Investment in Receivable Portfolios, Net - Summary of Accretable Yield and an Estimate of Zero Basis Future Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 1,109,130	$ 1,002,310	$ 981,978	$ 854,203	$ 1,002,310	$ 854,203
Revenue recognized, net	(152,024)	(140,683)	(138,731)	(126,405)
Net additions to existing portfolios	41,242	180,695	91,211	134,647
Additions for current purchases	645,865	66,808	178,332	119,533
Ending Balance	1,644,213	1,109,130	1,112,790	981,978	1,644,213	1,112,790
Purchase price of receivable portfolios	423,113		230,983		481,884	361,446
Investment Receivables Including AACC [Member]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items]
Purchase price of receivable portfolios	381,233				381,233
Accretable Yield [Member]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,090,314	984,944	952,759	821,527	984,944	821,527
Revenue recognized, net	(144,186)	(135,072)	(131,624)	(119,340)
Net additions to existing portfolios	30,458	173,634	77,473	131,039
Additions for current purchases	645,865	66,808	178,332	119,533
Ending Balance	1,622,451	1,090,314	1,076,940	952,759	1,622,451	1,076,940
Estimate of Zero Basis Cash Flows [Member]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	18,816	17,366	29,219	32,676	17,366	32,676
Revenue recognized, net	(7,838)	(5,611)	(7,107)	(7,065)
Net additions to existing portfolios	10,784	7,061	13,738	3,608
Ending Balance	$ 21,762	$ 18,816	$ 35,850	$ 29,219	$ 21,762	$ 35,850