CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Servicing fees ($15,893 and $10,151 from affiliates, respectively)	$ 16,918	$ 11,065
Income from Portfolio Assets	26,707	40,622
Gain on sale of SBA loans held for sale, net	1,481	2,261
Gain on sale of investment securities	343	90
Interest income from SBA loans	1,507	1,433
Interest income from loans receivable - affiliates	840	2,942
Interest income from loans receivable - other	369	606
Revenue from railroad operations	12,481	6,989
Other income	9,935	8,309
Total revenues	70,581	74,317
Costs and expenses:
Interest and fees on notes payable to banks and other	5,429	13,032
Interest and fees on notes payable to affiliates		1,502
Salaries and benefits	24,756	22,794
Provision for loan and impairment losses	3,930	4,165
Asset-level expenses	3,370	6,094
Costs and expenses from railroad operations	9,538	4,583
Other costs and expenses	21,166	16,429
Total costs and expenses	68,189	68,599
Earnings before other revenue and income taxes	2,392	5,718
Equity income from unconsolidated subsidiaries	15,244	2,231
Gain on business combinations	935	433
Gain on debt extinguishment		26,543
Gain on sale of subsidiaries	1,451	1,818
Earnings before income taxes	20,022	36,743
Income tax expense (benefit)	974	3,702
Net earnings	19,048	33,041
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	4,710	8,824
Net earnings attributable to FirstCity	$ 14,338	$ 24,217
Basic earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.36	$ 2.34
Diluted earnings per share of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 1.35	$ 2.33