canceled, terminated or settled in cash. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 1,955,950 and 1,729,969 shares, respectively, allocated to equity awards outstanding in the 2006 Plan.

We acquired the Equity Incentive Plan (formerly known as the Rent-Way, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan) in conjunction with our acquisition of Rent-Way in 2006. There were 2,468,461 shares of our common stock reserved for issuance under the Equity Incentive Plan. There were 1,269,197 and 1,020,361 shares allocated to equity awards outstanding in the Equity Incentive Plan at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Under the Prior Plan, 14,562,865 shares of Rent-A-Center’s common stock were reserved for issuance under stock options, stock appreciation rights or restricted stock grants. There were no grants of stock appreciation rights and all equity awards were granted with fixed prices. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were 48,349 and 97,499 shares, respectively, allocated to equity awards outstanding under the Prior Plan. The Prior Plan was terminated on May 19, 2006, upon the approval by our stockholders of the 2006 Plan.

Options granted to our employees generally become exercisable over a period of 1 to 4 years from the date of grant and may be exercised up to a maximum of 10 years from the date of grant. Options granted to directors were immediately exercisable.

We grant restricted stock units to certain employees that vest after a three-year service requirement has been met. We recognize expense for these awards using the straight-line method over the requisite service period based on the number of awards expected to vest. We also grant performance-based restricted stock units that vest between 0% and 200% depending on our achievement of performance metrics that are established at the date of grant for the subsequent three-year period. We record expense for these awards over the requisite service period using an estimate of the number of awards that will vest, based on our performance against the established metrics, and net of the expected forfeiture rate, since the employee must maintain employment to vest in the award.

Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Stock options	$	5,044	$	3,944	$	3,915
Restricted share units	1,515		2,512		4,451
Total stock-based compensation expense	6,559		6,456		8,366
Tax benefit recognized in the statements of earnings	2,117		2,464		3,022
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	4,442	$	3,992	$	5,344

We issue new shares of stock to satisfy option exercises and the vesting of restricted stock units.

The fair value of unvested options that we expect to result in compensation expense was approximately $8.3 million with a weighted average number of years to vesting of 2.57 at December 31, 2014.

Information with respect to stock option activity related to the Plans follows:



	Equity Awards Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
						(In thousands)
Balance outstanding at January 1, 2014	2,331,157		$	31.36
Granted	1,024,057		28.41
Exercised	(211,617	)	21.86
Forfeited	(400,884	)	32.92
Expired	(116,749	)	33.28
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2014	2,625,964		$	30.63	7.25 years	$	16,045

Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,017,677		$	29.12	5.21 years	$	7,750

The intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.9 million, $5.8 million and $7.5 million, respectively, resulting in tax benefits of $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $4.3 million, respectively, which are reflected as an outflow from operating activities and an inflow from financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted average fair values of the options granted under the Plans were calculated using the Black-Scholes method. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the weighted average fair values of options granted were calculated using the binomial method. The weighted average grant date fair value and weighted average assumptions used in the option pricing models are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Weighted average grant date fair value	$	6.49		$	9.27		$	10.08
Weighted average risk free interest rate	1.54		%	0.88		%	0.35		%
Weighted average expected dividend yield	3.28		%	2.34		%	1.74		%
Weighted average expected volatility	34.77		%	37.88		%	39.72		%
Weighted average expected life (in years)	5.00			4.43			6.25

Information with respect to non-vested restricted stock unit activity follows:



	Restricted Awards Outstanding		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance outstanding at January 1, 2014	516,672		$	32.69
Granted	375,834		23.16
Vested	(73,524	)	28.95
Forfeited	(183,409	)	29.02
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2014	635,573		$	28.53

Restricted stock units are valued using the closing price reported by the Nasdaq Global Select Market on the trading day immediately preceding the day of the grant. Unrecognized compensation expense for unvested restricted stock units at December 31, 2014, was approximately $2.5 million expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.73 years.

Deferred Compensation Plan	12 Months Ended
Deferred Compensation Plan	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred Compensation Liability [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation Plan	Note O — Deferred Compensation Plan The Rent-A-Center, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”) is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of our key management personnel and highly compensated employees who do not participate in the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. The Deferred Compensation Plan first became available to eligible employees in July 2007, with deferral elections taking effect as of August 3, 2007. The Deferred Compensation Plan allows participants to defer up to 50% of their base compensation and up to 100% of any bonus compensation. Participants may invest the amounts deferred in measurement funds that are the same funds offered as the investment options in the Rent-A-Center, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan. We may make discretionary contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan, which are subject to a three-year graded vesting schedule based on the participant’s years of service with us. We are obligated to pay the deferred compensation amounts in the future in accordance with the terms of the Deferred Compensation Plan. Assets and associated liabilities of the Deferred Compensation Plan are included in prepaid and other assets and accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we made matching cash contributions of $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, which represents 50% of the employees’ contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan up to an amount not to exceed 4% of each employee's respective compensation. No other discretionary contributions were made for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. The deferred compensation plan liability was approximately $9.7 million and $8.3 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation costs, including compensated absences accruals, compensated absences liability, deferred compensation arrangements and income statement compensation items. Deferred compensation arrangements may include a description of an arrangement with an individual employee, which is generally an employment contract between the entity and a selected officer or key employee containing a promise by the employer to pay certain amounts at designated future dates, usually including a period after retirement, upon compliance with stipulated requirements. This type of arrangement is distinguished from broader based employee benefit plans as it is usually tailored to the employee. Disclosure also typically includes the amount of related compensation expense recognized during the reporting period, the number of shares (units) issued during the period under such arrangements, and the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the related liability.

+ References + Details

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plan	Dec. 31, 2014
Employee Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Note P — 401(k) Plan We sponsor a defined contribution pension plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for certain employees who have completed at least three months of service. Employees may elect to contribute up to 50% of their eligible compensation on a pre-tax basis, subject to limitations. We may make discretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan. Employer matching contributions are subject to a three-year graded vesting schedule based on the participant's years of service with us. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we made matching cash contributions of $6.7 million, $6.6 million and $5.3 million, respectively, which represents 50% of the employees’ contributions to the 401(k) plan up to an amount not to exceed 4% of each employee's respective compensation. Employees are permitted to elect to purchase our common stock as part of their 401(k) plan. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 7.2% and 6.8%, respectively, of the total plan assets consisted of our common stock.

Fair Value

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value

Note Q — Fair Value

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.

At December 31, 2014, 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 Level 1 inputs and was as follows at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):



	December 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Difference			Carrying Value		Fair Value		Difference
6.625% senior notes	$	300,000	$	284,250	$	(15,750	)	$	300,000	$	316,700	$	16,700
4.75% senior notes	250,000		214,375		(35,625		)	250,000		234,700		(15,300		)
Total	$	550,000	$	498,625	$	(51,375	)	$	550,000	$	551,400	$	1,400

- 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 + Details

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

Note S — Segment Information

The operating segments reported below are the segments for which separate financial information is available and for which segment results are evaluated by the chief operating decision makers. Our operating segments are organized based on factors including, but not limited to, type of business transactions, geographic location and store ownership. All operating segments offer merchandise from four basic product categories: consumer electronics, appliances, computers, furniture and accessories.

From January 1, 2012, when we began to provide operating results by segment, through December 31, 2013, management reported four segments including Core U.S., Acceptance Now, International and Franchising. Costs incurred at our corporate headquarters that benefit our Core U.S., Acceptance Now and Mexico segments were allocated to those segments based on segment revenue to determine segment operating profit. Because our Franchising segment maintains a separate, independent corporate office, no additional corporate costs or assets were allocated to that segment.

On January 1, 2014, the Company realigned its reporting structure to include its Canadian stores in the Core U.S. segment, which were previously reported in the International segment. The accompanying prior year amounts and store counts have been revised to reflect this change, and we now refer to the segment formerly reported as "International" as "Mexico" since only that country's results are reported therein.

During the fourth quarter of 2014, management reevaluated its operating segments and segment reporting, and determined that the chief operating decision makers relied more heavily on operating profit before corporate allocations when evaluating segment performance than operating profit after corporate allocations. Therefore, we are no longer allocating corporate costs and assets to the segments. In the following tables, segment operating profit is presented before corporate allocations. Corporate costs, which are primarily costs incurred at our U.S. corporate headquarters, are reported separately to reconcile to operating profit reported in the consolidated statements of operations. The costs incurred at our Mexico field support center is reported in the Mexico segment because our Executive Vice President of Mexico Operations is responsible for Mexico's operations and its field support center. The Franchising segment's corporate costs are reported in the Franchising segment because the President of RAC Franchising International is responsible for that segment's operations and corporate functions. Certain corporate assets used to support our Core U.S., Acceptance Now and Mexico segments, including the land and building in which the corporate headquarters are located and related property assets, cash and prepaid expenses were also allocated historically to these operating segments based on segment revenue. In the following tables, corporate assets are reported separately to reconcile to the consolidated balance sheets. Management believes that these changes provide investors with a more precise view of field operations and corporate costs that accurately aligns with management's view of the business.

Reportable segments and their respective operations are defined as follows:

Our Core U.S. segment primarily operates rent-to-own stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico whose customers enter into weekly, semi-monthly or monthly rental purchase agreements, which renew automatically upon receipt of each payment. We retain the title to the merchandise during the term of the rental purchase agreement and ownership passes to the customer if the customer has continuously renewed the rental purchase agreement through the end of the term or exercises a specified early purchase option. This segment also includes the 45 stores operating in two states that utilize a retail model which generates installment credit sales through a retail sale transaction. Segment assets include cash, receivables, rental merchandise, property assets, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Our Acceptance Now segment operates kiosks within various traditional retailers’ locations where we generally offer the rent-to-own transaction to consumers who do not qualify for financing from the traditional retailer. The transaction offered is generally similar to that of the Core U.S. segment; however, the majority of the customers in this segment enter into monthly rather than weekly agreements. Segment assets include cash, rental merchandise, property assets, goodwill and other intangible assets.

Our Mexico segment currently consists of our company-owned rent-to-own stores in Mexico. The nature of this segment's operations and assets are the same as our Core U.S. segment.

The stores in our Franchising segment use Rent-A-Center’s, ColorTyme’s or RimTyme’s trade names, service marks, trademarks and logos, and operate under distinctive operating procedures and standards. Franchising’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. As franchisor, Franchising receives royalties of 2.0% to 6.0% of the franchisees' monthly gross revenue and initial fees for new locations. Segment assets include cash, franchise fee receivables, property assets and intangible assets.

Segment information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Revenues
Core U.S.	$	2,414,659	$	2,527,660	$	2,681,844
Acceptance Now	644,853		489,425		333,118
Mexico	72,202		47,171		22,502
Franchising	26,082		29,762		38,207
Total revenues	$	3,157,796	$	3,094,018	$	3,075,671



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Gross profit
Core U.S.	$	1,753,269	$	1,822,243	$	1,919,230
Acceptance Now	372,012		290,647		196,050
Mexico	51,070		33,945		15,291
Franchising	8,012		6,658		6,893
Total gross profit	$	2,184,363	$	2,153,493	$	2,137,464



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Operating profit (loss)
Core U.S.	$	264,967		$	311,301		$	415,744
Acceptance Now	112,918			89,075			41,344
Mexico	(21,961		)	(22,828		)	(23,337		)
Franchising	3,295			1,853			2,326
Total segment operating profit	359,219			379,401			436,077
Corporate	(165,757		)	(132,392		)	(123,048		)
Total operating profit	$	193,462		$	247,009		$	313,029



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles
Core U.S.	$	61,555	$	64,042	$	55,868
Acceptance Now	2,917		2,287		4,000
Mexico	6,683		5,450		4,164
Franchising	184		79		89
Total segments	71,339		71,858		64,121
Corporate	16,060		16,122		15,128
Total depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles	$	87,399	$	87,980	$	79,249



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Capital expenditures
Core U.S.	$	31,228	$	44,715	$	61,137
Acceptance Now	3,833		3,047		2,044
Mexico	4,164		11,537		10,670
Franchising	—		—		—
Total segments	39,225		59,299		73,851
Corporate	44,560		49,068		28,602
Total capital expenditures	$	83,785	$	108,367	$	102,453



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
On rent rental merchandise, net
Core U.S.	$	593,945	$	611,375	$	589,811
Acceptance Now	345,703		284,421		204,640
Mexico	20,766		17,680		10,347
Total on rent rental merchandise, net	$	960,414	$	913,476	$	804,798



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Idle rental merchandise, net
Core U.S.	$	264,211	$	195,926	$	193,251
Acceptance Now	4,897		3,837		3,007
Mexico	8,334		10,959		5,363
Total idle rental merchandise, net	$	277,442	$	210,722	$	201,621



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Assets by segment
Core U.S.	$	2,519,770	$	2,479,297	$	2,428,209
Acceptance Now	420,660		358,305		274,765
Mexico	59,841		69,826		46,038
Franchising	2,604		1,688		2,711
Total segments	3,002,875		2,909,116		2,751,723
Corporate	268,322		109,059		107,362
Total assets	$	3,271,197	$	3,018,175	$	2,859,085



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Assets by country
United States	$	3,204,283	$	2,940,980	$	2,794,883
Mexico	59,841		69,826		46,038
Canada	7,073		7,369		18,164
Total assets	$	3,271,197	$	3,018,175	$	2,859,085

Approximately 87% of our total revenues are comprised of rental and fee revenues from the following product groups:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Furniture and accessories	$	938,065	$	917,290	$	861,939
Consumer electronics	642,226		667,052		699,620
Appliances	422,979		432,937		423,578
Computers	375,340		347,783		358,551
Other products and services	367,218		330,833		310,237
Total rentals and fees	$	2,745,828	$	2,695,895	$	2,653,925

Our revenues originate in the following countries:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
United States	$	3,075,387	$	3,035,558	$	3,035,556
Mexico	72,202		47,171		22,502
Canada	10,207		11,289		17,613
Total revenues	$	3,157,796	$	3,094,018	$	3,075,671

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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+ Details

Stock Repurchase Plan	12 Months Ended
Stock Repurchase Plan	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Plan	Note R — Stock Repurchase Plan Under our current common stock repurchase program, our Board of Directors has authorized the purchase, from time to time, in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, of up to an aggregate of $1.25 billion of Rent-A-Center common stock. We have repurchased a total of 36,994,653 shares of Rent-A-Center common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $994.8 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, under this common stock repurchase program. No shares were repurchased during 2014.

Earnings Per Common Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Common Share

Note T — Earnings Per Common Share

Summarized basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated as follows:



	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Basic earnings per common share	$	96,422	52,850	$	1.82
Effect of dilutive stock options	—		276
Diluted earnings per common share	$	96,422	53,126	$	1.81



	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Basic earnings per common share	$	128,757	54,804	$	2.35
Effect of dilutive stock options	—		358
Diluted earnings per common share	$	128,757	55,162	$	2.33



	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Basic earnings per common share	$	180,018	58,913	$	3.06
Effect of dilutive stock options	—		492
Diluted earnings per common share	$	180,018	59,405	$	3.03

For 2014, 2013, and 2012, the number of stock options that were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because their exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common stock and, therefore anti-dilutive, were 2,496,147, 1,507,355, and 1,115,245, respectively.

Unaudited Quarterly Data

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Unaudited Quarterly Data

Note U — Unaudited Quarterly Data

Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014, and 2013 is as follows, adjusted to reflect the revisions to prior year balances due to immaterial error corrections discussed in Note B to the consolidated financial statements:



	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Revenues	$	828,473	$	768,426	$	764,363	$	796,534
Gross profit	562,550		537,024		539,758		545,031
Operating profit	59,458		40,390		45,920		47,694
Net earnings	27,266		17,681		25,925		25,550
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.52	$	0.33	$	0.49	$	0.48
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.51	$	0.33	$	0.49	$	0.48
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.23	$	0.23	$	0.23	$	0.24



	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Revenues	$	815,661	$	759,424	$	752,758	$	766,175
Gross profit	550,077		532,949		530,514		539,953
Operating profit	77,019		78,922		56,399		34,669
Net earnings	44,987		42,975		27,558		13,237
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.78	$	0.78	$	0.52	$	0.25
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.77	$	0.78	$	0.51	$	0.25
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.23

Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Rental Merchandise	Rental Merchandise Rental merchandise is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for merchandise is generally provided using the income forecasting method, which is intended to match as closely as practicable the recognition of depreciation expense with the consumption of the rental merchandise, and assumes no salvage value. The consumption of rental merchandise occurs during periods of rental and directly coincides with the receipt of rental revenue over the rental purchase agreement period. Under the income forecasting method, merchandise held for rent is not depreciated and merchandise on rent is depreciated in the proportion of rents received to total rents provided in the rental contract, which is an activity-based method similar to the units of production method. Effective January 1, 2013, we depreciate merchandise (including computers, tablets and smartphones) that is held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days using the straight-line method over a period generally not to exceed 18 months. Prior to January 1, 2013, merchandise held for rent (except for computers and tablets) that was at least 270 days old and held for rent for at least 180 consecutive days, was depreciated using the straight-line method over a period generally not to exceed 20 months. Prior to January 1, 2013, the straight-line method was used for computers and tablets that were 24 months old or older and which had become idle over a period of at least six months, generally not to exceed an aggregate depreciation period of 30 months. This change has not had a significant impact on cost of revenues, gross profit, net earnings or earnings per share. Rental merchandise which is damaged and inoperable is expensed when such impairment occurs. If a customer does not return the merchandise or make payment, the remaining book value of the rental merchandise associated with delinquent accounts is generally charged off on the 90^th day following the time the account became past due in the Core U.S. and Mexico segments, and on the 150^th day in the Acceptance Now segment. We maintain a reserve for these expected expenses. In addition, any minor repairs made to rental merchandise are expensed at the time of the repair.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at several financial institutions, which at times may not be federally insured or may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on such accounts.
Revenue	Revenues Merchandise is rented to customers pursuant to rental purchase agreements which provide for weekly, semi-monthly or monthly rental terms with non-refundable rental payments. Generally, the customer has the right to acquire title either through a purchase option or through payment of all required rentals. Rental revenue and fees are recognized over the rental term and merchandise sales revenue is recognized when the customer exercises the purchase option and pays the cash price due. Cash received prior to the period in which it should be recognized is deferred and recognized according to the rental term. Revenue is accrued for uncollected amounts due based on historical collection experience. However, the total amount of the rental purchase agreement is not accrued because the customer can terminate the rental agreement at any time and we cannot enforce collection for non-payment of future rents. Revenues from the sale of merchandise in our retail installment stores are recognized when the installment note is signed, the customer has taken possession of the merchandise and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues from the sale of rental merchandise are recognized upon shipment of the merchandise to the franchisee. Franchise royalty income and fee revenue is recognized upon completion of substantially all services and satisfaction of all material conditions required under the terms of the franchise agreement. Some franchisees purchase directly from a supplier but request reimbursement through ColorTyme Finance, Inc. and we recognize revenue for the commission we earn on these transactions.
Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The installment notes receivable associated with the sale of merchandise at our Get It Now and Home Choice stores generally consists of the sales price of the merchandise purchased and any additional fees for services the customer has chosen, less the customer’s down payment. No interest is accrued and interest income is recognized each time a customer makes a payment, generally on a monthly basis. We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts for our installment notes receivable. Our policy for determining the allowance is based on historical loss experience, as well as the results of management’s review and analysis of the payment and collection of the installment notes receivable within the previous year. We believe our allowance is adequate to absorb any known or probable losses. Our policy is to charge off installment notes receivable that are 120 days or more past due. Charge-offs are applied as a reduction to the allowance for doubtful accounts and any recoveries of previously charged off balances are applied as an increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts. The majority of Franchising’s trade and notes receivable relate to amounts due from franchisees. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of a franchisee’s financial condition and collateral is generally not required. Trade receivables are due within 30 days and are stated at amounts due from franchisees net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts that are outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. Franchising determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, Franchising’s previous loss history, the franchisee’s current ability to pay its obligation to Franchising, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. Franchising writes off trade receivables that are 120 days or more past due and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
Property Assets and Related Depreciation	Property Assets and Related Depreciation Furniture, equipment and vehicles are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (generally five years) by the straight-line method. Our building is depreciated over 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the useful life of the asset or the initial term of the applicable leases by the straight-line method, whichever is shorter. We have incurred costs to develop computer software for internal use. We capitalize the costs incurred during the application development stage, which includes designing the software configuration and interfaces, coding, installation, and testing. Costs incurred during the preliminary stages along with post-implementation stages of internally developed software are expensed as incurred. Internally developed software costs, once placed in service, are amortized over various periods up to ten years. We incur repair and maintenance expenses on our vehicles and equipment. These amounts are recognized when incurred, unless such repairs significantly extend the life of the asset, in which case we amortize the cost of the repairs for the remaining life of the asset utilizing the straight-line method.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets We record goodwill when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not subject to amortization but must be periodically evaluated for impairment. Impairment occurs when the carrying value of goodwill is not recoverable from future cash flows. We perform an assessment of goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or when events or circumstances indicate that impairment may have occurred. Our reporting units are generally our reportable operating segments. Factors which could necessitate an interim impairment assessment include a sustained decline in our stock price, prolonged negative industry or economic trends and significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company changed its annual impairment testing date from December 31 to October 1. The Company believes this new date is preferable because it allows for more timely completion of the annual goodwill impairment test prior to the end of our annual financial reporting period. This change in accounting principle does not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. The Company has determined that it will be impracticable to objectively determine projected cash flow and related valuation estimates that would have been used as of each October 1 of prior reporting periods without the use of hindsight. As such, the Company applied the change in annual impairment testing date prospectively beginning October 1, 2014. We assess recoverability using methodologies which include the present value of estimated future cash flows and comparisons of multiples of enterprise values to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The analysis is based upon available information regarding expected future cash flows and discount rates. Discount rates are based upon our cost of capital. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value, a second analysis is performed to measure the fair value of all assets and liabilities within the reporting unit. If, based on the second analysis, it is determined that the fair value of the assets and liabilities is less than the carrying value, we would recognize impairment charges in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value over fair value. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $1.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in our Core U.S. segment as a result of the sustained underperformance of certain stores located in Canada. These charges are included in amortization and write-down of intangibles in the consolidated statements of earnings. Acquired customer relationships are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over a 21 month period, non-compete agreements are amortized using the straight-line method over the contractual life of the agreements, vendor relationships are amortized using the straight-line method over a 7 or 15 year period, other intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the asset and goodwill associated with acquisitions is not amortized.
Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We evaluate all long-lived assets, including intangible assets, excluding goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized when the carrying amounts of such assets cannot be recovered by the undiscounted net cash flows they will generate.
Self Insurance Liabilities	Self-Insurance Liabilities We have self-insured retentions with respect to losses under our workers' compensation, general liability, vehicle liability and health insurance programs. We establish reserves for our liabilities associated with these losses by obtaining forecasts for the ultimate expected losses and estimating amounts needed to pay losses within our self-insured retentions. We make assumptions on our liabilities within our self-insured retentions using actuarial loss forecasts, company-specific development factors, general industry loss development factors, and third-party claim administrator loss estimates which are based on known facts surrounding individual claims. These assumptions incorporate expected increases in health care costs. Periodically, we reevaluate our estimate of liability within our self-insured retentions. At that time, we evaluate the adequacy of our reserves by comparing amounts reserved on our balance sheet for anticipated losses to our updated actuarial loss forecasts and third-party claim administrator loss estimates, and make adjustments to our reserves as needed.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation The functional currency of our foreign operations is the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency are translated into U.S. dollars at the current rate of exchange on the last day of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses are generally translated at a daily exchange rate and equity transactions are translated using the actual rate on the day of the transaction.
Other Comprehensive Income [Policy Text Block]	Other Comprehensive Income Other comprehensive income is comprised exclusively of our foreign currency translation adjustment.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes We record deferred taxes for temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rate expected to be in effect when taxes become payable. Income tax accounting requires management to make estimates and apply judgments to events that will be recognized in one period under rules that apply to financial reporting in a different period in our tax returns. In particular, judgment is required when estimating the value of future tax deductions, tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs), as represented by deferred tax assets. We evaluate the recoverability of these future tax deductions and credits by assessing the future expected taxable income from all sources, including reversal of taxable temporary differences, forecasted operating earnings and available tax planning strategies. These sources of income rely heavily on estimates. We use our historical experience and our short- and long-range business forecasts to provide insight and assist us in determining recoverability. When it is determined the recovery of all or a portion of a deferred tax asset is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. We include NOLs in the calculation of deferred tax assets. NOLs are utilized to the extent allowable due to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and relevant state statutes. 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. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter, for which we have recorded a liability, is audited and effectively settled. We review our tax positions quarterly and adjust our liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the period in which we determine the issue is effectively settled with the tax authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when more information becomes available. We classify interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as interest expense. We intend to reinvest substantially all of the unremitted earnings of our non-U.S. subsidiaries and postpone their remittance indefinitely. Accordingly, no provision for U.S. income taxes for these non-U.S. subsidiaries was recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
Sales Taxes	Sales Taxes We apply the net basis for sales taxes imposed on our goods and services in our consolidated statements of earnings. We are required by the applicable governmental authorities to collect and remit sales taxes. Accordingly, such amounts are charged to the customer, collected and remitted directly to the appropriate jurisdictional entity.
Earnings Per Common Share	Earnings Per Common Share Basic earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented. Diluted earnings per common share are based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus, if dilutive, the assumed exercise of stock options at the beginning of the year, or for the period outstanding during the year for current year issuances.
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising are expensed when incurred. Advertising expense was $94.8 million, $92.6 million and $97.3 million, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation We maintain long-term incentive plans for the benefit of certain employees and directors, which are described more fully in Note N. We recognize share-based payment awards to our employees and directors at the estimated fair value on the grant date. Determining the fair value of any share-based award requires information about several variables that include, but are not limited to, expected stock volatility over the terms of the award, expected dividend yields and the predicted employee exercise behavior. We base expected life on historical exercise and post-vesting employment-termination experience, and expected volatility on historical realized volatility trends. In addition, all stock-based compensation expense is recorded net of an estimated forfeiture rate. The forfeiture rate is based upon historical activity and is analyzed at least annually as actual forfeitures occur. Compensation costs are recognized net of estimated forfeitures over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. We issue new shares to settle stock awards. Stock options are valued using a Black-Scholes pricing model. Restricted stock units are valued using the last trade before the day of the grant, adjusted for any provisions affecting fair value, such as the lack of dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period. Stock-based compensation expense is reported within general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the reported amounts for the prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on net earnings or earnings per share in any period.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates In preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent losses and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In applying accounting principles, we must often make individual estimates and assumptions regarding expected outcomes or uncertainties. Our estimates, judgments and assumptions are continually evaluated based on available information and experience. Because of the use of estimates inherent in the financial reporting process, actual results could differ from those estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which clarifies existing accounting literature relating to how and when a company recognizes revenue. Under ASU 2014-09, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. ASU 2014-09 will be effective for Rent-A-Center beginning January 1, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. The ASU allows adoption with either retrospective application to each prior period presented, or retrospective application with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. We are currently in the process of determining what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, and we are evaluating the transition alternatives. 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.

Correction of Immaterial Errors (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Correction of Immaterial Errors [Abstract]

Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments



	December 31, 2013
(In thousands)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Receivables	$	58,686	$	492		$	59,178
On rent rental merchandise	914,618		(1,142		)	913,476
Held for rent rental merchandise	210,450		272			210,722
Total assets	3,018,553		(378		)	3,018,175
Accounts payable - trade	120,166		272			120,438
Accrued liabilities	315,235		11,855			327,090
Deferred income taxes	323,326		(4,823		)	318,503
Total liabilities	1,675,002		7,304			1,682,306
Retained earnings	1,888,002		(7,682		)	1,880,320
Total equity	1,343,551		(7,682		)	1,335,869



	Year Ended December 31, 2013							Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised		Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Rentals and fees	$	2,698,395	$	(2,500	)	$	2,695,895	$	2,654,081	$	(156	)	$	2,653,925
Installment sales	72,705		(1,230		)	71,475		68,356		(1,285		)	67,071
Franchise merchandise sales	30,991		(6,435		)	24,556		38,427		(5,534		)	32,893
Total revenues	3,104,183		(10,165		)	3,094,018		3,082,646		(6,975		)	3,075,671
Cost of rentals and fees	683,221		(6,547		)	676,674		646,090		(3,703		)	642,387
Cost of installment sales	25,771		(1,230		)	24,541		24,572		(1,285		)	23,287
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	29,539		(6,435		)	23,104		36,848		(5,534		)	31,314
Total cost of revenues	954,737		(14,212		)	940,525		948,729		(10,522		)	938,207
Gross profit	2,149,446		4,047			2,153,493		2,133,917		3,547			2,137,464
Store labor	880,437		1,234			881,671		838,131		2,246			840,377
Other store expenses	787,239		1,973			789,212		760,827		3,943			764,770
Operating profit	246,169		840			247,009		315,671		(2,642		)	313,029
Earnings before income taxes	207,356		840			208,196		284,448		(2,642		)	281,806
Income tax expense	79,118		321			79,439		102,745		(957		)	101,788
Net earnings	128,238		519			128,757		181,703		(1,685		)	180,018
Basic earnings per common share	$	2.34	$	0.01		$	2.35	$	3.08	$	(0.02	)	$	3.06
Diluted earnings per common share	$	2.32	$	0.01		$	2.33	$	3.06	$	(0.03	)	$	3.03



	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Rentals and fees	$	694,168	$	(2,981	)	$	691,187
Installment sales	18,356		(296		)	18,060
Franchise merchandise sales	7,324		(1,996		)	5,328
Total revenues	833,746		(5,273		)	828,473
Cost of rentals and fees	177,870		(2,654		)	175,216
Cost of installment sales	6,382		(296		)	6,086
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	7,000		(1,996		)	5,004
Total cost of revenues	270,869		(4,946		)	265,923
Gross profit	562,877		(327		)	562,550
Store labor	225,678		260			225,938
Other store expenses	215,440		(282		)	215,158
Operating profit	59,763		(305		)	59,458
Finance charges from refinancing	1,946		2,267			4,213
Earnings before income taxes	46,652		(2,572		)	44,080
Income tax expense	17,795		(981		)	16,814
Net earnings	28,857		(1,591		)	27,266
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.55	$	(0.03	)	$	0.52
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.54	$	(0.03	)	$	0.51



	Three Months Ended June 30, 2014							Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised		Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Rentals and fees	$	684,134	$	(2,385	)	$	681,749	$	1,378,302	$	(5,366	)	$	1,372,936
Installment sales	18,054		(283		)	17,771		36,410		(579		)	35,831
Franchise merchandise sales	5,963		(2,123		)	3,840		13,287		(4,119		)	9,168
Total revenues	773,217		(4,791		)	768,426		1,606,963		(10,064		)	1,596,899
Cost of rentals and fees	177,512		(2,912		)	174,600		355,382		(5,566		)	349,816
Cost of installment sales	6,358		(283		)	6,075		12,740		(579		)	12,161
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	5,737		(2,123		)	3,614		12,737		(4,119		)	8,618
Total cost of revenues	236,720		(5,318		)	231,402		507,589		(10,264		)	497,325
Gross profit	536,497		527			537,024		1,099,374		200			1,099,574
Store labor	222,083		186			222,269		447,761		446			448,207
Other store expenses	205,658		110			205,768		421,098		(172		)	420,926
Operating profit	40,159		231			40,390		99,922		(74		)	99,848
Finance charges from refinancing	—		—			—		1,946		2,267			4,213
Earnings before income taxes	28,608		231			28,839		75,260		(2,341		)	72,919
Income tax expense	11,075		83			11,158		28,870		(898		)	27,972
Net earnings	17,533		148			17,681		46,390		(1,443		)	44,947
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.33	$	—		$	0.33	$	0.88	$	(0.03	)	$	0.85
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.33	$	—		$	0.33	$	0.87	$	(0.03	)	$	0.84



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014							Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised		Previously Reported		Adjustment			As Revised
Rentals and fees	$	678,190	$	(2,848	)	$	675,342	$	2,056,492	$	(8,214	)	$	2,048,278
Installment sales	18,089		(267		)	17,822		54,499		(846		)	53,653
Franchise merchandise sales	6,524		(2,047		)	4,477		19,811		(6,166		)	13,645
Total revenues	769,525		(5,162		)	764,363		2,376,488		(15,226		)	2,361,262
Cost of rentals and fees	177,208		(3,167		)	174,041		532,590		(8,733		)	523,857
Cost of installment sales	6,134		(267		)	5,867		18,874		(846		)	18,028
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	6,247		(2,047		)	4,200		18,984		(6,166		)	12,818
Total cost of revenues	230,086		(5,481		)	224,605		737,675		(15,745		)	721,930
Gross profit	539,439		319			539,758		1,638,813		519			1,639,332
Store labor	218,523		100			218,623		666,284		546			666,830
Other store expenses	209,302		(878		)	208,424		630,400		(1,050		)	629,350
Operating profit	44,823		1,097			45,920		144,745		1,023			145,768
Finance charges from refinancing	—		—			—		1,946		2,267			4,213
Earnings before income taxes	33,042		1,097			34,139		108,302		(1,244		)	107,058
Income tax expense	7,736		478			8,214		36,606		(420		)	36,186
Net earnings	25,306		619			25,925		71,696		(824		)	70,872
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.48	$	0.01		$	0.49	$	1.36	$	(0.02	)	$	1.34
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.48	$	0.01		$	0.49	$	1.35	$	(0.02	)	$	1.33



	Year Ended December 31, 2013									Year Ended December 31, 2012
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised			Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Net earnings	$	128,238		$	519		$	128,757		$	181,703		$	(1,685	)	$	180,018
Depreciation of rental merchandise	655,591			(3,430		)	652,161			622,261			(1,344		)	620,917
Deferred income taxes	23,699			321			24,020			4,386			(957		)	3,429
Rental merchandise	(770,879		)	3,199			(767,680		)	(686,247		)	2,444			(683,803		)
Receivables	(19,124		)	(124		)	(19,248		)	(13,370		)	(20		)	(13,390		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(9,798		)	—			(9,798		)	1,772			—			1,772
Accounts payable - trade	20,600			(1,227		)	19,373			(5,498		)	1,499			(3,999		)
Accrued liabilities	676			742			1,418			14,661			63			14,724
Net cash provided by operating activities	134,342			—			134,342			217,898			—			217,898



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Net earnings	$	28,857		$	(1,591	)	$	27,266
Depreciation of rental merchandise	169,843			(354		)	169,489
Finance charges from refinancing	1,946			(1,946		)	—
Deferred income taxes	(24,370		)	(980		)	(25,350		)
Rental merchandise	(135,407		)	(792		)	(136,199		)
Receivables	(2,849		)	114			(2,735		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(4,609		)	4,212			(397		)
Accounts payable - trade	2,368			1,009			3,377
Accrued liabilities	56,922			328			57,250
Net cash provided by operating activities	120,060			—			120,060



	Six Months Ended June 30, 2014									Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(In thousands, except per share data)	Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised			Previously Reported			Adjustment			As Revised
Net earnings	$	46,390		$	(1,443	)	$	44,947		$	71,696		$	(824	)	$	70,872
Depreciation of rental merchandise	339,773			(736		)	339,037			509,596			(1,418		)	508,178
Finance charges from refinancing	1,946			(1,946		)	—			1,946			(1,946		)	—
Deferred income taxes	(51,204		)	(897		)	(52,101		)	(64,912		)	(418		)	(65,330		)
Rental merchandise	(313,324		)	11,603			(301,721		)	(515,166		)	(24,184		)	(539,350		)
Receivables	(7,039		)	(8		)	(7,047		)	(20,307		)	(38		)	(20,345		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	270			(6,790		)	(6,520		)	(11,017		)	4,212			(6,805		)
Accounts payable - trade	(663		)	(272		)	(935		)	(3,407		)	26,634			23,227
Accrued liabilities	(2,943		)	489			(2,454		)	7,502			(2,018		)	5,484
Net cash provided by operating activities	68,961			—			68,961			63,263			—			63,263

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Receivables [Abstract]

Receivables

Receivables consist of the following:



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Installment sales receivable	$	56,516		$	51,335
Trade and notes receivables	12,999			11,543
Total	69,515			62,878
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	(4,023		)	(3,700		)
Net receivables	$	65,492		$	59,178

Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	3,700		$	2,920		$	3,919
Bad debt expense	15,509			14,589			12,953
Accounts written off	(15,718		)	(14,271		)	(14,337		)
Recoveries	532			462			385
Ending balance	$	4,023		$	3,700		$	2,920

Rental Merchandise (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Rental Merchandise [Abstract]

Rental Merchandise



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
On rent
Cost	$	1,565,421		$	1,462,494
Less accumulated depreciation	(605,007		)	(549,018		)
Net book value, on rent	$	960,414		$	913,476
Held for rent
Cost	$	343,747		$	271,465
Less accumulated depreciation	(66,305		)	(60,743		)
Net book value, held for rent	$	277,442		$	210,722

Property Assets (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property Assets



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Furniture and equipment	$	359,982		$	332,607
Transportation equipment	11,451			11,957
Building and leasehold improvements	314,343			325,597
Land and land improvements	6,853			6,853
Construction in progress	80,683			93,419
	773,312			770,433
Less accumulated depreciation	(440,586		)	(433,935		)
	$	332,726		$	336,498

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions [Abstract]

Amortizable Intangible Assets

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



		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Avg. Life (years)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Non-compete agreements	3	$	5,585	$	5,435	$	6,337	$	6,102
Customer relationships	2	76,299		74,182		74,799		71,899
Vendor relationships	11	7,538		2,272		7,538		1,704
Total		$	89,422	$	81,889	$	88,674	$	79,705

Aggregate Amortization Expense

Aggregate amortization expense (in thousands):



Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	2,955
Year Ended December 31, 2013	$	3,559
Year Ended December 31, 2012	$	4,668

Estimated Amortization Expense

Estimated 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
2015	$	2,365
2016	1,038
2017	568
2018	445
2019	445
Thereafter	2,672
	$	7,533

Changes in Recorded Goodwill

A summary of the changes in recorded goodwill follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013
Balance as of January 1,	$	1,364,549		$	1,344,665
Additions from acquisitions	14,562			28,282
Goodwill impairments and write-offs related to stores sold or closed	(8,458		)	(9,038		)
Post purchase price allocation adjustments	(194		)	640
Balance as of the end of the period	$	1,370,459		$	1,364,549

Acquisitions

The following table provides information concerning the acquisitions made during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Number of stores acquired remaining open	6		47		6
Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores	13		38		31
Number of transactions	26		47		19
Total purchase price	$	26,653	$	41,236	$	13,258
Amounts allocated to:
Goodwill	$	14,562	$	28,282	$	6,874
Non-compete agreements	—		235		—
Customer relationships	1,525		2,959		1,160
Rental merchandise	9,731		11,843		4,380
Property and other assets	835		910		845

Accrued Liabilities (Table)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities



	December 31,
	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Accrued insurance costs	$	125,067	$	123,447
Accrued compensation	55,354		54,104
Deferred revenue	58,880		54,307
Taxes other than income	20,632		24,742
Accrued dividends	12,737		12,103
Deferred rent	9,585		10,424
Deferred compensation	9,653		8,339
Accrued interest payable	5,766		5,609
Accrued other	54,138		34,015
	$	351,812	$	327,090

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate of 35% to actual follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	1.8	%	2.6	%	1.5	%
Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits	0.3	%	0.4	%	(0.2	)%
Effect of prior year credits	(2.0	)%	—	%	—	%
Adjustments to deferred taxes	(2.4	)%	—	%	—	%
Other, net	(0.4	)%	0.2	%	(0.2	)%
Total	32.3	%	38.2	%	36.1	%

Components of Income Tax Expense

The components of income tax expense are as follows:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Current expense
Federal	$	14,943		$	45,784		$	86,839
State	4,032			5,888			10,428
Foreign	1,673			5,659			3,100
Total current	20,648			57,331			100,367
Deferred expense
Federal	24,556			20,721			5,663
State	(90		)	2,521			(4,100		)
Foreign	817			(1,134		)	(142		)
Total deferred	25,283			22,108			1,421
Total	$	45,931		$	79,439		$	101,788

Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)

Deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of the following:



	December 31,
	2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets
Federal net operating loss carryforwards	$	—		$	1,798
State net operating loss carryforwards	16,937			15,072
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards	18,182			11,789
Accrued liabilities	72,058			59,718
Other assets including credits	6,993			2,619
Foreign tax credit carryforwards	12,306			10,584
	126,476			101,580
Valuation allowance	(24,709		)	(14,116		)
Deferred tax liabilities
Rental merchandise	(285,371		)	(255,541		)
Property assets	(2,222		)	(41,740		)
Intangible assets	(157,527		)	(108,686		)
	(445,120		)	(405,967		)
Net deferred taxes	$	(343,353	)	$	(318,503	)

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits follows:



	(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2013	$	10,167
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	50
Additions for tax positions of prior years	3,742
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(786		)
Balance at January 1, 2014	13,173
Additions based on tax positions related to current year	425
Additions for tax positions of prior years	2,400
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(2,225		)
Settlements	(397		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	13,376

Senior Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Senior Debt [Abstract]

Debt Facilities

The debt facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:



		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Facility Maturity	Maximum Facility		Amount Outstanding		Amount Available		Maximum Facility		Amount Outstanding		Amount Available
		(In thousands)
Senior Debt:
Term Loan	March 19, 2021	$	225,000	$	223,313	$	—	$	250,000	$	187,500	$	—
Revolving Facility	March 19, 2019	675,000		255,000		315,600		500,000		160,500		234,830
		900,000		478,313		315,600		750,000		348,000		234,830
Other Indebtedness:
Line of credit	August 21, 2015	20,000		14,500		5,500		20,000		18,275		1,725
Total		$	920,000	$	492,813	$	321,100	$	770,000	$	366,275	$	236,555

Financial Covenants Ratios



	Required Ratio		Actual Ratio
Consolidated total leverage ratio	No greater than	4.50:1	3.56:1
Consolidated senior secured leverage ratio	No greater than	2.75:1	1.59:1
Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio	No less than	1.50:1	1.82:1

Scheduled Maturity Dates

The table below shows the scheduled maturity dates of our outstanding debt at December 31, 2014.



	Term Loan		Revolving Facility		INTRUST Line of Credit		Total
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2015	$	2,250	$	—	$	14,500	$	16,750
2016	2,250		—		—		2,250
2017	2,250		—		—		2,250
2018	2,250		—		—		2,250
2019	2,250		255,000		—		257,250
Thereafter	212,063		—		—		212,063
	$	223,313	$	255,000	$	14,500	$	492,813

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Operating Leases

Future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining lease terms in excess of one year at December 31, 2014 are as follows:



	Operating Leases
Year Ending December 31,	(In thousands)
2015	$	182,590
2016	146,342
2017	104,310
2018	63,762
2019	27,643
Thereafter	3,895
	$	528,542

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Stock options	$	5,044	$	3,944	$	3,915
Restricted share units	1,515		2,512		4,451
Total stock-based compensation expense	6,559		6,456		8,366
Tax benefit recognized in the statements of earnings	2,117		2,464		3,022
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$	4,442	$	3,992	$	5,344

Stock Options Activity

Information with respect to stock option activity related to the Plans follows:



	Equity Awards Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
						(In thousands)
Balance outstanding at January 1, 2014	2,331,157		$	31.36
Granted	1,024,057		28.41
Exercised	(211,617	)	21.86
Forfeited	(400,884	)	32.92
Expired	(116,749	)	33.28
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2014	2,625,964		$	30.63	7.25 years	$	16,045

Exercisable at December 31, 2014	1,017,677		$	29.12	5.21 years	$	7,750

Assumptions Used in Fair Value Calculation of Stock Options



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Weighted average grant date fair value	$	6.49		$	9.27		$	10.08
Weighted average risk free interest rate	1.54		%	0.88		%	0.35		%
Weighted average expected dividend yield	3.28		%	2.34		%	1.74		%
Weighted average expected volatility	34.77		%	37.88		%	39.72		%
Weighted average expected life (in years)	5.00			4.43			6.25

Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity

Information with respect to non-vested restricted stock unit activity follows:



	Restricted Awards Outstanding		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance outstanding at January 1, 2014	516,672		$	32.69
Granted	375,834		23.16
Vested	(73,524	)	28.95
Forfeited	(183,409	)	29.02
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2014	635,573		$	28.53

Fair Value Fair Value (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]

The fair value of our senior notes is based on Level 1 inputs and was as follows at December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):



	December 31, 2014							December 31, 2013
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Difference			Carrying Value		Fair Value		Difference
6.625% senior notes	$	300,000	$	284,250	$	(15,750	)	$	300,000	$	316,700	$	16,700
4.75% senior notes	250,000		214,375		(35,625		)	250,000		234,700		(15,300		)
Total	$	550,000	$	498,625	$	(51,375	)	$	550,000	$	551,400	$	1,400

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Information, by Segment

Segment information as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is as follows (in thousands):



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Revenues
Core U.S.	$	2,414,659	$	2,527,660	$	2,681,844
Acceptance Now	644,853		489,425		333,118
Mexico	72,202		47,171		22,502
Franchising	26,082		29,762		38,207
Total revenues	$	3,157,796	$	3,094,018	$	3,075,671



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Gross profit
Core U.S.	$	1,753,269	$	1,822,243	$	1,919,230
Acceptance Now	372,012		290,647		196,050
Mexico	51,070		33,945		15,291
Franchising	8,012		6,658		6,893
Total gross profit	$	2,184,363	$	2,153,493	$	2,137,464



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Operating profit (loss)
Core U.S.	$	264,967		$	311,301		$	415,744
Acceptance Now	112,918			89,075			41,344
Mexico	(21,961		)	(22,828		)	(23,337		)
Franchising	3,295			1,853			2,326
Total segment operating profit	359,219			379,401			436,077
Corporate	(165,757		)	(132,392		)	(123,048		)
Total operating profit	$	193,462		$	247,009		$	313,029



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles
Core U.S.	$	61,555	$	64,042	$	55,868
Acceptance Now	2,917		2,287		4,000
Mexico	6,683		5,450		4,164
Franchising	184		79		89
Total segments	71,339		71,858		64,121
Corporate	16,060		16,122		15,128
Total depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles	$	87,399	$	87,980	$	79,249



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Capital expenditures
Core U.S.	$	31,228	$	44,715	$	61,137
Acceptance Now	3,833		3,047		2,044
Mexico	4,164		11,537		10,670
Franchising	—		—		—
Total segments	39,225		59,299		73,851
Corporate	44,560		49,068		28,602
Total capital expenditures	$	83,785	$	108,367	$	102,453



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
On rent rental merchandise, net
Core U.S.	$	593,945	$	611,375	$	589,811
Acceptance Now	345,703		284,421		204,640
Mexico	20,766		17,680		10,347
Total on rent rental merchandise, net	$	960,414	$	913,476	$	804,798



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Idle rental merchandise, net
Core U.S.	$	264,211	$	195,926	$	193,251
Acceptance Now	4,897		3,837		3,007
Mexico	8,334		10,959		5,363
Total idle rental merchandise, net	$	277,442	$	210,722	$	201,621



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Assets by segment
Core U.S.	$	2,519,770	$	2,479,297	$	2,428,209
Acceptance Now	420,660		358,305		274,765
Mexico	59,841		69,826		46,038
Franchising	2,604		1,688		2,711
Total segments	3,002,875		2,909,116		2,751,723
Corporate	268,322		109,059		107,362
Total assets	$	3,271,197	$	3,018,175	$	2,859,085



	December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
Assets by country
United States	$	3,204,283	$	2,940,980	$	2,794,883
Mexico	59,841		69,826		46,038
Canada	7,073		7,369		18,164
Total assets	$	3,271,197	$	3,018,175	$	2,859,085

Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services

87% of our total revenues are comprised of rental and fee revenues from the following product groups:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
Furniture and accessories	$	938,065	$	917,290	$	861,939
Consumer electronics	642,226		667,052		699,620
Appliances	422,979		432,937		423,578
Computers	375,340		347,783		358,551
Other products and services	367,218		330,833		310,237
Total rentals and fees	$	2,745,828	$	2,695,895	$	2,653,925

Revenue from External Customers, by Geographical Areas

Our revenues originate in the following countries:



	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013		2012
	(In thousands)
United States	$	3,075,387	$	3,035,558	$	3,035,556
Mexico	72,202		47,171		22,502
Canada	10,207		11,289		17,613
Total revenues	$	3,157,796	$	3,094,018	$	3,075,671

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Common Share

Summarized basic and diluted earnings per common share were calculated as follows:



	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Basic earnings per common share	$	96,422	52,850	$	1.82
Effect of dilutive stock options	—		276
Diluted earnings per common share	$	96,422	53,126	$	1.81



	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Basic earnings per common share	$	128,757	54,804	$	2.35
Effect of dilutive stock options	—		358
Diluted earnings per common share	$	128,757	55,162	$	2.33



	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2012
Basic earnings per common share	$	180,018	58,913	$	3.06
Effect of dilutive stock options	—		492
Diluted earnings per common share	$	180,018	59,405	$	3.03

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]

Unaudited Quarterly Data



	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Revenues	$	828,473	$	768,426	$	764,363	$	796,534
Gross profit	562,550		537,024		539,758		545,031
Operating profit	59,458		40,390		45,920		47,694
Net earnings	27,266		17,681		25,925		25,550
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.52	$	0.33	$	0.49	$	0.48
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.51	$	0.33	$	0.49	$	0.48
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.23	$	0.23	$	0.23	$	0.24



	1st Quarter		2nd Quarter		3rd Quarter		4th Quarter
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Year Ended December 31, 2013
Revenues	$	815,661	$	759,424	$	752,758	$	766,175
Gross profit	550,077		532,949		530,514		539,953
Operating profit	77,019		78,922		56,399		34,669
Net earnings	44,987		42,975		27,558		13,237
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.78	$	0.78	$	0.52	$	0.25
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.77	$	0.78	$	0.51	$	0.25
Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.21	$	0.23

Nature of Operations and Summary of Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Nature of Operations (Details) [Abstract]
Number of company-owned stores nationwide & in Puerto Rico	2,824
Number of retail installment sales stores	45
Number of Acceptance Now locations	1,406
Number of rent-to-own stores in Mexico	177
Number of Franchising stores	187
Number of states with Franchising stores	30
Receivables and Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Policy (Details) [Abstract]
Minimum period of past due required to charge off installment notes	120 days
Maximum period of current status allowed to franchisees for payments of accounts receivable	30 days
Minimum period of past due required to write off accounts receivable from franchisees	120 days
Rental Merchandise Policy (Details) [Abstract]
Minimum age needed to start straight line method depreciation of merchandise held for rent			270 days
Minimum period in held for rent status needed to start straight line method depreciation of merchandise	180 days		180 days
Maximum depreciation period used in straight line method for merchandise held for rent	18 months		20 months
Minimum age needed to start straight line method depreciation of computers			24 months
Minimum depreciation period used in straight line method for computers			6 months
Maximum aggregate depreciation period used in straight line method for computers			30 months
Minimum period of past due require to charged off remaining book value of rental merchandise for Core U.S. and International segments	90 days
Minimum period of past due required to charge off remaining book value of rental merchandise for Acceptance Now segment	150 days
Goodwill [Line Items]
Disclosure of Change of Date for Annual Goodwill Impairment Test	<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;"><div style="line-height:120%;padding-top:9px;text-align:justify;text-indent:30px;font-size:10pt;"><font style="font-family:inherit;font-size:10pt;">During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company changed its annual impairment testing date from December 31 to October 1. The Company believes this new date is preferable because it allows for more timely completion of the annual goodwill impairment test prior to the end of our annual financial reporting period. This change in accounting principle does not delay, accelerate or avoid an impairment charge. The Company has determined that it will be impracticable to objectively determine projected cash flow and related valuation estimates that would have been used as of each October 1 of prior reporting periods without the use of hindsight. As such, the Company applied the change in annual impairment testing date prospectively beginning October 1, 2014.</font></div></div>
Amortization Period for Acquired Customer Relationships	21 months
Amortization Period for Vendor Relationships Minimum	7 years
Amortization Period for Vendor Relationships	15 years
Advertising expense	$ 94.8	$ 92.6	$ 97.3
Core Us [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$ 1.1	$ 1.0
Furniture, Equipment and Vehicle [Member]
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]
Depreciation period	5 years
Building [Member]
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]
Depreciation period	40 years
Internally Developed Software [Member]
Major Property Class Useful Life [Line Items]
Depreciation period	10 years

Correction of Immaterial Errors (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Receivables, net						$ 65,492	$ 59,178
Rental merchandise on rent, net						960,414	913,476	$ 804,798
Rental merchandise held for rent, net						277,442	210,722	201,621
Total assets						3,271,197	3,018,175	2,859,085
Accounts payable - trade							120,438
Accrued liabilities						351,812	327,090
Deferred income taxes						345,299	318,503
Total liabilities						1,881,802	1,682,306
Retained earnings						1,927,445	1,880,320		$ 1,658,857
Total equity						1,389,395	1,335,869
Rentals and fees	$ 675,342	$ 681,749	$ 691,187	$ 1,372,936	$ 2,048,278	2,745,828	2,695,895	2,653,925
Installment sales	17,822	17,771	18,060	35,831	53,653	75,889	71,475	67,071
Franchise merchandise sales	4,477	3,840	5,328	9,168	13,645	19,236	24,556	32,893
Total revenues	764,363	768,426	828,473	1,596,899	2,361,262	3,157,796	3,094,018	3,075,671
Cost of rentals and fees	174,041	174,600	175,216	349,816	523,857	704,595	676,674	642,387
Cost of installment sales	5,867	6,075	6,086	12,161	18,028	26,084	24,541	23,287
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	4,200	3,614	5,004	8,618	12,818	18,070	23,104	31,314
Total cost of revenues	224,605	231,402	265,923	497,325	721,930	973,433	940,525	938,207
Gross profit	539,758	537,024	562,550	1,099,574	1,639,332	2,184,363	2,153,493	2,137,464
Store labor	218,623	222,269	225,938	448,207	666,830	888,929	881,671	840,377
Other store expenses	208,424	205,768	215,158	420,926	629,350	839,801	789,212	764,770
Operating profit	45,920	40,390	59,458	99,848	145,768	193,462	247,009	313,029
Finance charges from refinancing	0	0	4,213	4,213	4,213	4,213	0	0
Earnings before income taxes	34,139	28,839	44,080	72,919	107,058	142,353	208,196	281,806
Income tax expense	8,214	11,158	16,814	27,972	36,186	45,931	79,439	101,788
Net earnings	$ 25,925	$ 17,681	$ 27,266	$ 44,947	$ 70,872	$ 96,422	$ 128,757	$ 180,018
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.49	$ 0.33	$ 0.52	$ 0.85	$ 1.34	$ 1.82	$ 2.35	$ 3.06
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.49	$ 0.33	$ 0.51	$ 0.84	$ 1.33	$ 1.81	$ 2.33	$ 3.03
Depreciation of rental merchandise			$ 169,489	$ 339,037	$ 508,178	$ 685,115	$ 652,161	$ 620,917
Finance charges			0	0	0
Deferred income taxes			(25,350)	(52,101)	(65,330)	26,796	24,020	3,429
Rental merchandise			(136,199)	(301,721)	(539,350)	(796,672)	(767,680)	(683,803)
Receivables			(2,735)	(7,047)	(20,345)	(21,823)	(19,248)	(13,390)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(397)	(6,520)	(6,805)	(130,690)	(9,798)	1,772
Accounts payable - trade			3,377	(935)	23,227	21,440	19,373	(3,999)
Accrued liabilities			57,250	(2,454)	5,484	21,505	1,418	14,724
Net cash provided by operating activities			120,060	68,961	63,263	$ 19,113	134,342	217,898
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Receivables, net							492
Rental merchandise on rent, net							(1,142)
Rental merchandise held for rent, net							272
Total assets							(378)
Accounts payable - trade							272
Accrued liabilities							11,855
Deferred income taxes							(4,823)
Total liabilities							7,304
Retained earnings							(7,682)		(6,516)
Total equity							(7,682)
Rentals and fees	$ (2,848)	$ (2,385)	(2,981)	(5,366)	(8,214)		(2,500)	(156)
Installment sales	(267)	(283)	(296)	(579)	(846)		(1,230)	(1,285)
Franchise merchandise sales	(2,047)	(2,123)	(1,996)	(4,119)	(6,166)		(6,435)	(5,534)
Total revenues	(5,162)	(4,791)	(5,273)	(10,064)	(15,226)		(10,165)	(6,975)
Cost of rentals and fees	(3,167)	(2,912)	(2,654)	(5,566)	(8,733)		(6,547)	(3,703)
Cost of installment sales	(267)	(283)	(296)	(579)	(846)		(1,230)	(1,285)
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	(2,047)	(2,123)	(1,996)	(4,119)	(6,166)		(6,435)	(5,534)
Total cost of revenues	(5,481)	(5,318)	(4,946)	(10,264)	(15,745)		(14,212)	(10,522)
Gross profit	319	527	(327)	200	519		4,047	3,547
Store labor	100	186	260	446	546		1,234	2,246
Other store expenses	(878)	110	(282)	(172)	(1,050)		1,973	3,943
Operating profit	1,097	231	(305)	(74)	1,023		840	(2,642)
Finance charges from refinancing	0	0	2,267	2,267	2,267
Earnings before income taxes	1,097	231	(2,572)	(2,341)	(1,244)		840	(2,642)
Income tax expense	478	83	(981)	(898)	(420)		321	(957)
Net earnings	$ 619	$ 148	$ (1,591)	$ (1,443)	$ (824)		$ 519	$ (1,685)
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.01	$ 0.00	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.02)		$ 0.01	$ (0.02)
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.01	$ 0.00	$ (0.03)	$ (0.03)	$ (0.02)		$ 0.01	$ (0.03)
Depreciation of rental merchandise			$ (354)	$ (736)	$ (1,418)		$ (3,430)	$ (1,344)
Finance charges			(1,946)	(1,946)	(1,946)
Deferred income taxes			(980)	(897)	(418)		321	(957)
Rental merchandise			(792)	11,603	(24,184)		3,199	2,444
Receivables			114	(8)	(38)		(124)	(20)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			4,212	(6,790)	4,212		0	0
Accounts payable - trade			1,009	(272)	26,634		(1,227)	1,499
Accrued liabilities			328	489	(2,018)		742	63
Net cash provided by operating activities			0	0	0		0	0
Scenario, Previously Reported [Member]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Receivables, net							58,686
Rental merchandise on rent, net							914,618
Rental merchandise held for rent, net							210,450
Total assets							3,018,553
Accounts payable - trade							120,166
Accrued liabilities							315,235
Deferred income taxes							323,326
Total liabilities							1,675,002
Retained earnings							1,888,002		$ 1,665,373
Total equity							1,343,551
Rentals and fees	$ 678,190	$ 684,134	694,168	1,378,302	2,056,492		2,698,395	2,654,081
Installment sales	18,089	18,054	18,356	36,410	54,499		72,705	68,356
Franchise merchandise sales	6,524	5,963	7,324	13,287	19,811		30,991	38,427
Total revenues	769,525	773,217	833,746	1,606,963	2,376,488		3,104,183	3,082,646
Cost of rentals and fees	177,208	177,512	177,870	355,382	532,590		683,221	646,090
Cost of installment sales	6,134	6,358	6,382	12,740	18,874		25,771	24,572
Franchise cost of merchandise sold	6,247	5,737	7,000	12,737	18,984		29,539	36,848
Total cost of revenues	230,086	236,720	270,869	507,589	737,675		954,737	948,729
Gross profit	539,439	536,497	562,877	1,099,374	1,638,813		2,149,446	2,133,917
Store labor	218,523	222,083	225,678	447,761	666,284		880,437	838,131
Other store expenses	209,302	205,658	215,440	421,098	630,400		787,239	760,827
Operating profit	44,823	40,159	59,763	99,922	144,745		246,169	315,671
Finance charges from refinancing	0	0	1,946	1,946	1,946
Earnings before income taxes	33,042	28,608	46,652	75,260	108,302		207,356	284,448
Income tax expense	7,736	11,075	17,795	28,870	36,606		79,118	102,745
Net earnings	$ 25,306	$ 17,533	$ 28,857	$ 46,390	$ 71,696		$ 128,238	$ 181,703
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.48	$ 0.33	$ 0.55	$ 0.88	$ 1.36		$ 2.34	$ 3.08
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.48	$ 0.33	$ 0.54	$ 0.87	$ 1.35		$ 2.32	$ 3.06
Depreciation of rental merchandise			$ 169,843	$ 339,773	$ 509,596		$ 655,591	$ 622,261
Finance charges			1,946	1,946	1,946
Deferred income taxes			(24,370)	(51,204)	(64,912)		23,699	4,386
Rental merchandise			(135,407)	(313,324)	(515,166)		(770,879)	(686,247)
Receivables			(2,849)	(7,039)	(20,307)		(19,124)	(13,370)
Prepaid expenses and other assets			(4,609)	270	(11,017)		(9,798)	1,772
Accounts payable - trade			2,368	(663)	(3,407)		20,600	(5,498)
Accrued liabilities			56,922	(2,943)	7,502		676	14,661
Net cash provided by operating activities			$ 120,060	$ 68,961	$ 63,263		$ 134,342	$ 217,898

Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Receivables [Line Items]
Receivable, gross	$ 69,515	$ 62,878
Receivables, net	65,492	59,178
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Table Details) [Abstract]
Beginning balance	(3,700)	(2,920)	$ (3,919)
Bad debt expense	15,509	14,589	12,953
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs	15,718	14,271	14,337
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries	532	462	385
Ending balance	(4,023)	(3,700)	$ (2,920)
Installment Sales Receivable [Member]
Receivables [Line Items]
Receivable, gross	56,516	51,335
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Table Details) [Abstract]
Beginning balance	(2,932)
Ending balance	(3,509)	(2,932)
Trade and Notes Receivables [Member]
Receivables [Line Items]
Receivable, gross	12,999	11,543
Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Table Details) [Abstract]
Beginning balance	(768)
Ending balance	$ (514)	$ (768)

Rental Merchandise (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Rental Merchandise [Abstract]
On rent, cost	$ 1,565,421	$ 1,462,494
On rent, accumulated depreciation	(605,007)	(549,018)
Rental merchandise on rent, net	960,414	913,476	$ 804,798
Held for rent, cost	343,747	271,465
Held for rent, accumulated depreciation	(66,305)	(60,743)
Rental merchandise held for rent, net	$ 277,442	$ 210,722	$ 201,621

Property Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Property Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Furniture and equipment	$ 359,982	$ 332,607
Transportation equipment	11,451	11,957
Building and leasehold improvements	314,343	325,597
Land and land improvements	6,853	6,853
Construction in progress	80,683	93,419
Property assets, gross	773,312	770,433
Accumulated depreciation	(440,586)	(433,935)
Property assets, net	332,726	336,498
Capitalized software costs included in construction in progress	73,400	86,300
Cost of internally developed software placed in service	$ 51,600	$ 4,600	$ 8,400

Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Intangible Assets and Acquisitions (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 89,422	$ 88,674
Accumulated amortization	81,889	79,705
Estimated Amortization Expense (Table Details) [Abstract]
2015	2,365
2016	1,038
2017	568
2018	445
2019	445
Thereafter	2,672
Total	7,533	8,969
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	1,364,549	1,344,665
Additions from acquisitions	14,562	28,282
Goodwill related to stores sold or closed	(8,458)	(9,038)
Post purchase price allocation adjustments	(194)	640
Goodwill, ending balance	$ 1,370,459	$ 1,364,549	$ 1,344,665
Acquisitions (Table Details) [Abstract]
Number of stores acquired remaining open	6	47	6
Number of stores acquired that were merged with existing stores	13	38	31
Number of transactions	26	47	19
Total purchase price	$ 26,653	$ 41,236	$ 13,258
Acquisition amounts allocated to goodwill	14,562	28,282	6,874
Acquisition amounts allocated to rental merchandise	9,731	11,843	4,380
Acquisition amounts allocated to property and other assets	835	910	845
Acquired goodwill, expected tax deductible amount	$ 14,562
Weighted average amortization period - acquired intangible assets	21 months
Core Us [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	$ 1,310,100
Goodwill, ending balance	1,316,100	1,310,100
Goodwill impairment charge		1,100	1,000
Acceptance Now [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, beginning balance	54,400
Goodwill, ending balance	54,400	54,400
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	5,585	6,337
Accumulated amortization	$ 5,435	6,102
Average life	3 years
Acquisition amounts allocated to intangibles	$ 0	235	0
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	76,299	74,799
Accumulated amortization	$ 74,182	71,899
Average life	2 years
Acquisition amounts allocated to intangibles	$ 1,525	2,959	$ 1,160
Vendor Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	7,538	7,538
Accumulated amortization	$ 2,272	$ 1,704
Average life	11 years

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued insurance costs	$ 125,067	$ 123,447
Accrued compensation	55,354	54,104
Deferred revenue	58,880	54,307
Taxes other than income	20,632	24,742
Accrued dividends	12,737	12,103
Deferred rent	9,585	10,424
Deferred compensation	9,653	8,339
Accrued interest payable	5,766	5,609
Accrued other	54,138	34,015
Total accrued liabilities	$ 351,812	$ 327,090

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Income Tax Expense (Table Details) [Abstract]
Tax at federal statutory rate						35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit (expense)						1.80%	2.60%	1.50%
Effect of foreign operations, net of foreign tax credits						0.30%	0.40%	(0.20%)
Effect of prior year credits						(2.00%)	0.00%	0.00%
Adjustment to deferred taxes						(2.40%)	0.00%	0.00%
Other, net						(0.40%)	0.20%	(0.20%)
Total						32.30%	38.20%	36.10%
Components of Income Tax Expense (Table Details) [Abstract]
Current expense - Federal						$ 14,943,000	$ 45,784,000	$ 86,839,000
Current expense - State						4,032,000	5,888,000	10,428,000
Current expense - Foreign						1,673,000	5,659,000	3,100,000
Current expense - Total						20,648,000	57,331,000	100,367,000
Deferred expense - Federal						24,556,000	20,721,000	5,663,000
Deferred expense - State						(90,000)	2,521,000	(4,100,000)
Deferred expense - Foreign						817,000	(1,134,000)	(142,000)
Deferred income taxes						25,283,000	22,108,000	1,421,000
Total	$ 8,214,000	$ 11,158,000	$ 16,814,000	$ 27,972,000	$ 36,186,000	$ 45,931,000	79,439,000	101,788,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Limitations on Use						Of the total remaining state NOL carryforwards, approximately 18.0% represent acquired NOLs. Utilization of these NOLs is subject to applicable annual limitations for U.S. state tax purposes.
Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Table Details) [Abstract]
Federal net operating loss carryforwards						$ 0	1,798,000
State net operating loss carryforwards						16,937,000	15,072,000
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards						18,182,000	11,789,000
Accrued liabilities						72,058,000	59,718,000
Other assets including credits						6,993,000	2,619,000
Foreign tax credit carryforwards						12,306,000	10,584,000
Total deferred tax assets						126,476,000	101,580,000
Valuation allowance						(24,709,000)	(14,116,000)
Rental merchandise						(285,371,000)	(255,541,000)
Property assets						(2,222,000)	(41,740,000)
Intangible assets						(157,527,000)	(108,686,000)
Total deferred tax liabilities						(445,120,000)	(405,967,000)
Net deferred taxes						(343,353,000)	(318,503,000)
Net deferred taxes - assets						1,946,000
Net deferred taxes - liabilities						(345,299,000)	(318,503,000)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Table Details) [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance			$ 13,173,000	$ 13,173,000	$ 13,173,000	13,173,000	10,167,000
Additions based on tax positions related to current year						425,000	50,000
Additions for tax positions of prior years						2,400,000	3,742,000
Reductions for tax positions of prior years						(2,225,000)	(786,000)
Settlements						397,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance						13,376,000	$ 13,173,000	$ 10,167,000
Tax benefits if recognized - affect annual effective rax rate						10,700,000
Accured for payment of interest related to unrecogized tax benefits						2,000,000
Interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits						209,000
Federal [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards Utilized						5,100,000
State [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards						$ 348,100,000
State [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date						Dec. 31, 2015
State [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date						Dec. 31, 2032
Foreign [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards						$ 60,600,000
Tax credit carryforward						$ 12,300,000
Foreign [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date						Dec. 31, 2020
Tax credit carryforward, expiration date						Dec. 31, 2020
Foreign [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards, expiration date						Dec. 31, 2024
Tax credit carryforward, expiration date						Dec. 31, 2024

Senior Debt (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Senior Debt (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan, maximum facility		$ 225,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Term loan, amount outstanding		223,313,000	187,500,000
Term loan, amount available		0	0
Senior credit facilities, maximum facility		900,000,000	750,000,000
Senior credit facilities, amount outstanding		478,313,000	348,000,000
Senior credit facilities, amount available		315,600,000	234,830,000
Debt facilities, maximum facility		920,000,000	770,000,000
Debt facilities, amount outstanding		492,813,000	366,275,000
Debt facilities, amount available		321,100,000	236,555,000
Letters of credit, amount outstanding		$ 104,400,000	104,700,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description		Borrowings under the Revolving Facility bear interest at varying rates
Commitment fee percentage		0.50%
Senior Credit Facilities, Additional Amount Allowed		$ 250,000,000
Covenants for senior credit facilities - amount available under restricted payment basket		83,000,000
Schedule Maturity Dates (Table Details) [Abstract]
2015		16,750,000
2016		2,250,000
2017		2,250,000
2018		2,250,000
2019		257,250,000
Thereafter		212,063,000
Total		$ 492,813,000	366,275,000
Borrowing in Term Loans	$ 225,000,000
Borrowing in Revolving Debt	$ 100,000,000
Term Loan, Frequency of Periodic Payment		quarterly
Term Loan, Periodic Payment, Principal		$ 562,500
Event of default - 3rd party ownership % of our voting stock		35.00%
Event of default - judgment not satisfied or bonded pending appeal		$ 50,000,000
Event of default - maximum period allowed for pending judgment		30
Financial Covenants Ratios (Table Details) [Abstract]
Required consolidated leverage ratio, maximum		4.50
Actual consolidated leverage ratio		3.56
Required Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, Maximum		2.75
Actual Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio		1.59
Required Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Minimum		1.50
Actual fixed charge coverage ratio		1.82
Covenants [Abstract]
Consolidated funded debt outstanding		$ 1,021,700,000
Consolidated EBITDA		287,100,000
Covenant limitation incur additional debt in excess of		25,000,000
Consolidated senior secured debt outstanding		457,200,000
Adjusted Consolidated EBITDA		531,400,000
Consolidated fixed charges		$ 291,200,000
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage		0.30%
Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage		0.50%
Eurodollar Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis		Eurodollar
Eurodollar Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis margin on variable rate		1.50%
Eurodollar Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis margin on variable rate		2.75%
Prime Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Description of variable rate basis		prime
Prime Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis margin on variable rate		0.50%
Prime Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis margin on variable rate		1.75%
Term Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date		Mar. 19, 2021
Term loan, amount outstanding		$ 223,313,000
Margin on Eurodollar rate, actual		3.00%
Margin on ABR rate, actual		2.00%
Schedule Maturity Dates (Table Details) [Abstract]
2015		$ 2,250,000
2016		2,250,000
2017		2,250,000
2018		2,250,000
2019		2,250,000
Thereafter		$ 212,063,000
Revolving Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date		Mar. 19, 2019
Line of credit, maximum facility		$ 675,000,000	500,000,000
Line of credit, amount outstanding		255,000,000	160,500,000
Line of credit, amount available		315,600,000	234,830,000
Senior credit facilities, amount outstanding		$ 255,000,000
Margin on Eurodollar rate, actual		2.50%
Margin on ABR rate, actual		1.50%
Schedule Maturity Dates (Table Details) [Abstract]
2015		$ 0
2016		0
2017		0
2018		0
2019		255,000,000
Thereafter		$ 0
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity date		Aug. 21, 2015
Line of credit, maximum facility		$ 20,000,000	20,000,000
Line of credit, amount outstanding		14,500,000	18,275,000
Line of credit, amount available		5,500,000	$ 1,725,000
Schedule Maturity Dates (Table Details) [Abstract]
2015		14,500,000
2016		0
2017		0
2018		0
2019		0
Thereafter		$ 0

Subsidiary Guarantors - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	$ 550,000	$ 550,000
Covenants for senior credit facilities - amount available under restricted payment basket	$ 83,000
Our ownership percentage of subsidiary guarantors of senior notes	100.00%
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	$ 300,000	300,000
Interest rate of senior notes	6.625%
Percentage of original aggregate principle amount of senior notes included in repurchase price at change of control	101.00%
Covenants for senior credit facilities - amount available under restricted payment basket	$ 83,000
Event of default for senior notes - not discharged, bonded or insured judgment in excess of this amount	50,000
Event of default for senior notes - failure of other debt payment at maturity in excess of this amount	$ 50,000
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] \| Senior Notes, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	103.313%
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member] \| Senior Notes, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	100.00%
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Interest rate of senior notes	4.75%
Percentage of original aggregate principle amount of senior notes included in repurchase price at change of control	101.00%
Event of default for senior notes - not discharged, bonded or insured judgment in excess of this amount	$ 50,000
Event of default for senior notes - failure of other debt payment at maturity in excess of this amount	$ 50,000
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] \| Senior Notes, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	103.563%
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] \| Senior Notes, Redemption, Period Four [Member]
Senior Notes [Line Items]
Senior notes, redemption price, percentage	100.00%

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental expense	$ 244,300	$ 240,900	$ 235,600
Future Minimum Rental Payment under Operating Leases (Table Details) [Abstract]
2015	182,590
2016	146,342
2017	104,310
2018	63,762
2019	27,643
Thereafter	3,895
Operating lease payments, total	528,542
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount	47,000
Amount outstanding	16,400
Citibank [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount	27,000
Texas Capital Bank [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Maximum financing amount	$ 20,000

Vendor Settlement Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Vendor Settlement Credit (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Vendor Settlement Credit [Abstract]
Vendor settlement credit	$ 6,836	$ 0	$ 0

Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairment charges	$ 4,557
Corporate Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance costs	2,808
Core Us [Member] \| Store Consolidation Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, total	4,895
Restructuring charge, early lease termination	1,326
Restructuring charge, accelerated depreciation and asset write-off	3,167
Restructuring charge, store decommissioning	402
Restructuring charge, future lease obligation	2,058
Mexico [Member] \| Mexico Store Closures [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charge, accelerated depreciation and asset write-off	$ 196

Stock Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 6,559	$ 6,456	$ 8,366
Stock-based compensation expense, tax benefit	2,117	2,464	3,022
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	$ 4,442	$ 3,992	5,344
Vesting % of performance based restricted stock units, maximum	200.00%
Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]
Number of nonvested restricted stock units outstanding	635,573	516,672
Granted	375,834
Vested	73,524
Forfeited	183,409
Weighted average grant date fair value, outstanding	$ 28.53	$ 32.69
Weighted average grant date fair value, granted	23.16
Weighted average grant date fair value, vested	28.95
Weighted average grant date fair value, forfeited	$ 29.02
Stock Option Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]
Number of awards outstanding	2,625,964	2,331,157
Granted	1,024,057
Exercised	211,617
Forfeited	400,884
Expired	116,749
Exercisable	1,017,677
Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Equity awards outstanding	$ 30.63	$ 31.36
Granted	28.41
Exercised	21.86
Forfeited	32.92
Expired	33.28
Exercisable	$ 29.12
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life [Abstract]
Equity awards outstanding	7 years 2 months 29 days
Exercisable	5 years 2 months 17 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value [Abstract]
Equity awards outstanding	$ 16,045
Exercisable	7,750
Exercised	1,900	$ 5,800	7,500
Excess tax benefits related to stock awards	$ 331	$ 406	$ 4,348
Assumptions Used in Fair Value Calculation of Stock Options (Table Details) [Abstract]
Valuation method used	Black-Scholes	Black-Scholes	Binomial
Risk free interest rate, weighted average	1.54%	0.88%	0.35%
Expected dividend yield, weighted average	3.28%	2.34%	1.74%
Expected life, weighted average	5 years	4 years 5 months 6 days	6 years 3 months
Expected volatility, weighted average	34.77%	37.88%	39.72%
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 6.49	$ 9.27	$ 10.08
Prior Plan [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to issue	14,562,865
Stock Option Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]
Number of awards outstanding	48,349	97,499
Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to issue	2,468,461
Stock Option Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]
Number of awards outstanding	1,269,197	1,020,361
2006 Plan [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to issue	7,000,000
Stock Option Activity (Table Details) [Abstract]
Number of awards outstanding	1,955,950	1,729,969
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Unvested awards - to result in compensation expense	$ 8,300
Weighted average number of years to vesting	2 years 6 months 27 days
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 5,044	$ 3,944	$ 3,915
Exercise period of options once vested	10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting period of options granted	1 year
Employee Stock Option [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting period of options granted	4 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Unvested awards - to result in compensation expense	$ 2,500
Weighted average number of years to vesting	1 year 8 months 24 days
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,515	$ 2,512	$ 4,451
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] \| 2006 Plan [Member]
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to issue	3,500,000

Deferred Compensation Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Compensation Liability [Abstract]
Maximum deferral % of base compensation allowed to participants of deferred compensation plan	50.00%
Maximum deferral % of bonus compensation allowed to participants of deferred compensation plan	100.00%
Our matching cash contributions represents this % of contributions made by participants of deferred compensation plan	50.00%
Maximum employer contribution match % (of total eligible compensation) to each participant of deferred compensation plan	2.00%
Our discretionary contributions	$ 300	$ 400	$ 600
Deferred compensation plan liability	$ 9,653	$ 8,339

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Employee Benefit Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Maximum contribution % of eligible pre-tax compensation allowed to participants of defined contribution plan	50.00%
Our matching cash contributions represents this % of contributions made by participants of defined contribution plan	50.00%
Maximum employer contribution match % (of total eligible compensation) to each participant of defined contribution plan	2.00%
Our common stock % in total plan assets	7.20%	6.80%
Our contributions match	$ 6.7	$ 6.6	$ 5.3

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	$ 550,000	$ 550,000
Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value	(51,375)	1,400
Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	300,000	300,000
Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value	(15,750)	16,700
Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of senior notes	250,000	250,000
Amount of difference between fair value and carrying value	(35,625)	(15,300)
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of senior notes	498,625	551,400
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Senior Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of senior notes	284,250	316,700
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] \| Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] \| Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of senior notes	$ 214,375	$ 234,700

Stock Repurchase Plan (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Stock Repurchase Plan (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) shares
Stock Repurchase Plan [Abstract]
Authorized aggregate amount	$ 1,250.0
Total number of shares repurchased since inception of our stock repurchase program (shares) \| shares	36,994,653
Aggregate purchase price of shares repurchased since inception of our stock repurchase program	$ 994.8

Segment Information (Details)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012 USD ($)
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of retail installment sales stores						45
Number of Stores in Mexico						177
Royalty fee percentage, minimum						2.00%
Royalty fee percentag, maximum						6.00%
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 764,363,000	$ 768,426,000	$ 828,473,000	$ 1,596,899,000	$ 2,361,262,000	$ 3,157,796,000	$ 3,094,018,000	$ 3,075,671,000
Gross profit	539,758,000	537,024,000	562,550,000	1,099,574,000	1,639,332,000	2,184,363,000	2,153,493,000	2,137,464,000
Operating profit	$ 45,920,000	$ 40,390,000	$ 59,458,000	$ 99,848,000	$ 145,768,000	193,462,000	247,009,000	313,029,000
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles						87,399,000	87,980,000	79,249,000
Capital expenditures						83,785,000	108,367,000	102,453,000
Rental merchandise on rent, net						960,414,000	913,476,000	804,798,000
Rental merchandise held for rent, net						277,442,000	210,722,000	201,621,000
Assets						3,271,197,000	3,018,175,000	2,859,085,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit						359,219,000	379,401,000	436,077,000
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles						71,339,000	71,858,000	64,121,000
Capital expenditures						39,225,000	59,299,000	73,851,000
Assets						3,002,875,000	2,909,116,000	2,751,723,000
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit						(165,757,000)	(132,392,000)	(123,048,000)
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles						16,060,000	16,122,000	15,128,000
Capital expenditures						44,560,000	49,068,000	28,602,000
Assets						268,322,000	109,059,000	107,362,000
Core U.S. [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues						2,414,659,000	2,527,660,000	2,681,844,000
Gross profit						1,753,269,000	1,822,243,000	1,919,230,000
Operating profit						264,967,000	311,301,000	415,744,000
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles						61,555,000	64,042,000	55,868,000
Capital expenditures						31,228,000	44,715,000	61,137,000
Rental merchandise on rent, net						593,945,000	611,375,000	589,811,000
Rental merchandise held for rent, net						264,211,000	195,926,000	193,251,000
Assets						2,519,770,000	2,479,297,000	2,428,209,000
Acceptance Now [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues						644,853,000	489,425,000	333,118,000
Gross profit						372,012,000	290,647,000	196,050,000
Operating profit						112,918,000	89,075,000	41,344,000
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles						2,917,000	2,287,000	4,000,000
Capital expenditures						3,833,000	3,047,000	2,044,000
Rental merchandise on rent, net						345,703,000	284,421,000	204,640,000
Rental merchandise held for rent, net						4,897,000	3,837,000	3,007,000
Assets						420,660,000	358,305,000	274,765,000
Mexico [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues						72,202,000	47,171,000	22,502,000
Gross profit						51,070,000	33,945,000	15,291,000
Operating profit						(21,961,000)	(22,828,000)	(23,337,000)
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles						6,683,000	5,450,000	4,164,000
Capital expenditures						4,164,000	11,537,000	10,670,000
Rental merchandise on rent, net						20,766,000	17,680,000	10,347,000
Rental merchandise held for rent, net						8,334,000	10,959,000	5,363,000
Assets						59,841,000	69,826,000	46,038,000
Franchising [Member] \| Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues						26,082,000	29,762,000	38,207,000
Gross profit						8,012,000	6,658,000	6,893,000
Operating profit						3,295,000	1,853,000	2,326,000
Depreciation, amortization and write-down of intangibles						184,000	79,000	89,000
Capital expenditures						0	0	0
Assets						$ 2,604,000	$ 1,688,000	$ 2,711,000

Segment Information Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Rentals and fees	$ 675,342	$ 681,749	$ 691,187	$ 1,372,936	$ 2,048,278	$ 2,745,828	$ 2,695,895	$ 2,653,925
Furniture and accessories [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Rentals and fees						938,065	917,290	861,939
Consumer electronics [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Rentals and fees						642,226	667,052	699,620
Appliances [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Rentals and fees						422,979	432,937	423,578
Computers [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Rentals and fees						375,340	347,783	358,551
Other products and services [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Rentals and fees						$ 367,218	$ 330,833	$ 310,237

Revenue from External Customers and Asset, by Geographical Areas (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Assets						$ 3,271,197	$ 3,018,175	$ 2,859,085
Revenues	$ 764,363	$ 768,426	$ 828,473	$ 1,596,899	$ 2,361,262	3,157,796	3,094,018	3,075,671
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Assets						3,204,283	2,940,980	2,794,883
Revenues						3,075,387	3,035,558	3,035,556
Mexico [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Assets						59,841	69,826	46,038
Revenues						72,202	47,171	22,502
Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Assets						7,073	7,369	18,164
Revenues						$ 10,207	$ 11,289	$ 17,613

Earnings Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 25,925	$ 17,681	$ 27,266	$ 44,947	$ 70,872	$ 96,422	$ 128,757	$ 180,018
Basic weighted average shares						52,850,000	54,804,000	58,913,000
Effect of dilutive stock options						276,000	358,000	492,000
Diluted weighted average shares						53,126,000	55,162,000	59,405,000
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.49	$ 0.33	$ 0.52	$ 0.85	$ 1.34	$ 1.82	$ 2.35	$ 3.06
Diluted earnings per common share	$ 0.49	$ 0.33	$ 0.51	$ 0.84	$ 1.33	$ 1.81	$ 2.33	$ 3.03
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Number of anti-dilutive stock options						2,496,147	1,507,355	1,115,245

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit 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 + Details

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 764,363	$ 768,426	$ 828,473					$ 1,596,899	$ 2,361,262	$ 3,157,796	$ 3,094,018	$ 3,075,671
Gross Profit		539,758	537,024	562,550					1,099,574	1,639,332	2,184,363	2,153,493	2,137,464
Operating profit		45,920	40,390	59,458					99,848	145,768	193,462	247,009	313,029
Net earnings		$ 25,925	$ 17,681	$ 27,266					$ 44,947	$ 70,872	$ 96,422	$ 128,757	$ 180,018
Basic earnings per common share		$ 0.49	$ 0.33	$ 0.52					$ 0.85	$ 1.34	$ 1.82	$ 2.35	$ 3.06
Diluted earnings per common share		$ 0.49	$ 0.33	$ 0.51					$ 0.84	$ 1.33	1.81	2.33	3.03
Cash dividends declared per common share											$ 0.93	$ 0.86	$ 0.69
First Quarter [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Line Items]
Revenues				$ 828,473				$ 815,661
Gross Profit				562,550				550,077
Operating profit				59,458				77,019
Net earnings				$ 27,266				$ 44,987
Basic earnings per common share				$ 0.52				$ 0.78
Diluted earnings per common share				0.51				0.77
Cash dividends declared per common share				$ 0.23				$ 0.21
Second Quarter [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Line Items]
Revenues			$ 768,426				$ 759,424
Gross Profit			537,024				532,949
Operating profit			40,390				78,922
Net earnings			$ 17,681				$ 42,975
Basic earnings per common share			$ 0.33				$ 0.78
Diluted earnings per common share			0.33				0.78
Cash dividends declared per common share			$ 0.23				$ 0.21
Third Quarter [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 764,363				$ 752,758
Gross Profit		539,758				530,514
Operating profit		45,920				56,399
Net earnings		$ 25,925				$ 27,558
Basic earnings per common share		$ 0.49				$ 0.52
Diluted earnings per common share		0.49				0.51
Cash dividends declared per common share		$ 0.23				$ 0.21
Fourth Quarter [Member]
Unaudited Quarterly Data [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 796,534				$ 766,175
Gross Profit	545,031				539,953
Operating profit	47,694				34,669
Net earnings	$ 25,550				$ 13,237
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.48				$ 0.25
Diluted earnings per common share	0.48				0.25
Cash dividends declared per common share	$ 0.24				$ 0.23