Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Financial Condition (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 15,446	$ 8,047
Accounts receivable, net	3,615	3,265
Investment in receivable portfolios, net	741,580	716,454
Deferred court costs, net	39,839	38,506
Property and equipment, net	19,603	17,796
Other assets	11,842	11,968
Goodwill	6,047	15,985
Identifiable intangible assets, net		462
Total assets	837,972	812,483
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	31,161	29,628
Income tax payable	2,078
Deferred tax liabilities, net	16,333	15,709
Debt	398,246	388,950
Other liabilities	5,297	6,661
Total liabilities	453,115	440,948
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $.01 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, 24,696 shares and 24,520 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively	247	245
Additional paid-in capital	124,638	123,406
Accumulated earnings	261,258	249,852
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,286)	(1,968)
Total stockholders' equity	384,857	371,535
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 837,972	$ 812,483