Investment in Receivable Portfolios, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011
Summary of accretable yield and an estimate of zero basis future cash flows
Beginning Balance	$ 1,112,790	$ 981,978	$ 854,203	$ 757,408	$ 753,494	$ 744,059
Revenue recognized, net	(140,681)	(138,731)	(126,405)	(115,843)	(111,093)	(105,326)
Net additions to existing portfolios	69,688	91,211	134,647	114,996	19,475	21,663
Additions for current purchases	36,387	178,332	119,533	59,434	95,532	93,098
Ending Balance	1,078,184	1,112,790	981,978	815,995	757,408	753,494
Accretable Yield [Member]
Summary of accretable yield and an estimate of zero basis future cash flows
Beginning Balance	1,076,940	952,759	821,527	754,035	749,889	739,785
Revenue recognized, net	(134,294)	(131,624)	(119,340)	(110,215)	(106,961)	(101,709)
Net additions to existing portfolios	71,729	77,473	131,039	82,505	15,575	18,715
Additions for current purchases	36,387	178,332	119,533	59,434	95,532	93,098
Ending Balance	1,050,762	1,076,940	952,759	785,759	754,035	749,889
Estimate of Zero Basis Cash Flows [Member]
Summary of accretable yield and an estimate of zero basis future cash flows
Beginning Balance	35,850	29,219	32,676	3,373	3,605	4,274
Revenue recognized, net	(6,387)	(7,107)	(7,065)	(5,628)	(4,132)	(3,617)
Net additions to existing portfolios	(2,041)	13,738	3,608	32,491	3,900	2,948
Ending Balance	$ 27,422	$ 35,850	$ 29,219	$ 30,236	$ 3,373	$ 3,605