Investment in Receivable Portfolios, Net - Summary of Changes in Balance of Investment in Receivable Portfolios (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2013 AACC Merger [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 Cabot Acquisition [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Cabot Acquisition [Member]
Certain Loans Acquired In Transfer Not Accounted For As Debt Securities Carrying Amount Net [Line Items]
Purchase price of receivable portfolios	$ 1,204,779	$ 562,335	$ 386,850	$ 383,400	$ 559,000	$ 559,000