Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 222,171	$ 17,510
Investment in receivable portfolios, net	1,096,698	873,119
Deferred court costs, net	40,056	35,407
Receivables secured by property tax liens, net	198,065	135,100
Property and equipment, net	36,788	23,223
Other assets	91,881	31,535
Goodwill	119,788	55,446
Total assets	1,805,447	1,171,340
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	76,846	45,450
Deferred tax liabilities, net	104,303	8,236
Debt	1,107,659	706,036
Other liabilities	6,269	5,802
Total liabilities	1,295,077	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, 25,252 shares and 23,191 shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	253	232
Additional paid-in capital	163,753	88,029
Accumulated earnings	349,789	319,329
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3,425)	(1,774)
Total stockholders' equity	510,370	405,816
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,805,447	$ 1,171,340