v2.4.0.6
Investment in Life Settlements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Contract
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Contract
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Sep. 30, 2012
Lsc Entities
Sep. 30, 2011
Lsc Entities
Sep. 30, 2012
Tiger
Contract
Sep. 30, 2012
ACAC
Aug. 31, 2011
ACAC
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]                    
Percentage of ownership interest                 21.25% 21.25%
Profits and losses of investment in life insurance policies and premium finance loans     60.625%              
Life insurance policies acquired     $ 14,021 $ 19,965   $ 28,042 $ 39,930      
Investments in life settlements and cash value loans 173,298   173,298   136,800          
Other income related to life insurance policies 3,251 6,882 5,302 48,346            
Number of life settlement contracts 256   256              
Number of premium finance loans               14    
Value of premium finance loans               1,822    
Face value of life settlement contracts 1,671,013   1,671,013              
Face value of premium finance loans               $ 68,250