Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets - Schedule of Reportable Segments by Reporting Units (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 504,213
Goodwill acquired	427,647
Effect of foreign currency translation	(10,341)
Balance at end of period	921,519
Portfolio Purchasing and Recovery [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	454,936
Goodwill acquired	427,647
Effect of foreign currency translation	(10,341)
Balance at end of period	872,242
Tax Lien Transfer [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	49,277
Goodwill acquired	0
Effect of foreign currency translation	0
Balance at end of period	$ 49,277