Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Assets
Restricted cash	$ 178,786	$ 113,703
Out of period adjustment
Assets
Net finance receivables, less allowance for finance receivable losses		(177,000)
Fair Value Measurements Using Level 1
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,608,702	1,357,212
Investment securities	284	255
Restricted cash	178,786	113,703
Fair Value Measurements Using Level 2
Assets
Investment securities	609,599	639,148
Note receivable from parent	537,989	537,989
Other assets:
Receivables from parent and affiliates	16,561	16,196
Liabilities
Long-term debt	13,380,346	12,912,712
Payable to affiliate		30,750
Fair Value Measurements Using Level 2 | Cross currency interest rate derivatives
Other assets:
Derivative Assets	14,049	26,699
Fair Value Measurements Using Level 3
Assets
Investment securities	29,807	29,767
Net finance receivables, less allowance for finance receivable losses	11,331,671	11,608,720
Other assets:
Commercial mortgage loans	100,125	99,933
Escrow advance receivable	18,140	18,520
Total Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,608,702	1,357,212
Investment securities	639,690	669,170
Net finance receivables, less allowance for finance receivable losses	11,331,671	11,608,720
Note receivable from parent	537,989	537,989
Restricted cash	178,786	113,703
Other assets:
Commercial mortgage loans	100,125	99,933
Escrow advance receivable	18,140	18,520
Receivables from parent and affiliates	16,561	16,196
Liabilities
Long-term debt	13,380,346	12,912,712
Payable to affiliate		30,750
Total Fair Value | Cross currency interest rate derivatives
Other assets:
Derivative Assets	14,049	26,699
Total Carrying Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,608,702	1,357,212
Investment securities	639,690	669,170
Net finance receivables, less allowance for finance receivable losses	11,217,721	11,516,591
Note receivable from parent	537,989	537,989
Restricted cash	178,786	113,703
Other assets:
Commercial mortgage loans	109,566	110,398
Escrow advance receivable	18,140	18,520
Receivables from parent and affiliates	16,561	16,196
Liabilities
Long-term debt	12,387,034	12,454,316
Payable to affiliate		30,750
Total Carrying Value | Cross currency interest rate derivatives
Other assets:
Derivative Assets	$ 14,049	$ 26,699