NONINTEREST EXPENSE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	$ 204,936	$ 187,480	$ 151,744
Cardholder And Merchant Processing [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	48,614	46,765	42,605
Collection [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	23,237	20,485	2,102
Processing Fees Paid To Third Parties [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	16,336	13,327	9,672
Cardholder Reward Programs [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	11,780	11,624	8,457
Telecommunications [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	12,131	11,328	11,314
Advertising [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	7,957	8,301	8,111
Postage [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	7,365	6,848	6,130
Amortization of Intangible assets [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	4,386	6,202	1,940
Legal [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	6,306	4,968	5,425
Other [Member]
Component of Operating Other Cost and Expense [Line Items]
Other Noninterest Expense	$ 66,824	$ 57,632	$ 55,988