NONINTEREST EXPENSE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	$ 179,811	$ 204,936	$ 187,480
Cardholder And Merchant Processing [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	45,129	48,614	46,765
Collection [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	25,591	23,237	20,485
Processing Fees Paid To Third Parties [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	14,454	16,336	13,327
Cardholder Reward Programs [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	4,325	11,780	11,624
Telecommunications [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	11,131	12,131	11,328
Advertising [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	3,897	7,957	8,301
Postage [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	6,799	7,365	6,848
Amortization of Intangible assets [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	3,476	4,386	6,202
Legal [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	2,490	6,306	4,968
Other [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	$ 62,519	$ 66,824	$ 57,632