Business Combinations, Deconsolidation of Subsidiary, and Disposal Groups Held for Sale (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011 European Acquisition Partnership	Jun. 30, 2011 European Acquisition Partnership	Jun. 30, 2012 Railroad Operation Special Situations Platform	Jun. 30, 2012 Railroad Operation Special Situations Platform
Business Combination - Portfolio Asset Acquisition & Resolution Business Segment
Property and equipment							$ 2,800,000	$ 2,800,000
Trade receivables							500,000	500,000
Various other assets							200,000	200,000
Purchase price							2,500,000	2,500,000
Cost of acquisition					600,000
Ownership interest in acquired entity (as a percent)					100.00%
Portfolio assets acquired					2,700,000	2,700,000
Notes payable and accrued liabilities acquired					1,700,000	1,700,000
Intercompany notes payable that were eliminated in consolidation with the entity's consolidated financial statements					900,000	900,000
Gain on business combinations	$ 935,000	$ 278,000	$ 935,000	$ 278,000		$ 300,000	$ 900,000	$ 900,000