Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 29,904	$ 17,510
Investment in receivable portfolios, net	801,525	873,119
Deferred court costs, net	35,448	35,407
Property tax payment agreements receivable, net	153,580	135,100
Interest receivable	4,621	4,042
Property and equipment, net	24,389	23,223
Other assets	31,113	27,006
Goodwill	51,437	55,446
Identifiable intangible assets, net	462	487
Total assets	1,132,479	1,171,340
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	42,120	45,450
Income tax payable	7,236	3,080
Deferred tax liabilities, net	8,443	8,236
Debt	646,011	706,036
Other liabilities	1,738	2,722
Total liabilities	705,548	765,524
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, 23,336 shares and 23,191 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	233	232
Additional paid-in capital	89,189	88,029
Accumulated earnings	338,777	319,329
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,268)	(1,774)
Total stockholders' equity	426,931	405,816
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,132,479	$ 1,171,340