Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 71,308	$ 67,915
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	13,969	12,921
Loans and fees receivable [Abstract]
Loans and fees receivable, net (of $8,785 and $8,274 in deferred revenue and $10,092 and $11,151 in allowances for uncollectible loans and fees receivable at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)	70,745	69,625
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value	17,606	20,378
Loans and fees receivable pledged as collateral under structured financings, at fair value	122,976	133,595
Property at cost, net of depreciation	7,054	7,192
Investments in equity-method investees	36,584	37,756
Deposits	16,410	16,397
Prepaid expenses and other assets	12,457	14,647
Total assets	369,109	380,426
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	31,718	38,596
Notes payable, at face value	37,168	26,747
Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value	129,550	140,127
Convertible senior notes	95,480	95,335
Income tax liability	60,607	60,434
Total liabilities	354,523	361,239
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Equity
Common stock, no par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized: 15,496,135 shares issued and outstanding (including 1,672,656 loaned shares to be returned) at March 31, 2013; and 15,509,179 shares issued and outstanding (including 1,672,656 loaned shares to be returned) at December 31, 2012	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	210,768	211,122
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,440)	(1,154)
Retained deficit	(193,681)	(190,673)
Total shareholders' equity	14,647	19,295
Noncontrolling interests	(61)	(108)
Total equity	14,586	19,187
Total liabilities and equity	$ 369,109	$ 380,426