Debt - Additional Information 2 (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Eligible estimated remaining collections for debtor receivables			55.00%
Total estimated remaining collections			35.00%
Borrowing base as percentage of eligible estimated collection range start			30.00%
Borrowing base as percentage of eligible estimated collection range end			35.00%
Percentage of eligible estimated remaining collections			33.00%
Percentage of multiplying factor			95.00%
Borrowing base description			A borrowing base equal to (1) the lesser of (i) (a) 55% of eligible estimated remaining collections for consumer receivables subject to bankruptcy proceedings, provided that the amount described in this clause (i)(a) may not exceed 35% of the amount described in clauses (i)(a) and (i)(b), plus (b) 30%—35% (depending on the Company’s trailing 12-month cost per dollar collected) of all other eligible estimated remaining collections, initially set at 33%, and (ii) the product of the net book value of all receivable portfolios acquired on or after January 1, 2005 multiplied by 95%, minus (2) (x) the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Prudential senior secured notes plus (y) the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the term loans
Allowance of additional unsecured indebtedness			$ 300,000,000
Company's repurchases, common stock			50,000,000
Cost of common stock shares repurchased	50,000,000	50,000,000	729,000
Repurchase of common stock			50,000,000
Percentage of acquisitions excluded			50.00%
Annual capital expenditure limit			20,000,000
Annual rental expense limit			15,000,000
Outstanding capital lease limit			20,000,000
Acquisition limit			100,000,000
Amount outstanding			$ 640,900,000
Revolving credit facility, interest rate			3.17%	4.11%