Investment in Receivable Portfolios, Net - Summary of Changes in the Balance of the Investment in Receivable Portfolios (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items]
Purchase price of receivable portfolios	$ 423,113	$ 230,983	$ 481,884	$ 361,446
AACC Merger [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