CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME(LOSS)
Net earnings (loss)	$ (1,972)	$ 9,473
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale	(51)	460
Foreign currency translation adjustments	95	1,607
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	44	2,067
Total comprehensive income (loss)	(1,928)	11,540
Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests:
Net income	(536)	(1,108)
Net unrealized (gain) loss on securities available for sale, net of tax		(13)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(1)	(317)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to FirstCity	$ (2,465)	$ 10,102