Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholder's Equity (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 1,408,799	$ 5,080	$ 236,076	$ (25,538)	$ 1,193,181
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholder's Equity
Capital contributions from parent and other	19,942		19,942
Change in net unrealized gains (losses):
Investment securities	10,541			10,541
Cash flow hedges	(3,581)			(3,581)
Retirement plan liabilities adjustments	13,393			13,393
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4,280			4,280
Net loss	(141,178)				(141,178)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	1,312,196	5,080	256,018	(905)	1,052,003
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	1,263,193	5,080	256,012	29,606	972,495
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholder's Equity
Grant of restricted stock units by Springleaf Holdings, Inc.	131,250		131,250
Capital contributions from parent and other	20,999		20,999
Change in net unrealized gains (losses):
Investment securities	(8,397)			(8,397)
Cash flow hedges	(104)			(104)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	38			38
Net loss	(73,686)				(73,686)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$ 1,333,293	$ 5,080	$ 408,261	$ 21,143	$ 898,809