INVESTMENTS IN CONSUMER LOANS - Carrying Value of Purchased Deteriorated Loans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Loans Receivable [Roll Forward]
Proceeds from repayments	$ (147,403)	$ (94,807)	$ (38,700)
Accretion and other amortization	701,967	1,031,384	747,932
Receivables Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality \| Consumer Portfolio Segment
Loans Receivable [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	236,449	316,532
Provision for loan losses	(31)	3,013
Proceeds from repayments	(90,700)	(123,932)
Accretion and other amortization	37,199	40,836
Ending balance	$ 182,917	$ 236,449	$ 316,532

Loans Receivable [Roll Forward]

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- Definition

The sum of the periodic adjustments of the differences between securities' face values and purchase prices that are charged against earnings. This is called accretion if the security was purchased at a discount and amortization if it was purchased at premium. As a noncash item, this element is an adjustment to net income when calculating cash provided by or used in operations using the indirect method.

+ References

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- Definition

Amount after allowance and deduction of deferred interest and fees, unamortized costs and premiums and discounts from face amounts, of loans and leases held in portfolio, including but not limited to, commercial and consumer loans. Excludes loans and leases covered under loss sharing agreements and loans held for sale.

+ References

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- Definition

The cash inflow from repayments of the balance excluding interest (principal) on loans receivable and leases held for investment purposes.

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- Definition

Amount of expense related to estimated loss from loan and lease transactions.

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