Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Equipment held for operating lease, accumulated depreciation (in dollars)	$ 242,529	$ 228,708
Operating lease related receivable, allowances (in dollars)	980	477
Notes receivable, allowance (in dollars)	654	840
Property, equipment & furnishings, accumulated depreciation (in dollars)	7,087	4,957
Notes payable, discount (in dollars)	0	2,085
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	3,475,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	3,475,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	8,715,580	9,109,663
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,715,580	9,109,663
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, income tax benefit (in dollars)	$ 651	$ 5,249