<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.0.8</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>414</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>319</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>138</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>5</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0000 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0010 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/BalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0015 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0020 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/StatementOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0030 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/StatementOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0040 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/StatementOfStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0050 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/CashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1010 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1020 - Disclosure - Business Changes and Developments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureBusinessChangesAndDevelopments</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Changes and Developments</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1030 - Disclosure - Recently Issued Accounting Statements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureRecentlyIssuedAccountingStatements</Role>
      <ShortName>Recently Issued Accounting Statements</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1040 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVariableInterestEntities</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable Interest Entities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1050 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1060 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesAtFairMarketValue</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1070 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForLosses</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1080 - Disclosure - VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEBorrowingsUnderRevolvingCreditFacilitiesAndOtherSimilarBorrowings</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1090 - Disclosure - VIE Long-Term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIELongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Long-Term Debt</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1100 - Disclosure - VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIELongTermDebtIssuedBySecuritizationAndPermanentFinancingTrustsAtFairMarketValue</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1110 - Disclosure - Term Loan Payable</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureTermLoanPayable</Role>
      <ShortName>Term Loan Payable</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1120 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstruments</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Financial Instruments</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1130 - Disclosure - Risks and Uncertainties</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureRisksAndUncertainties</Role>
      <ShortName>Risks and Uncertainties</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1140 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1150 - Disclosure - Segment Reporting</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureSegmentReporting</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Reporting</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1160 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1170 - Disclosure - Restructure Expense</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureRestructureExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructure Expense</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1180 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1190 - Disclosure - Non-Controlling Interests</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureNonControllingInterests</Role>
      <ShortName>Non-Controlling Interests</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1200 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1210 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3050 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3060 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesAtFairMarketValueTables</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3070 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForLossesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3080 - Disclosure - VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEBorrowingsUnderRevolvingCreditFacilitiesAndOtherSimilarBorrowingsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3090 - Disclosure - VIE Long-Term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIELongTermDebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Long-Term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3100 - Disclosure - VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIELongTermDebtIssuedBySecuritizationAndPermanentFinancingTrustsAtFairMarketValueTables</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3120 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3170 - Disclosure - Restructure Expense (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureRestructureExpenseTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructure Expense (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3190 - Disclosure - Non-Controlling Interests (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureNonControllingInterestsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Non-Controlling Interests (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>3200 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4010 - Disclosure - Background and Basis of Presentation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureBackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Background and Basis of Presentation (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4020 - Disclosure - Business Changes and Developments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureBusinessChangesAndDevelopmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Business Changes and Developments (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4040 - Disclosure - Variable Interest Entities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVariableInterestEntitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Variable Interest Entities (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4050 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4051 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4052 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4053 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4054 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details 5)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4055 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details 6)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsDetails6</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value Measurements (Details 6)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4060 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesAtFairMarketValueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4070 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForLossesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4071 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForLossesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4072 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForLossesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4073 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForLossesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4074 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 5)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEAndOtherFinanceReceivablesNetOfAllowanceForLossesDetails5</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 5)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4080 - Disclosure - VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIEBorrowingsUnderRevolvingCreditFacilitiesAndOtherSimilarBorrowingsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4090 - Disclosure - VIE Long-Term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIELongTermDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Long-Term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4100 - Disclosure - VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureVIELongTermDebtIssuedBySecuritizationAndPermanentFinancingTrustsAtFairMarketValueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4110 - Disclosure - Term Loan Payable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureTermLoanPayableDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Term Loan Payable (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4120 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4140 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Commitments and Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4160 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Taxes (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4170 - Disclosure - Restructure Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureRestructureExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Restructure Expense (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4180 - Disclosure - Stockholders' Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Stockholders' Equity (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4190 - Disclosure - Non-Controlling Interests (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureNonControllingInterestsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Non-Controlling Interests (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4200 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4201 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>4210 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.jgwpt.com/role/DisclosureSubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage had a mix of decimals attribute values: 3 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage had a mix of decimals attribute values: 4 5.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensation had a mix of decimals attribute values: -3 0.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives had a mix of decimals attribute values: -5 -3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '0040 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4050 - Disclosure - Fair Value Measurements (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4060 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4071 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 2)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4072 - Disclosure - VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 3)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4080 - Disclosure - VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4090 - Disclosure - VIE Long-Term Debt (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4100 - Disclosure - VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4110 - Disclosure - Term Loan Payable (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '4120 - Disclosure - Derivative Financial Instruments (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0010 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2012'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0015 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0020 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0030 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0050 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>jgw-20140331.xml</File>
    <File>jgw-20140331.xsd</File>
    <File>jgw-20140331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>jgw-20140331_def.xml</File>
    <File>jgw-20140331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>jgw-20140331_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
