Investment in Receivable Portfolios, Net (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Summary of change in the valuation allowance for investment in receivable portfolio
Balance at beginning of period	$ 108,705	$ 105,175	$ 109,494	$ 98,671
Provision for portfolio allowances	1,616	4,753	5,491	13,401
Reversal of prior allowances	(2,333)	(3,148)	(6,997)	(5,292)
Balance at end of period	$ 107,988	$ 106,780	$ 107,988	$ 106,780