15. Fair Value Measurements - Level 3 fair value measurements (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2013
Finance receivables
Dec. 31, 2012
Finance receivables
Dec. 31, 2013
Residual Interest in Securitizations:
Dec. 31, 2012
Residual Interest in Securitizations:
Dec. 31, 2012
Warrant derivative liability
Dec. 31, 2013
Warrant derivative liability
Dec. 31, 2013
Debt secured by receivables measured at fair value
Dec. 31, 2012
Debt secured by receivables measured at fair value
Finance receivables measured at fair value $ 14,476 $ 59,668   $ 14,476 $ 59,668            
Residual interest in securitizations 854 4,824       854 4,824        
Warrant derivative liability 0 355 967         355 0    
Debt secured by receivables measured at fair value $ 13,117 $ 57,107               $ 13,117 $ 57,107
Valuation Techniques and Unobservable Inputs       Discounted cash flows; Discount rate 15.40%, Cumulative net losses 5.00%, Monthly average prepayments 0.50% Discounted cash flows; Discount rate 20.40%, Cumulative net losses, 5.50%, Monthly average prepayments 0.50% Discounted cash flows; Discount rate 20.00%, Cumulative net losses 15.00%, Monthly average prepayments 0.50% Discounted cash flows; Discount rate 20.00%, Cumulative net losses13.70%, Monthly average prepayments 0.50% Binomial; Stock price $5.36/sh, Volatility 40%, Risk free rate 1.26%   Discounted cash flows, Discount rate 12.2% Discounted cash flows, Discount rate 16.2%