Segment Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Reconciliation of revenue and operating income from segments to consolidated
Revenues:	$ 144,792	$ 115,843	$ 412,260	$ 332,262
Operating income:	41,171	30,661	114,436	87,335
Depreciation and amortization	1,533	1,054	4,193	2,916
Stock-based compensation	1,905	2,405	6,710	5,980
Other expense	14,829	9,904	38,854	26,944
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	35,195	25,144	96,797	71,016
Portfolio purchasing and recovery [Member]
Reconciliation of revenue and operating income from segments to consolidated
Revenues:	140,682	115,843	405,818	332,262
Operating income:	42,554	34,120	122,465	96,231
Tax lien transfer [Member]
Reconciliation of revenue and operating income from segments to consolidated
Revenues:	4,110		6,442
Operating income:	$ 2,055		$ 2,874