First Eagle Private Credit (NEWS) 10-K 4 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	NewStar Financial, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1373561
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,080,915
Entity Public Float			$364,137,958

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$33,033	$43,401
Restricted cash	95,411	167,920
Cash collateral on deposit with custodian	38,975	0
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	46,881	22,198
Loans held-for-sale, net	200,569	14,831
Loans and leases, net	2,305,896	2,095,250
Deferred financing costs, net	26,514	21,386
Interest receivable	7,477	7,415
Property and equipment, net	660	833
Deferred income taxes, net	28,078	30,238
Income tax receivable	3,388	2,007
Other assets	24,127	24,983
Subtotal	2,811,009	2,430,462
Total assets	2,811,009	2,606,861
Liabilities:
Credit facilities	487,768	332,158
Term debt securitizations	1,193,187	1,212,374
Corporate debt	238,500	200,000
Subordinated notes	156,831	0
Repurchase agreements	57,227	67,954
Accrued interest payable	6,576	6,333
Other liabilities	29,923	20,211
Subtotal	2,170,012	1,839,030
Total liabilities	2,170,012	1,990,651
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares outstanding)	0	0
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share: Shares authorized: 145,000,000 in 2014 and 2013; Shares outstanding 46,620,474 in 2014 and 48,658,606 in 2013	466	487
Additional paid-in capital	718,825	655,143
Retained earnings	14,463	2,624
Common stock held in treasury, at cost $0.01 par value; 7,581,646 in 2014 and 4,642,202 in 2013	-92,724	-43,271
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	-33	569
Total NewStar Financial, Inc. stockholders’ equity	640,997	615,552
Retained earnings of Consolidated Variable Interest Entity	0	658
Total stockholders’ equity	640,997	616,210
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,811,009	2,606,861
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity [Member]
Assets:
Restricted cash	0	1,950
Loans and leases, net	0	171,427
Deferred financing costs, net	0	997
Interest receivable	0	1,079
Other assets	0	946
Total assets of Consolidated Variable Interest Entity	0	176,399
Liabilities:
Credit facilities	0	120,344
Accrued interest payable	0	434
Subordinated debt—Fund membership interest	0	30,000
Accrued interest payable—Fund membership interest	0	843
Total liabilities of Consolidated Variable Interest Entity	$0	$151,621

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	145,000,000	145,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	46,620,474	48,658,606
Treasury stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Treasury stock, shares	7,581,646	4,642,202

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Net interest income:
Interest income	$136,171	$127,684	$123,945
Interest expense	57,775	42,971	35,591
Net interest income	78,396	84,713	88,354
Provision for credit losses	27,108	9,738	12,651
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	51,288	74,975	75,703
Non-interest income:
Fee income	2,467	3,670	4,619
Asset management income	1,054	2,482	2,984
Loss on derivatives, net	-39	-143	-315
Gain (loss) on sale of loans, net	-230	72	335
Other income	7,964	7,431	3,948
Total non-interest income	11,216	13,512	11,571
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	30,383	32,672	31,139
General and administrative expenses	15,133	16,726	15,158
Total operating expenses	45,516	49,398	46,297
Operating income before income taxes	16,988	39,089	40,977
Results of Consolidated Variable Interest Entity:
Interest income	136,171	127,684	123,945
Other income	7,964	7,431	3,948
Operating expenses	45,516	49,398	46,297
Income before income taxes	18,079	41,151	40,977
Income tax expense	7,485	16,556	17,000
Net income	10,594	24,595	23,977
Basic income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.22	$0.51	$0.51
Diluted income per share (in dollars per share)	$0.21	$0.46	$0.45
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity [Member]
Net interest income:
Interest income	5,268	5,321	0
Non-interest income:
Other income	229	51	0
Operating expenses:
Total operating expenses	249	78	0
Results of Consolidated Variable Interest Entity:
Interest income	5,268	5,321	0
Interest expense— credit facilities	2,865	1,879	0
Interest expense—Fund membership interest	1,292	1,353	0
Other income	229	51	0
Operating expenses	249	78	0
Net results from Consolidated Variable Interest Entity	$1,091	$2,062	$0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$10,594	$24,595	$23,977
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net unrealized securities gains (losses), net of tax expense (benefit) of $(401), $345 and $1,244, respectively	-583	499	1,840
Net unrealized derivative gains (losses), net of tax expense (benefit) of $(10), $53 and $115, respectively	-19	76	152
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-602	575	1,992
Comprehensive income	$9,992	$25,170	$25,969

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net unrealized securities gains, net of tax expense	($401)	$345	$1,244
Net unrealized derivative gains, net of tax expense	($10)	$53	$115

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net [Member]	Retained Earnings of Consolidated VIE [Member]	Common Stockholders' Equity [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011		$0	$494	$635,389	($44,703)	($25,420)	($1,998)	$0	$563,762
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	23,977	0	0	0	23,977	0	0	0	23,977
Other comprehensive income	1,992	0	0	0	0	0	1,992	0	1,992
Issuance of restricted stock			1	-1	0	0	0	0	0
Net shares reacquired from employee transactions		0	-2	0	0	-3,227	0	0	-3,229
Tax benefit from vesting of restricted common stock awards		0	0	2,320	0	0	0	0	2,320
Repurchase of common stock		0	-2	2	0	-2,596	0	0	-2,596
Exercise of common stock options		0	2	1,400	0	0	0	0	1,402
Amortization of restricted common stock awards		0	0	6,418	0	0	0	0	6,418
Amortization of stock option awards		0	0	771	0	0	0	0	771
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012		0	493	646,299	-20,726	-31,243	-6	0	594,817
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	24,595	0	0	0	23,350	0	0	1,245	24,595
Other comprehensive income	575	0	0	0	0	0	575	0	575
Issuance of restricted stock		0	1	-1	0	0	0	0	0
Net shares reacquired from employee transactions		0	-8	8	0	-11,812	0	0	-11,812
Tax benefit from vesting of restricted common stock awards		0	0	4,227	0	0	0	0	4,227
Repurchase of common stock		0	0	0	0	-216	0	0	-216
Exercise of common stock options		0	1	361	0	0	0	0	362
VIE dividend		0	0	0	0	0	0	-587	-587
Amortization of restricted common stock awards		0	0	4,150	0	0	0	0	4,150
Amortization of stock option awards		0	0	99	0	0	0	0	99
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	616,210	0	487	655,143	2,624	-43,271	569	658	616,210
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	10,594	0	0	0	9,952	0	0	642	10,594
Other comprehensive income	-602	0	0	0	0	0	-602	0	-602
Issuance of restricted stock		0	1	-1	0	0	0	0	0
Net shares reacquired from employee transactions		0	0	0	0	-533	0	0	-533
Tax benefit from vesting of restricted common stock awards		0	0	1,819	0	0	0	0	1,819
Repurchase of common stock		0	-29	29	0	-34,672	0	0	-34,672
Issuance of warrants		0	0	41,785	0	0	0	0	41,785
Exercise of warrants		0	3	15,244	0	-14,248	0	0	999
Exercise of common stock options		0	4	300	0	0	0	0	304
Tax benefit from exercise of common stock awards		0	0	1,920	0	0	0	0	1,920
VIE dividend		0	0	0	0	0	0	587	587
Deconsolidation of VIE		0	0	0	1,887	0	0	-1,887	0
Amortization of restricted common stock awards		0	0	2,532	0	0	0	0	2,532
Amortization of stock option awards		0	0	54	0	0	0	0	54
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$640,997	$0	$466	$718,825	$14,463	($92,724)	($33)	$0	$640,997

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$10,594	$24,595	$23,977
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operations:
Provision for credit losses	27,108	9,738	12,651
Depreciation and amortization and accretion, net	-9,381	-13,156	-10,963
Amortization of debt issuance costs	6,938	6,314	4,326
Equity compensation expense	2,586	4,249	7,189
Loss (gain) on sale of loans, net	230	-72	-335
Gain on repurchase of debt	0	-442	-2,708
Losses (gains) on other real estate owned	-15	0	324
Losses (gains) from equity method investments, net	-1,625	-1,037	469
Unrealized loss from total return swap	863	0	0
Net change in deferred income taxes	2,573	11,829	5,439
Loans held-for-sale originated	-328,157	-41,856	-143,769
Proceeds from sale and repayment of loans held-for-sale	174,985	78,627	130,445
Net change in interest receivable	-62	1,588	854
Net change in other assets	-10,462	31,283	-38,915
Net change in accrued interest payable	243	3,003	477
Net change in accounts payable and other liabilities	9,867	-56,947	48,277
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-110,777	56,843	37,738
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net change in restricted cash	72,509	40,747	-124,852
Net change in loans	-261,756	-369,203	-22,758
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned	10,276	0	0
Purchase of debt securities available-for-sale	-38,255	0	0
Proceeds from repayments of debt securities available-for-sale	14,000	0	0
Acquisition of property and equipment	-80	-771	-200
Net cash used in investing activities	-30,600	-504,409	-147,810
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net	300	361	1,400
Proceeds from exercise of warrants	999	0	0
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options	1,920	0	0
Tax benefit from vesting of restricted stock	1,819	4,227	2,320
Borrowings on credit facilities	1,557,162	1,184,356	583,878
Repayment of borrowings on credit facilities	-1,401,552	-1,082,139	-568,648
Issuance of term debt	289,500	319,600	303,700
Borrowings on term debt	77,900	72,572	91,876
Repayment of borrowings on term debt	-386,587	-301,120	-294,209
Borrowings on corporate debt	38,500	100,000	50,000
Issuance of subordinated notes	200,000	0
Borrowings on repurchase agreements	0	40,524	0
Repayment of borrowings on repurchase agreements	-10,727	-3,153	-34,285
Payment of cash collateral for total return swap	-38,975	0	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	-13,451	-8,636	-11,393
Purchase of treasury stock	-35,205	-12,028	-5,823
Net cash provided by financing activities	131,009	463,755	118,816
Net increase (decrease) in cash during the period	-10,368	16,189	8,744
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	43,401	27,212	18,468
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	33,033	43,401	27,212
Supplemental cash flows information:
Interest paid	57,532	42,767	35,114
Taxes paid, net of refund	2,554	-1,848	14,606
Increase (decrease) in fair value of investments in debt securities	-984	844	3,084
Transfers of loans held-for-sale to loans, net	0	5,158	0
Transfers of loans, net to loans held-for-sale, at fair value	32,567	0	14,587
Transfers of loans to other real estate owned, at fair value	0	0	14,884
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity [Member]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used for operations:
Depreciation and amortization and accretion, net	-315	-281	0
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,247	156	0
Net change in interest receivable	1,079	-1,079	0
Net change in other assets	946	-946	0
Net change in accrued interest payable	-606	1,277	0
Net change in accounts payable and other liabilities	587	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net change in restricted cash	1,950	-1,950	0
Net change in loans	171,427	-172,645	0
VIE cash dividends	-671	-587	0
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on credit facilities	17,156	135,094	0
Repayment of borrowings on credit facilities	-137,500	-14,750	0
Issuance of subordinated notes	0	30,000	0
Payment of deferred financing costs	-250	-1,153	0
Repayment of borrowings on subordinated debt	-30,000	0	0
Supplemental cash flows information:
Interest paid	$4,763	$0	$0

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization	Organization
	NewStar Financial, Inc. is an internally-managed, commercial finance company with specialized lending platforms focused on meeting the complex financing needs of companies and private investors in the middle market. The Company is also a registered investment adviser and provides asset management services to institutional investors through a series of managed credit funds that co-invest in certain types of loans originated by the Company. Through its specialized lending platforms, the Company provides a range of senior secured debt financing options to mid-sized companies to fund working capital, growth strategies, acquisitions and recapitalizations, as well as, purchases of equipment and other capital assets.
	These lending activities require specialized skills and transaction experience, as well as a significant investment in personnel and operating infrastructure. To meet these demands, our loans and leases are originated directly by teams of credit-trained bankers and experienced marketing officers organized around key industry and market segments. These teams represent specialized lending groups that are supported by centralized credit management and operating platforms. This structure enables us to leverage common standards, systems, and industry and professional expertise across multiple businesses.
	The Company targets its marketing and origination efforts at private equity firms, mid-sized companies, corporate executives, banks, real estate investors and a variety of other referral sources and financial intermediaries to develop new customer relationships and source lending opportunities. The Company's origination network is national in scope and it targets companies with business operations across a broad range of industry sectors. The Company employs highly experienced bankers, marketing officers and credit professionals to identify and structure new lending opportunities and manage customer relationships. The Company believes that the quality of its professionals, the breadth of their relationships and referral networks, and their ability to develop creative solutions for customers position it to be a valued partner and preferred lender for mid-sized companies and private equity funds with middle market investment strategies.
	The Company's emphasis on direct origination is an important aspect of its marketing and credit strategy. The Company's national network is designed around specialized origination channels intended to generate a large set of potential lending opportunities. That allows the Company to be highly selective in its credit process and to allocate capital to market segments that we believe represent the most attractive opportunities. The Company's direct origination network also generates proprietary lending opportunities with yield characteristics that we believe would not otherwise be available through intermediaries. In addition, direct origination provides the Company with direct access to management teams and enhances its ability to conduct detailed due diligence and credit analysis of prospective borrowers. It also allows the Company to negotiate transaction terms directly with borrowers and, as a result, advise its customers on financial strategies and capital structures, which it believes benefits its credit performance.
	The Company typically provides financing commitments to companies in amounts that range in size from $10 million to $50 million. The size of financing commitments depends on various factors, including the type of loan, the credit characteristics of the borrower, the economic characteristics of the loan, and the Company's role in the transaction. The Company also selectively arranges larger transactions that it may retain on its balance sheet or syndicate to other lenders, which may include funds that it manages for third party institutional investors. By syndicating loans to other lenders and the Company's managed funds, it is able to provide larger financing commitments to its customers and generate fee income, while limiting our risk exposure to single borrowers. From time to time, however, the Company's balance sheet exposure to a single borrower may exceed $30 million.
	NewStar offers a set of credit products and services that have many common attributes, but which are highly specialized by lending group and market segment. Although both the Leveraged Finance and Business Credit lending groups structure loans as revolving credit facilities and term loans, the style of lending and approach to credit management is highly specialized. The Equipment Finance group broadens the Company's product offering to include a range of lease financing options. The operational intensity of each product also varies by lending group.
	Although, the Company operates as a single segment, it derives revenues from its asset management activities and four specialized lending groups that target market segments in which it believes that it has competitive advantages:
	•	Leveraged Finance, provides senior, secured cash flow loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien and unitranche loans, which are primarily used to finance acquisitions of mid-sized companies with annual cash flow (EBITDA) typically between $10 million and $50 million by private equity investment funds managed by established professional alternative asset managers;
	•	Business Credit, provides senior, secured asset-based loans primarily to fund working capital needs of mid-sized companies with sales typically totaling between $25 million and $500 million;
	•	Real Estate, provides first mortgage debt primarily to finance acquisitions of commercial real estate properties typically valued between $10 million and $50 million by professional commercial real estate investors;
	•	Equipment Finance, provides leases, loans and lease lines to finance equipment purchases and other capital expenditures typically for companies with annual sales of at least $25 million; and
	•	Asset Management, provides opportunities for qualified institutions to invest in credit funds managed by the Company with strategies to co-invest in loans originated by its Leveraged Finance lending group.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Consolidation
	On June 26, 2014, the NewStar Arlington Senior Loan Program LLC (the “Arlington Program”) completed a $409.4 million term debt securitization comprised of all of the loans of NewStar Arlington Fund LLC (“Arlington Fund”) as well as a portion of the Company’s loans classified as held-for-sale. A portion of the proceeds from this term debt securitization were used to repay all advances under the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes. Following repayment, the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes were redeemed. The Company’s membership interests in Arlington Fund were also redeemed and new membership interests in the Arlington Program were issued to its equity investors. The Company acts as collateral manager for the Arlington Program. As a result of the repayment of the Company’s advances as the Class B lender under the warehouse facility and the redemption of its membership interests in the Arlington Fund, the Company has no ownership or financial interests in the Arlington Fund or its successors except to the extent that it receives management fees as collateral manager of the Arlington Program. Additionally, the Arlington Program employs an independent investment professional who is responsible for investment decision making on behalf of the program. As a result, the Company deconsolidated the Arlington Fund from its statement of financial position beginning on June 26, 2014. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the Arlington Program and will not consolidate the Arlington Program’s operating results or statements of financial position as of that date.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates most susceptible to change in the near-term are the Company’s estimates of their allowance for credit losses, impairment of loans and recorded amounts of deferred income taxes.
	Prior Period Reclassifications
	Certain prior period disclosure amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Equipment Finance balances are no longer included with Business Credit and are presented separately in the footnote disclosures.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include all demand deposits held in banks and certain highly liquid instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
	Investments in Debt Securities
	Management determines the classification of securities at the time of purchase. If management has the intent and the Company has the ability at the time of purchase to hold securities until maturity, they are classified as held-to-maturity. Investment securities held-to-maturity are stated at amortized cost. Securities to be held for indefinite periods of time, but not necessarily to be held-to-maturity or on a long-term basis, are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. The carrying values of all securities are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts over the shorter of the period to call or maturity of the related security using a method that approximates the interest method. Realized gains or losses on the sale of securities, if any, are determined using the amortized cost of the specific securities sold. If a decline in the fair value of a security below its amortized cost is judged by management to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down is included in operations. The fair value of debt securities are based on quoted market prices, when available, at the reporting date for those or similar investments. When no market is available, the Company estimates fair value using various valuation tools, including cash flow analyses that utilize financial statements, business plans, as well as qualitative factors. The Company also recognizes an other than temporary impairment on an investment in debt security in an unrealized loss position if (i) the Company does not expect full recovery of its amortized cost based on the estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, (ii) the Company intends to sell the debt security, or (iii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery.
	Loans Held-for-Sale
	Loans classified as held-for-sale consist of loans originated by the Company, intended to be sold or syndicated to third parties (including credit funds managed by the Company) or impaired loans for which a sale of the loan is expected as a result of a workout strategy. These loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost, net of any deferred origination costs or fees, or fair value.
	Loans
	Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis in accordance with the terms of the respective loan. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. The accrual of interest on loans is typically discontinued when principal or interest payments are past due 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, it is probable it will be unable to collect contractual principal and interest in the normal course of business. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Income on nonaccrual loans is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash is received and the loan’s principal balance is deemed collectible.
	Nonrefundable loan fees and related direct costs associated with the origination of loans are deferred and included in loans, net in the consolidated balance sheet. The net deferred fees or costs are recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the loans using a method which approximates the interest method or taken into income when the related loans are paid off or sold. The Company accretes any discount from purchased loans into loan fee income as a yield adjustment over the contractual life of the loan. The amortization of loan fees is discontinued on non-accrual loans.
	Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses
	Our general allowance for credit losses covers probable losses in our loan and lease portfolio with respect to loans and leases that are not impaired and for which no specific impairment has been identified. A specific provision for credit losses is recorded with respect to loans for which it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement for which there is impairment recognized. The Company employs a variety of internally developed and third-party modeling and estimation tools for measuring credit risk, which are used in developing an allowance for loan and lease losses on outstanding loans and leases. The Company’s allowance framework addresses economic conditions, capital market liquidity and industry circumstances from both a top-down and bottom-up perspective. The Company considers and evaluates a number of factors, including but not limited to, changes in economic conditions, credit availability, industry, loss emergence period, and multiple obligor concentrations in assessing both probabilities of default and loss severities as part of the general component of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
	On at least a quarterly basis, loans and leases are internally risk-rated based on individual credit criteria, including loan and lease type, loan and lease structures (including balloon and bullet structures common in the Company’s Leveraged Finance and Real Estate loans), borrower industry, payment capacity, location and quality of collateral if any (including the Company’s Real Estate loans). Borrowers provide the Company with financial information on either a monthly or quarterly basis. Ratings, corresponding assumed default rates and assumed loss severities are dynamically updated to reflect any changes in borrower condition or profile.
	For Leveraged Finance loans and Equipment Finance products, the data set used to construct probabilities of default in its allowance for loan losses model, Moody’s CRD Private Firm Database, primarily contains middle market loans that share attributes similar to the Company’s loans. The Company also considers the quality of the loan or lease terms and lender protections in determining a loan loss in the event of default.
	For Business Credit loans, the Company utilizes a proprietary model to risk rate the loans on a monthly basis. This model captures the impact of changes in industry and economic conditions as well as changes in the quality of the borrower’s collateral and financial performance to assign a final risk rating. The Company has also evaluated historical loss trends by risk rating from a comprehensive industry database covering more than twenty-five years of experience of the majority of the asset based lenders operating in the United States. Based upon the monthly risk rating from the model, the reserve is adjusted to reflect the historical average for expected loss from the industry database.
	For Real Estate loans, the Company employs two mechanisms to capture the impact of industry and economic conditions. First, a loan’s risk rating, and thereby its assumed default likelihood, can be adjusted to account for overall commercial real estate market conditions. Second, to the extent that economic or industry trends adversely affect a substandard rated borrower’s loan-to-value ratio enough to impact its repayment ability, the Company applies a stress multiplier to the loan’s probability of default. The multiplier is designed to account for default characteristics that are difficult to quantify when market conditions cause commercial real estate prices to decline.
	For consolidated variable interest entities to which the Company is providing transitional capital, we utilize a qualitative analysis which considers the business plans related to the entity, including expected hold periods, the terms of the agreements related to the entity, the Company’s historical credit experience, the credit migration of the entity’s loans in determining expected loss, as well as conditions in the capital markets. The Company provided capital on a transitional basis to the Arlington Fund. At December 31, 2013, the expected and actual loss on Arlington Fund was zero and no allowance was recorded. The Company deconsolidated the Arlington Fund on June 26, 2014. The Company did not recognize any losses on loans on the date of deconsolidation.
	The Company periodically reviews its allowance for credit loss methodology to assess any necessary adjustments based upon changing economic and capital market conditions. If the Company determines that changes in its allowance for credit losses methodology are advisable, as a result of changes in the economic environment or otherwise, the revised allowance methodology may result in higher or lower levels of allowance. There have been no material modifications to the allowance for credit losses methodology during 2014. Given uncertain market conditions, actual losses under the Company’s current or any revised allowance methodology may differ materially from the Company’s estimate.
	Additionally, when determining the amount of the general allowance, the Company supplements the base amount with an environmental reserve amount which is governed by a score card system comprised of ten individually weighted risk factors. The risk factors are designed based on those outlined in the Comptrollers of the Currency’s Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Handbook. The Company also performs a ratio analysis of comparable money center banks, regional banks and finance companies. While the Company does not rely on this peer group comparison to set the level of allowance for credit losses, it does assist management in identifying market trends and serves as an overall reasonableness check on the allowance for credit losses computation.
	A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment of a loan is based upon (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (ii) the loan’s observable market price, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, depending on the circumstances and our collection strategy. Impaired loans are identified based on the loan-by-loan risk rating process described above. Impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans with partial charge-offs and loans which are Troubled Debt Restructurings (see Note 3). It is the Company’s policy during the reporting period to record a specific provision for credit losses to cover the identified impairment on a loan.
	Impaired loans at December 31, 2014 were in Leveraged Finance and Real Estate over a range of industries impacted by the then current economic environment including the following: Media and Communications, Industrial, Commercial Real Estate, Other Business Services, Consumer/Retail, and Building Materials. For impaired Leveraged Finance loans, the Company measured impairment based on expected cash flows utilizing relevant information provided by the borrower and consideration of other market conditions or specific factors impacting recoverability. Such amounts are discounted based on original loan terms. For impaired Real Estate loans, the Company determined that the loans were collateral dependent and measured impairment based on the fair value of the related collateral utilizing recent appraisals from third-party appraisers, as well as internal estimates of collateral market value.
	Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and the allowance is reduced by the charged off balance of the loan. The provision for credit losses and recoveries on loans previously charged off are added to the allowance.
	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs represent fees and other direct incremental costs incurred in connection with borrowings and term debt securitizations. These amounts are amortized using the straight-line method into earnings as interest expense ratably over the contractual term of the facility or the estimated life of the term debt securitization.
	Valuation of debt and equity linked instruments
	We account for the subordinated notes and associated warrants issued to Franklin Square as debt and equity-linked instruments. The warrants are freestanding, indexed to the Company's common stock and are classified as equity. They were initially recorded at relative fair value, with no subsequent re-measurement. The allocation of the proceeds from the issuance of debt and warrants to Franklin Square was determined using the relative fair value method. The allocation of proceeds to the warrants created a debt discount to the subordinated debt and will be amortized over the life of the subordinated notes. The subordinated debt is presented net of the debt discount.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the following useful lives:
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of estimated life or remaining lease term
	Computer equipment and software	3 years
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company classifies all interest and penalties on recognized tax benefits as a part of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any significant accrued interest, penalties or uncertain tax positions.
	Fee Income Recognition
	Origination fees and costs are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the contractual life of the loans and investments. In connection with the prepayment of a loan or other debt product, any remaining unamortized net deferred fees for that loan are accelerated and, depending on the terms of the loan, there may be an additional fee charged based upon the prepayment and recognized in the period of the prepayment. Syndication and structuring fees are recognized in the period the service is completed as fee income.
	Asset Management Income
	NewStar Financial, Inc. earns asset management income for investment management services performed for the Arlington Program, Clarendon Fund, and NewStar Credit Opportunities Fund, Ltd. NewStar accrues this income when earned, on a monthly basis, and classifies it as asset management income in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Stock Based Compensation
	Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted ASC 718 (Share-Based Payment), which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values on the grant date. The Company adopted ASC 718 using the prospective method.
	For awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled after January 1, 2006, the Company estimates the fair value of stock-based awards using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including expected term and expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the calculated fair value of stock-based compensation and the related expense to be recognized. Further, for awards that contain performance measures and conditions, the Company makes an assessment, based on management’s judgment, of the probability of these conditions being satisfied, which affects the timing and the amount of expense to be recognized. If the Company’s judgment as to whether these conditions are probable of occurrence are not appropriate, the financial statements could be materially affected.
	Gain (loss) on sale of loans
	All loans sold to date have been sold without recourse. When loans are sold, a gain or loss is recognized to the extent that the sales proceeds plus unamortized fees and costs exceed or are less than the carrying value of the loans. Gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method.
	Equity Method of Accounting
	As the result of a troubled debt restructuring, the Company may acquire a portion of the equity in the borrower. In cases where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the borrower, it accounts for its equity interest under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company recognizes its proportional share of the borrower’s GAAP net income in its results of operations. In cases where the equity of the underlying company has no value, and the borrower incurs losses, the Company will apply its proportional share of the GAAP loss against the principal of the outstanding loan to the borrower.
	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company accounts for derivatives and hedging activities on the balance sheet in either other assets or other liabilities at their respective fair values.
	On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge) or as (2) a derivative trading instrument. For all hedging relationships the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the item, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed, and a description of the method of measuring ineffectiveness. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income to the extent that the derivative is effective as a hedge, until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument that qualifies as a cash-flow hedge is reported in earnings.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur, or management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued or was never applied, the Company continues to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur by the date (or within the time period) originally specified or within an additional two-month period of time thereafter, the Company recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges, including any cash payments made or received, are reported as gain (loss) on derivatives in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
	Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
	The Company records the change in fair value of cash flow hedge derivatives and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities in comprehensive income. Gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reclassified to net income as the gains and losses are realized upon sale of the securities. Other than temporary impairment charges are reclassified to earnings at the time of the charge.

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses	Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses
	Although, the Company operates as a single segment, and derives revenues from its asset management activities and four specialized lending groups that target market segments in which it believes it has competitive advantages:
	•	Leveraged Finance, provides senior, secured cash flow loans and, to a lesser extent, second lien and unitranche loans, which are primarily used to finance acquisitions of mid-sized companies by private equity investment funds managed by established professional alternative asset managers;
	•	Business Credit, provides senior, secured asset-based loans primarily to fund working capital needs of mid-sized companies;
	•	Real Estate, provides first mortgage debt primarily to finance acquisitions of commercial real estate properties;
	•	Equipment Finance, provides leases, loans and lease lines to finance equipment purchases and other capital expenditures; and
	•	Asset Management, provides opportunities for qualified institutions to invest in credit funds managed by the Company with strategies to co-invest in loans originated by its Leveraged Finance lending group.
	The Company’s loan portfolio consists primarily of loans to small and medium-sized, privately-owned companies, most of which do not publicly report their financial condition. Compared to larger, publicly traded firms, loans to these types of companies may carry higher inherent risk. The companies that the Company lends to generally have more limited access to capital and higher funding costs, may be in a weaker financial position, may need more capital to expand or compete, and may be unable to obtain financing from public capital markets or from traditional sources, such as commercial banks.
	Loans classified as held-for-sale may consist of loans originated by the Company and intended to be sold or syndicated to third parties (including credit funds managed by the Company) or impaired loans for which a sale of the loan is expected as a result of a workout strategy. At December 31, 2014 loans held-for-sale consisted of $202.4 million leveraged finance loans.
	These loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost, net of any deferred origination costs or fees, or market value.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, loans held-for-sale consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	202,369		$	14,897
	Gross loans held-for-sale	202,369			14,897
	Deferred loan fees, net	(1,800		)	(66		)
	Total loans, net	$	200,569		$	14,831
	At December 31, 2014, loans held-for-sale include loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $190.3 million that were intended to be sold to credit funds managed by the Company. As of February 27, 2015, the Company had sold $104.6 million of the loans intended to be sold to credit funds managed by the Company. The Company sold loans with an outstanding balance totaling $59.0 million for an aggregate gain of $0.2 million to entities other than credit funds during 2014. The Company sold loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $32 million for a gain of $0.1 million to entities other than the NCOF during 2013. The Company sold loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $45.1 million for a gain of $0.3 million to entities other than the NCOF during 2012.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, loans and leases consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	1,881,277		$	1,965,130
	Business Credit	286,918			182,633
	Real Estate	105,394			123,029
	Equipment Finance	96,666			54,352
	Gross loans and leases	2,370,255			2,325,144
	Deferred loan fees, net	(21,376		)	(17,064		)
	Allowance for loan and lease losses	(42,983		)	(41,403		)
	Total loans and leases, net	$	2,305,896		$	2,266,677
	The Company provides commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, and leases to customers throughout the United States. The Company’s borrowers may be susceptible to economic slowdowns or recessions and, as a result, may have a lower capacity to make scheduled payments of interest or principal on their borrowings during these periods. Adverse economic conditions also may decrease the estimated value of the collateral, particularly real estate, securing some of the Company’s loans. Although the Company has a diversified loan and lease portfolio, certain events may occur, including, but not limited to, adverse economic conditions and adverse events affecting specific clients, industries or markets, that could adversely affect the ability of borrowers to make timely scheduled principal and interest payments on their loans and leases.
	The Company internally risk rates loans based on individual credit criteria on at least a quarterly basis. Borrowers provide the Company with financial information on either a quarterly or monthly basis. Loan ratings as well as identification of impaired loans are dynamically updated to reflect changes in borrower condition or profile. A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due to it according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans with partial charge-offs and loans which are troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”).
	The Company utilizes a number of analytical tools for the purpose of estimating probability of default and loss given default for its four specialized lending groups. The quantitative models employed by the Company in its Leveraged Finance and Equipment Finance businesses utilize Moody’s KMV RiskCalc credit risk model in combination with a proprietary qualitative model, which generates a rating that maps to a probability of default estimate. Real Estate utilizes a proprietary model that has been developed to capture risk characteristics unique to the lending activities in that line of business. The model produces an obligor risk rating which corresponds to a probability of default and also produces a loss given default. In each case, the probability of default and the loss given default are used to calculate an expected loss for those lending groups. Due to the nature of its borrowers and the structure of its loans, Business Credit utilizes a proprietary model that produces a rating that corresponds to an expected loss, without calculating a probability of default and loss given default. For variable interest entities for which the Company is providing transitional capital, a qualitative analysis is used to determine expected loss. In each case, the expected loss is the primary component in a formulaic calculation of general reserves attributable to a given loan.
	Loans and leases which are rated at or below a specified threshold are typically classified as “Pass”, and loans and leases rated above that threshold are typically classified as “Criticized”, a characterization that may apply to impaired loans, including TDR. As of December 31, 2014, $133.2 million of the Company’s loans were classified as “Criticized”, including $121.8 million of the Company’s impaired loans, and $2.2 billion were classified as “Pass”. As of December 31, 2013, $190.6 million of the Company’s loans were classified as “Criticized”, including $177.5 million of the Company’s impaired loans, and $2.1 billion were classified as “Pass”. All of the loans held by the Arlington Fund were classified as “Pass” as of December 31, 2013.
	When the Company rates a loan above a certain risk rating threshold and the loan is deemed to be impaired, the Company will establish a specific allowance, and the loan will be analyzed and may be placed on non-accrual. If the asset deteriorates further, the specific allowance may increase, and ultimately may result in a loss and charge-off.
	A TDR that performs in accordance with the terms of the restructuring may improve its risk profile over time. While the concessions in terms of pricing or amortization may not have been reversed and further amended to “market” levels, the financial condition of the Borrower may improve over time to the point where the rating improves from the “Criticized” classification that was appropriate immediately prior to, or at, restructuring.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $217.2 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $175.6 million have been restructured and classified as TDR. As of December 31, 2014, the aggregate carrying value of equity investments in certain of the Company’s borrowers in connection with troubled debt restructurings totaled $16.4 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $87.8 million were also on non-accrual status. For impaired loans on non-accrual status, the Company’s policy is to reverse the accrued interest previously recognized as interest income subsequent to the last cash receipt in the current year. The recognition of interest income on the loan only resumes when factors indicating doubtful collection no longer exist and the non-accrual loan has been brought current. During 2014, the Company charged off $18.8 million of outstanding non-accrual loans. During 2014, the Company placed loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $43.5 million on non-accrual status and returned loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $1.9 million to performing status. During 2014, the Company recorded $22.2 million of net specific provisions for impaired loans. At December 31, 2014, the Company had a $20.7 million specific allowance for impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $103.2 million. At December 31, 2014, additional funding commitments for impaired loans totaled $10.9 million. The Company’s obligation to fulfill the additional funding commitments on impaired loans is generally contingent on the borrower’s compliance with the terms of the credit agreement and the borrowing base availability for asset-based loans, or if the borrower is not in compliance additional funding commitments may be made at the Company’s discretion. As of December 31, 2014, loans to three borrowers totaling approximately $43.6 million were on non-accrual status and were greater than 60 days past due and classified as delinquent by the Company. Included in the $20.7 million specific allowance for impaired loans was $8.7 million related to delinquent loans.
	During 2012, as part of the resolution of two impaired commercial real estate loans, the Company took control of the underlying commercial real estate properties. The Company recorded a partial charge-off of $2.7 million and classified the commercial real estate properties as other real estate owned. During 2014, the Company sold one of the commercial real estate properties for $9.5 million resulting in a gain on sale of $0.01 million. The remaining commercial real estate property had an aggregate carrying value of $3.2 million as of December 31, 2014.
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $271.0 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $240.3 million have been restructured and classified as TDR. As of December 31, 2013, the aggregate carrying value of equity investments in certain of the Company’s borrowers in connection with troubled debt restructurings totaled $6.9 million. Impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $70.7 million were also on non-accrual status. During 2013, the Company charged off $15.8 million of outstanding non-accrual loans and recovered $0.1 million of previously charged-off impaired loan outstanding balances. During 2013, the Company took previously identified non-accrual loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $16.2 million as of December 31, 2012 off non-accrual status and placed loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $48.9 million as of December 31, 2013 on non-accrual status. During 2013, the Company recorded $11.2 million of net specific provisions for impaired loans. At December 31, 2013, the Company had a $23.3 million specific allowance for impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance of $154.7 million. At December 31, 2013, additional funding commitments for impaired loans totaled $17.6 million. As of December 31, 2013, $5.1 million of loans on non-accrual status were greater than 60 days past due and classified as delinquent by the Company. Included in the $23.3 million specific allowance for impaired loans was $1.2 million related to delinquent loans.
	A summary of impaired loans is as follows:
	2014	Investment			Unpaid			Recorded Investment with a			Recorded Investment
					Principal			Related Allowance for			without a Related Allowance
								Credit Losses			for Credit Losses
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	164,886		$	186,002		$	103,159		$	61,727
	Business Credit	—			366			—			—
	Real Estate	52,309			55,661			—			52,309
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—			—
	Total	$	217,195		$	242,029		$	103,159		$	114,036
	2013
	Leveraged Finance	$	208,626		$	238,522		$	124,560		$	84,066
	Business Credit	287			476			287			—
	Real Estate	62,106			62,110			29,870			32,236
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—			—
	Total	$	271,019		$	301,108		$	154,717		$	116,302
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company recorded net charge-offs of $25.3 million, $17.8 million and $26.8 million, respectively. During 2014, 2013 and 2012 the Company recorded recoveries of previously charged-off loans of $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The Company’s general policy is to record a specific allowance for an impaired loan to cover the identified impairment of that loan. Any potential charge-off of such loan would typically occur in a subsequent period. The Company may record the initial specific allowance related to an impaired loan in the same period as it records a partial charge-off in certain circumstances such as if the terms of a restructured loan are finalized during that period. When a loan is determined to be uncollectible, the specific allowance is charged off, which reduces the gross investment in the loan.
	While charge-offs typically have no net impact on the carrying value of net loans and leases, charge-offs lower the level of the allowance for loan and lease losses; and, as a result, reduce the percentage of allowance for loans and leases to total loans and leases, and the percentage of allowance for loan and leases losses to non-performing loans.
	Below is a summary of the Company’s evaluation of its portfolio and allowance for loan and lease losses by impairment methodology:
		Leveraged Finance						Business Credit					Real Estate					Equipment Finance
	31-Dec-14	Investment			Allowance			Investment			Allowance		Investment			Allowance		Investment		Allowance
		($ in thousands)
	Collectively evaluated (1)	$	1,716,391		$	20,045		$	286,918		$	1,334	$	53,085		$	257	$	96,666	$	622
	Individually evaluated (2)	164,886			20,725			—			—		52,309			—		—		—
Total	$	1,881,277		$	40,770		$	286,918		$	1,334	$	105,394		$	257	$	96,666	$	622
	Leveraged Finance						Business Credit					Real Estate					Equipment Finance
31-Dec-13	Investment			Allowance			Investment			Allowance		Investment			Allowance		Investment		Allowance
	($ in thousands)
Collectively evaluated (1)	$	1,756,504		$	16,524		$	182,346		$	773	$	60,923		$	377	$	54,352	$	425
Individually evaluated (2)	208,626			19,828			287			200		62,106			3,276		—		—
Total	$	1,965,130		$	36,352		$	182,633		$	973	$	123,029		$	3,653	$	54,352	$	425
-1	Represents loans and leases collectively evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC 450-20, Loss Contingencies, and pursuant to amendments by ASU 2010-20 regarding allowance for unimpaired loans and leases. These loans and leases had a weighted average risk rating of 5.1 based on the Company’s internally developed 12 point scale at December 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013.
-2	Represents loans individually evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASU 310-10, Receivables, and pursuant to amendments by ASU 2010-20 regarding allowance for impaired loans and leases.
Below is a summary of the Company’s investment in nonaccrual loans.
Recorded Investment in	December 31,			December 31,
Nonaccrual Loans	2014			2013
	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	84,704		$	63,553
Business Credit	—			287
Real Estate	3,103			6,865
Equipment Finance	—			—
Total	$	87,807		$	70,705
Loans being restructured typically develop adverse performance trends as a result of internal or external factors, the result of which is an inability to comply with the terms of the applicable credit agreement governing their obligations to the Company. In order to mitigate default risk and/or liquidation, assuming that liquidation proceeds are not viewed as a more favorable outcome to the Company and other lenders, the Company will enter into negotiations with the borrower and its shareholders on the terms of a restructuring. When restructuring a loan, the Company undertakes an extensive diligence process which typically includes (i) construction of a financial model that runs through the tenor of the restructuring term, (ii) meetings with management of the borrower, (iii) engagement of third party consultants and (iv) internal analysis. Once a restructuring proposal is developed, it is subject to approval by both the Company’s Underwriting Committee and the Company’s Investment Committee. Loans will only be removed from TDR classification after a period of performance following the refinancing of outstanding obligations on terms which are determined to be “market” in all material respects, or upon full payoff of the loan. The Company may modify loans that are not determined to be a TDR. Where a loan is modified or restructured but loan terms are considered market and no concessions were given on the loan terms, including price, principal amortization or obligation, or other restrictive covenants, a loan will not be classified as a TDR.
The Company has made the following types of concessions in the context of a TDR:
Group I:
•	extension of principal repayment term
•	principal holidays
•	interest rate adjustments
Group II:
•	partial forgiveness
•	conversion of debt to equity
A summary of the types of concessions that the Company made with respect to TDRs at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is provided below:
($ in thousands)	Group I			Group II
31-Dec-14	$	175,589		$	135,748
31-Dec-13	$	240,319		$	164,150
Note: A loan may be included in both restructuring groups, but not repeatedly within each group.
For 2014 and 2013, the Company had charge-offs totaling $18.7 million and $8.8 million, respectively, related to loans previously classified as TDR. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had not removed the TDR classification from any loan previously identified as such, but had charged-off, sold and received repayments of outstanding TDRs.
The Company measures TDRs similarly to how it measures all loans for impairment. The Company performs a discounted cash flow analysis on cash flow dependent loans and we assess the underlying collateral value less reasonable costs of sale for collateral dependent loans. Management analyzes the projected performance of the borrower to determine if it has the ability to service principal and interest payments based on the terms of the restructuring. Loans will typically not be returned to accrual status until at least six months of contractual payments have been made in a timely manner or the borrower shows significant ability to maintain servicing of the restructured debt. Additionally, at the time of a restructuring and quarterly thereafter, an impairment analysis is undertaken to determine the measurement of specific reserve, if any, on each impaired loan.
Below is a summary of the Company’s loans which were classified as TDR.
For the Year Ended	Pre-Modification			Post-Modification			Investment in  TDR
December 31, 2014	Outstanding			Outstanding			Subsequently
	Recorded			Recorded			Defaulted
	Investment			Investment
	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	—		$	—		$	25,933
Business Credit	—			—			—
Real Estate	—			—			—
Equipment Finance	—			—			—
Total	$	—		$	—		$	25,933
For the Year Ended	Pre-Modification			Post-Modification			Investment in  TDR
December 31, 2013	Outstanding			Outstanding			Subsequently
	Recorded			Recorded			Defaulted
	Investment			Investment
	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	23,580		$	23,580		$	27,872
Business Credit	—			—			—
Real Estate	—			—			8,976
Equipment Finance	—			—			—
Total	$	23,580		$	23,580		$	36,848
The following sets forth a breakdown of troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
As of December 31, 2014	Accrual Status						Impaired			Specific		For the
							Balance			Allowance		year
($ in thousands)	Accruing			Nonaccrual								Charged-off
Loan Type
Leveraged Finance	$	80,182		$	70,734		$	150,916		$	19,885	$	18,709
Business Credit	—			—			—			—		—
Real Estate	21,570			3,103			24,673			—		—
Equipment Finance	—			—			—			—		—
Total	$	101,752		$	73,837		$	175,589		$	19,885	$	18,709
As of December 31, 2013	Accrual Status						Impaired			Specific		For the
							Balance			Allowance		year
($ in thousands)	Accruing			Nonaccrual								Charged-off
Loan Type
Leveraged Finance	$	145,073		$	63,010		$	208,083		$	19,713	$	8,759
Business Credit	—			—			—			—		—
Real Estate	25,371			6,865			32,236			—		—
Equipment Finance	—			—			—			—		—
Total	$	170,444		$	69,875		$	240,319		$	19,713	$	8,759
The Company classifies a loan as Past Due when it is over 60 days delinquent.
An aged analysis of the Company’s past due receivables is as follows:
	60-89 Days			Greater than			Total Past			Current		Total Loans			Investment in
	Past Due			90 Days			Due					and Leases			> 60 Days &
															Accruing
31-Dec-14	($ in thousands)
Leveraged Finance	$	25,412		$	18,151		$	43,563		$	1,837,714	$	1,881,277		$	—
Business Credit	—			—			—			286,918		286,918			—
Real Estate	—			—			—			105,394		105,394			—
Equipment Finance	—			—			—			96,666		96,666			—
Total	$	25,412		$	18,151		$	43,563		$	2,326,692	$	2,370,255		$	—
31-Dec-13
Leveraged Finance	$	—		$	4,788		$	4,788		$	1,960,342	$	1,965,130		$	—
Business Credit	—			287			287			182,346		182,633			—
Real Estate	—			—			—			123,029		123,029			—
Equipment Finance	—			—			—			54,352		54,352			—
Total	$	—		$	5,075		$	5,075		$	2,320,069	$	2,325,144		$	—
A general allowance is provided for loans and leases that are not impaired. The Company employs a variety of internally developed and third-party modeling and estimation tools for measuring credit risk, which are used in developing an allowance for loan and lease losses on outstanding loans and leases. The Company’s allowance framework addresses economic conditions, capital market liquidity and industry circumstances from both a top-down and bottom-up perspective. The Company considers and evaluates a number of factors, including but not limited to, changes in economic conditions, credit availability, industry, loss emergence period, and multiple obligor concentrations in assessing both probabilities of default and loss severities as part of the general component of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
On at least a quarterly basis, loans and leases are internally risk-rated based on individual credit criteria, including loan and lease type, loan and lease structures (including balloon and bullet structures common in the Company’s Leveraged Finance and Real Estate cash flow loans), borrower industry, payment capacity, location and quality of collateral if any (including the Company’s Real Estate loans). Borrowers provide the Company with financial information on either a monthly or quarterly basis. Ratings, corresponding assumed default rates and assumed loss severities are dynamically updated to reflect any changes in borrower condition and/or profile.
For Leveraged Finance loans and Equipment Finance loans and leases, the data set used to construct probabilities of default in its allowance for loan losses model, Moody’s CRD Private Firm Database, primarily contains middle market loans that share attributes similar to the Company’s loans. The Company also considers the quality of the loan or lease terms and lender protections in determining a loan loss in the event of default.
For Business Credit loans, the Company utilizes a proprietary model to risk rate the loans on a monthly basis. This model captures the impact of changes in industry and economic conditions as well as changes in the quality of the borrower’s collateral and financial performance to assign a final risk rating. The Company has also evaluated historical net loss trends by risk rating from a comprehensive industry database covering more than twenty-five years of experience of the majority of the asset based lenders operating in the United States. Based upon the monthly risk rating from the model, the reserve is adjusted to reflect the historical average for expected loss from the industry database.
For Real Estate loans, the Company employs two mechanisms to capture the impact of industry and economic conditions. First, a loan’s risk rating, and thereby its assumed default likelihood, can be adjusted to account for overall commercial real estate market conditions. Second, to the extent that economic or industry trends adversely affect a substandard rated borrower’s loan-to-value ratio enough to impact its repayment ability, the Company applies a stress multiplier to the loan’s probability of default. The multiplier is designed to account for default characteristics that are difficult to quantify when market conditions cause commercial real estate prices to decline.
For consolidated VIEs to which the Company is providing transitional capital, we utilize a qualitative analysis which considers the business plans related to the entity, including expected hold periods, the terms of the agreements related to the entity, the Company’s historical credit experience, the credit migration of the entity’s loans in determining expected loss, as well as conditions in the capital markets.
The Company was providing capital on a transitional basis to the Arlington Fund, prior to the completion of its term debt securitization on June 26, 2014. During the transitional hold period, the expected and actual loss on the Arlington Fund was zero and no allowance was recorded. The Company deconsolidated the Arlington Fund on June 26, 2014. The Company did not recognize any losses on loans on the date of deconsolidation.
If the Company determines that changes in its allowance for credit losses methodology are advisable, as a result of changes in the economic environment or otherwise, the revised allowance methodology may result in higher or lower levels of allowance. Moreover, given uncertain market conditions, actual losses under the Company’s current or any revised allowance methodology may differ materially from the Company’s estimate.
Additionally, when determining the amount of the general allowance, the Company supplements the base amount with an environmental reserve amount which is governed by a score card system comprised of ten individually weighted risk factors. The risk factors are designed based on those outlined in the Comptrollers of the Currency’s Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Handbook. The Company also performs a ratio analysis of comparable money center banks, regional banks and finance companies. While the Company does not rely on this peer group comparison to set the level of allowance for credit losses, it does assist management in identifying market trends and serves as an overall reasonableness check on the allowance for credit losses computation.
A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The measurement of impairment of a loan is based upon (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (ii) the loan’s observable market price, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, depending on the circumstances and our collection strategy. Impaired loans are identified based on the loan-by-loan risk rating process described above. It is the Company’s policy during the reporting period to record a specific provision for credit losses for all loans for which we have serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms.
A summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Leveraged			Business			Real			Equipment Finance		Total
	Finance			Credit			Estate
	($ in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	36,803		$	973		$	3,653		$	425	$	41,854
Provision for credit losses—general	4,400			561			(120		)	197		5,038
Provision for credit losses—specific	22,201			(200		)	69			—		22,070
Loans charged off, net of recoveries	(21,924		)	—			(3,345		)	—		(25,269		)
Balance, end of period	$	41,480		$	1,334		$	257		$	622	$	43,693
Balance, end of period—specific	$	20,725		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	20,725
Balance, end of period—general	$	20,755		$	1,334		$	257		$	622	$	22,968
Average balance of impaired loans	$	172,379		$	525		$	56,995		$	—	$	229,899
Interest recognized from impaired loans	$	9,888		$	—		$	2,173		$	—	$	12,061
Loans and leases
Loans individually evaluated with specific allowance	$	103,159		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	103,159
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	61,727			—			52,309			—		114,036
Loans and leases collectively evaluated without specific allowance	1,716,391			286,918			53,085			96,666		2,153,060
Total loans and leases	$	1,881,277		$	286,918		$	105,394		$	96,666	$	2,370,255
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Leveraged			Business			Real			Equipment Finance		Total
	Finance			Credit			Estate
	($ in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	39,971		$	529		$	9,286		$	178	$	49,964
Provision for credit losses—general	(1,441		)	268			(495		)	247		(1,421		)
Provision for credit losses—specific	13,680			2,602			(5,123		)	—		11,159
Loans charged off, net of recoveries	(15,407		)	(2,426		)	(15		)	—		(17,848		)
Balance, end of period	$	36,803		$	973		$	3,653		$	425	$	41,854
Balance, end of period—specific	$	19,828		$	200		$	3,276		$	—	$	23,304
Balance, end of period—general	$	16,975		$	773		$	377		$	425	$	18,550
Average balance of impaired loans	$	193,629		$	2,222		$	62,746		$	—	$	258,597
Interest recognized from impaired loans	$	11,480		$	—		$	2,245		$	—	$	13,725
Loans and leases
Loans individually evaluated with specific allowance	$	124,560		$	287		$	29,870		$	—	$	154,717
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	84,066			—			32,236			—		116,302
Loans and leases collectively evaluated without specific allowance	1,756,504			182,346			60,923			54,352		2,054,125
Total loans and leases	$	1,965,130		$	182,633		$	123,029		$	54,352	$	2,325,144
Included in the allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is an allowance for unfunded commitments of $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which is recorded as a component of other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet with changes recorded in the provision for credit losses on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The methodology for determining the allowance for unfunded commitments is consistent with the methodology for determining the allowance for loan and lease losses.
During 2014, the Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $27.1 million. The Company increased its allowance for credit losses to $43.7 million as of December 31, 2014 from $41.9 million at December 31, 2013. The Company had $25.3 million of net charge-offs and increased its general allowance for credit losses by 17 basis points during 2014, and recorded new specific provisions for credit losses of $22.1 million. The general allowance for credit losses covers probable losses in the Company’s loan and lease portfolio with respect to loans and leases for which no specific impairment has been identified. When a loan is classified as impaired, the loan is evaluated for a specific allowance and a specific provision may be recorded, thereby removing it from consideration under the general component of the allowance analysis. Loans that are deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and deducted from the allowance, and recoveries on loans previously charged off are netted against loans charged off. A specific provision for credit losses is recorded with respect to impaired loans for which it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement for which there is impairment recognized. The outstanding balance of impaired loans, which include all of the outstanding balances of the Company’s delinquent loans and its troubled debt restructurings, as a percentage of “Loans and leases, net” was 9% as of December 31, 2014 and 12% as of December 31, 2013. The decrease is primarily due to loan growth, charge offs of impaired loans, improving credit migration, and the better credit quality of the acquired NCOF portfolio purchased during December 2013.
The Company closely monitors the credit quality of its loans and leases which is partly reflected in its credit metrics such as loan delinquencies, non-accruals and charge-offs. Changes in these credit metrics are largely due to changes in economic conditions and seasoning of the loan and lease portfolio.
The Company continually evaluates the appropriateness of its allowance for credit losses methodology. Based on the Company’s evaluation process to determine the level of the allowance for loan and lease losses, management believes the allowance to be adequate as of December 31, 2014 in light of the estimated known and inherent risks identified through its analysis.

Restricted_Cash

Restricted Cash	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	Restricted cash as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in thousands)
	Collections on loans pledged to credit facilities	$	34,508	$	62,231
	Principal and interest collections on loans held in trust and prefunding amounts	60,013		107,402
	Customer escrow accounts	890		237
	Total	$	95,411	$	169,870
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had the ability to use $32.8 million of restricted cash to fund new or existing loans.

Investments_in_Debt_Securities

Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale	Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale
	Amortized cost of investments in debt securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Investments in debt securities—gross	$	53,098		$	25,298
	Unamortized discount	(6,228		)	(4,095		)
	Investments in debt securities—amortized cost	$	46,870		$	21,203
	The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair value
		cost			unrealized			unrealized
					holding gains			holding losses
		($ in thousands)
	December 31, 2014:
	Collateralized loan obligations	$	46,870		$	214		$	(203	)	$	46,881
		$	46,870		$	214		$	(203	)	$	46,881
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair value
		cost			unrealized			unrealized
					holding gains			holding losses
		($ in thousands)
	December 31, 2013:
	Collateralized loan obligations	$	21,203		$	1,270		$	(275	)	$	22,198
		$	21,203		$	1,270		$	(275	)	$	22,198
	During 2014, the Company purchased $38.3 million of debt securities, net of an aggregate discount of $3.5 million and $14.0 million of debt securities paid off at par.
	The Company did not sell any debt securities during 2014 and 2013 or 2012.
	The Company did not record any net Other Than Temporary Impairment charges during 2014 and 2013 or 2012.
	The following is an analysis of the continuous periods during which the Company has held investment positions which were carried at an unrealized loss as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014
		Less than			Greater than			Total
		12 Months			or Equal to
					12 Months
		($ in thousands)
	Number of positions	8			—			8
	Fair value	$	38,740		$	—		$	38,740
	Amortized cost	38,943			—			38,943
	Unrealized loss	$	203		$	—		$	203
		December 31, 2013
		Less than			Greater than			Total
		12 Months			or Equal to
					12 Months
		($ in thousands)
	Number of positions	—			2			—
	Fair value	$	—		$	8,370		$	8,370
	Amortized cost	—			8,645			8,645
	Unrealized loss	$	—		$	275		$	275
	As a result of the Company’s evaluation of the securities, management concluded that the unrealized losses at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were caused by changes in market prices driven by interest rates and credit spreads. The Company’s evaluation of impairment include quotes from third party pricing services, adjustments to prepayment speeds, delinquency, an analysis of expected cash flows, interest rates, market discount rates, other contract terms, and the timing and level of losses on the loans and leases within the underlying trusts. At December 31, 2014, the Company has determined that it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell the securities before the Company recovers its amortized cost basis in the security. The Company has also determined that there has not been an adverse change in the cash flows expected to be collected. Based upon the Company’s impairment review process, and the Company’s ability and intent to hold these securities until maturity or a recovery of fair value, the decline in the value of these investments is not considered to be “Other Than Temporary.”
	Maturities of debt securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Amortized			Fair value			Amortized			Fair value
		cost						cost
		($ in thousands)
	Available-for-sale:
	Due one year or less	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Due after one year through five years	—			—			—			—
	Due after five years	46,870			46,881			21,203			22,198
	Total	$	46,870		$	46,881		$	21,203		$	22,198

Fixed_Assets

Fixed Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Fixed Assets	Fixed Assets
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in thousands)
	Leasehold improvements	$	2,235	$	2,235
	Non-depreciable assets	20		20
	Furniture and equipment	860		800
	Software	390		370
		3,505		3,425
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,845		2,592
		$	660	$	833
	Depreciation expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.3 million, $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Borrowings

Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	Borrowings
	Credit Facilities
	As of December 31, 2014 the Company had four credit facilities through certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: (i) a $275 million credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo”) to fund leveraged finance loans, (ii) a $125 million credit facility with DZ Bank AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftbank Frankfurt (“DZ Bank”) to fund asset-based loans, (iii) a $110 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund asset-based loans, and (iv) a $75 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund new equipment lease origination. Prior to the completion of its term debt securitization on June 26, 2014, the Arlington Fund had one credit facility, consisting of $147.0 million of Class A Notes (as defined below) with Wells Fargo and $28.0 million of Class B Notes (as defined below) with the Company. The liability under the Class B Notes was eliminated in consolidation in accordance with GAAP.
	The Company must comply with various covenants under these facilities. The breach of certain of these covenants could result in a termination event and the exercise of remedies if not cured. At December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. These covenants are customary and vary depending on the type of facility. These covenants include, but are not limited to, failure to service debt obligations, failure to meet liquidity covenants and tangible net worth covenants, and failure to remain within prescribed facility portfolio delinquency, charge-off levels, and overcollateralization tests. In addition, the Company is required to make termination or make‑whole payments in the event that certain of its existing credit facilities are prepaid. These termination or make-whole payments, if triggered, could be material to the Company individually or in the aggregate, and in the case of certain facilities, could be caused by factors outside of the Company’s control, including as a result of loan prepayment by the borrowers under the loan facilities that collateralize these credit facilities.
	The Company has a $275.0 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund leverage finance loans. On January 13, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment to this credit facility which, among other things, increased the commitment amount to $375.0 million, with the ability to further increase the commitment amount to $425.0 million, subject to lender approval and other customary conditions, and modified certain concentration amounts and specified threshold amounts. The credit facility had an outstanding balance of $261.7 and unamortized deferred financing fees of $2.9 million as of December 31, 2014. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum. The facility provides for a revolving reinvestment period which ends on November 5, 2015 with a two-year amortization period.
	The Company has a $125.0 million credit facility with DZ Bank that had an outstanding balance of $114.8 million and unamortized fees of $0.2 million as of December 31, 2014. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum. As part of the agreement, there is a minimum interest charge of $1.6 million per annum. If the facility is not utilized to cover this minimum requirement, then a make-whole fee is assessed to satisfy the minimum requirement. The Company is permitted to use the proceeds of borrowings under the credit facility to fund advances under asset-based loan commitments. The commitment amount under the credit facility provides for reinvestment until it matures on June 30, 2015 with no amortization period.
	The Company has a $110.0 million credit facility with Wells Fargo to fund asset-based loan origination. The credit facility had an outstanding balance of $94.4 million and unamortized deferred financing fees of $0.8 million as of December 31, 2014. On December 8, 2014, the Company entered into an amendment which increased the commitment amount under this credit facility to $110.0 million from $100.0 million. The credit facility may be increased to an amount up to $300.0 million subject to lender approval and other customary conditions. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum. The credit facility provides for reinvestment until it matures on December 7, 2017 with no amortization period.
	The Company has a note purchase agreement with Wells Fargo under the terms of which Wells Fargo agreed to provide a $75.0 million credit facility to fund new equipment lease originations. The credit facility had an outstanding balance of $17.0 million and unamortized deferred financing fees of $1.1 million as of December 31, 2014. Interest on this facility accrues at a variable rate per annum. The credit facility matures on November 16, 2016.
	On April 4, 2013, Arlington Fund entered into an agreement establishing $147.0 million of Class A Notes and $28.0 million of Class B Notes to partially fund eligible middle market loan origination. Wells Fargo funded the Class A Notes as the initial Class A lender and the Company funded the Class B Notes as the initial Class B lender. On June 26, 2014, the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes were redeemed in connection with the completion of the Arlington Program term debt securitization.
	Corporate Credit Facility
	On January 5, 2010, the Company entered into a note agreement with Fortress Credit Corp., which was subsequently amended on August 31, 2010, January 27, 2012, November 5, 2012, and December 4, 2012. The agreement was amended and restated on May 13, 2013 and further amended on June 3, 2013. On March 6, 2014, as permitted under the corporate credit facility with Fortress Credit Corp., the Company requested and received an increase of $28.5 million to the Initial Funding under this credit facility. On May 15, 2014, as permitted under the corporate credit facility with Fortress Credit Corp., the Company requested and received a new $10.0 million term loan (the “Term C Loan”). The credit facility, as amended, consists of a $238.5 million term note with Fortress Credit Corp. as agent, which consists of the existing outstanding balance of $100.0 million (the “Existing Funding”), an initial funding of $98.5 million (the “Initial Funding”), and three subsequent borrowings, of $5.0 million (the “Delay Draw Term A”), $25.0 million (the “Delay Draw Term B”), and the $10.0 million Term C Loan. The Existing Funding, the Initial Funding, and the Delay Draw Term A mature on May 11, 2018. The Delay Draw Term B matures on June 3, 2016. The Initial Funding, the Existing Funding and the Delay Draw Term A accrue interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 4.50% with an interest rate floor of 1.00%. The Delay Draw Term B accrues interest at LIBOR plus 3.375% with an interest rate floor of 1.00%. The Term C Loan accrues interest at LIBOR plus 4.25% with an interest rate floor of 1.00%.
	The Company is permitted to use the proceeds of borrowings under the credit facility for general corporate purposes including, but not limited to, funding loans, working capital, paying down outstanding debt, acquisitions and repurchasing capital stock and dividend payments up to $37.5 million, The $37.5 million may be adjusted upward by the amount of fiscal year-end net income excluding depreciation and amortization expense.
	The term note may be prepaid at any time without a prepayment penalty including in the event of a change of control. As of December 31, 2014, the term note had an outstanding principal balance of $238.5 million and unamortized deferred financing fees of $4.1 million.
	Subordinated notes
	On December 4, 2014, the Company completed the initial closing of an investment of long-term capital from funds sponsored by Franklin Square Capital Partners ("Franklin Square") and sub-advised by GSO Capital Partners. The Franklin Square funds purchased $200.0 million of 10-year subordinated notes (the "Subordinated Notes") that rank junior to the Company's existing and future senior debt. The Company is required to borrow an additional $100.0 million of notes in increments of at least $25.0 million by December 2015. The Subordinated Notes were recorded at par less the initial relative fair value of the warrants issued in connection with the investment which was $43.2 million. The debt discount will amortize over time and will be recorded as non-cash interest expense as the Subordinated Notes accrete to par value. The Subordinated Notes bear interest at 8.25% and include a Payment-in-Kind ("PIK Toggle") feature that allows the Company, at its option, to elect to have interest accrued at a rate of 8.75% added to the principal of the Subordinated Notes instead of paying it in cash. The Subordinated Notes have a ten year term and mature on December 4, 2024. They are callable during the first three years with payment of a make-whole premium. The prepayment premium decreases to 103% and 101% after the third and fourth anniversaries of the closing, respectively. They are callable at par after December 4, 2019. The Subordinated Notes require a mandatory payment at the end of each accrual period, ending on December 5, 2019. The Company is required to make a cash payment of principal plus accrued interest in an amount required to prevent the Subordinated Notes from being treated as an "Applicable High Yield Discount Obligation" within the meaning of Section 163(i)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Events of default under the Subordinated Notes include failure to pay interest or principal when due subject to applicable grace periods, material uncured breaches of the terms of the Subordinated Notes, and bankruptcy/insolvency events.
	Subordinated debt—Fund membership interest
	Prior to the completion of the Arlington Program’s term debt securitization on June 26, 2014, the Company had purchased membership interests totaling $5.0 million in Arlington Fund and a third-party investor had purchased membership interests totaling $30.0 million. The Company was the primary beneficiary of the Arlington Fund, and as a result of consolidating Arlington Fund as a variable interest entity, or VIE, the membership interests representing equity ownership of Arlington Fund were characterized as debt in the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position. The Company applied an imputed interest rate to that debt and recorded the resulting interest expense in its consolidated statement of operations. In the consolidation, the Company eliminated the economic results of its related portion of the membership interests and the applied interest expense from its results of operations and statements of financial position. A portion of the proceeds from the Arlington Program’s term debt securitization were used to redeem the membership interests in the Arlington Fund.Additionally, the Arlington Program employs an independent investment professional who is responsible for investment decision making on behalf of the program. As a result the Company deconsolidated the Arlington Fund from its statements of financial position beginning on June 26, 2014. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the Arlington Program and did not consolidate the Arlington Program’s operating results or statements of financial position as of that date.
	Term Debt Securitizations
	In June 2007 the Company completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction the Company established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Trust 2007-1 (the “2007-1 CLO Trust”) and contributed $600 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2007-1 CLO Trust. The Company remains the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2007-1 CLO Trust issued $546.0 million of notes to institutional investors. The Company retained $54.0 million, comprising 100% of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s trust certificates. At December 31, 2014, the $316.8 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $377.0 million. At December 31, 2014, deferred financing fees were $0.5 million. The 2007-1 CLO Trust permitted reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a six-year period which ended in May 2013. During 2012, the Company repurchased $0.2 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class C notes. During 2010, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, the Company repurchased $1.0 million of the 2007-1 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, Moody’s downgraded all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. As a result of the downgrade, amortization of the 2007-1 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential, resulting in future scheduled principal payments made in order of the notes seniority until all available funds are exhausted for each payment. During 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes and the Class D notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. The downgrade did not have any material consequence as the amortization of the 2007-1 CLO Trust changed from pro rata to sequential after the Moody’s downgrade in 2009. During the second quarter of, 2011, Moody’s upgraded the Class C notes, the Class D notes, and the Class E notes. During 2011, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings of all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. During the second quarter of 2013, Moody’s upgraded the Class B notes, the Class C notes, the Class D notes, and the Class E notes and affirmed its ratings of the Class A-1 notes and the Class A-2 notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. During the first quarter of 2014, Standard and Poor’s upgraded its ratings on all notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. During the second quarter of 2014, Moody’s affirmed the ratings of the Class B notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust. During the third quarter of 2014, Fitch affirmed its ratings of all of the notes of the 2007-1 CLO Trust.
	The Company receives a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. The Company also receives payments with respect to the classes of notes it owns in accordance with the transaction documents. The Company expects to receive a principal distribution as owner of the trust certificates when the term debt is retired. If loan collateral in the 2007-1 CLO Trust is in default under the terms of the indenture, the excess interest spread from the 2007-1 CLO Trust could not be distributed until the undistributed cash plus recoveries equals the outstanding balance of the defaulted loan or if the Company elected to remove the defaulted collateral.
	The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2007-1 CLO Trust:
		Notes		Outstanding		Interest		Original		Ratings
		originally		balance		rate		maturity		(S&P/Moody’s/
		issued		December 31,						Fitch)(1)
				2014
		($ in thousands)
	2007-1 CLO Trust
	Class A-1	$	336,500	$	162,405	Libor+0.24%		September 30, 2022		AAA/Aaa/AAA
	Class A-2	100,000		51,089		Libor+0.26%		September 30, 2022		AAA/Aaa/AAA
	Class B	24,000		24,000		Libor+0.55%		September 30, 2022		AA+/Aa1/AA
	Class C	58,500		58,293		Libor+1.30%		September 30, 2022		A-/A2/A
	Class D	27,000		21,000		Libor+2.30%		September 30, 2022		BBB-/Baa2/BBB+
		$	546,000	$	316,787
	-1	These ratings were initially given in June 2007, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time. During the first quarter of 2009 Fitch affirmed its ratings on all of the notes. During the first quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class C notes and the Class D notes. During the third quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B notes. During the second quarter of 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes. During the second quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded the Class C notes and the Class D notes. During the second quarter of 2011, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded all of the notes. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings on all of the notes. During the second quarter of 2013, Moody’s upgraded the Class B notes, the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes to the ratings shown above, and affirmed its ratings of the Class A-1 notes and the Class A-2 notes. During the third quarter of 2013, Fitch affirmed its ratings on all of the notes. During the first quarter of 2014, Standard and Poor’s upgraded its ratings on all notes to the ratings shown above. During the second quarter of 2014, Moody’s affirmed the above ratings of the Class B notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes. During the third quarter of 2014, Fitch affirmed its ratings on all of the notes. (source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.).
	On December 18, 2012, the Company completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction the Company established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Funding 2012-2 LLC (the “2012-2 CLO”) and contributed $325.9 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2012-2 CLO. The Company remains the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2012-2 CLO issued $263.3 million of notes to institutional investors. The Company retained $62.6 million, comprising 100% of the 2012-2 CLO’s membership interests, Class E notes, Class F notes, and subordinated notes. At December 31, 2014, the $263.3 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $325.9 million. At December 31, 2014, deferred financing fees were $2.2 million. The 2012-2 CLO permits reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a three-year period ending in January 2016. Should the Company determine that reinvestment of collateral principal repayments are impractical in light of market conditions or if collateral principal repayments are not reinvested within a prescribed timeframe, such funds may be used to repay the outstanding notes.
	The Company receives a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. The Company also receives payments with respect to the classes of notes it owns in accordance with the transaction documents. The Company expects to receive a principal distribution as owner of the membership interests when the term debt is retired. If loan collateral in the 2012-2 CLO is in default under the terms of the indenture, the excess interest spread from the 2012-2 CLO may not be distributed if the overcollateralization ratio, or if other collateral quality tests, are not satisfied.
	The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2012-2 CLO:
		Notes		Outstanding		Interest		Original		Ratings
		originally		balance		rate		maturity		(Moody’s/
		issued		December 31,						S&P)(1)
				2014
		($ in thousands)
	2012-2 CLO
	Class A	$	190,700	$	190,700	Libor+1.90%		January 20, 2023		Aaa/AAA
	Class B	26,000		26,000		Libor+3.25%		January 20, 2023		Aa2/N/A
	Class C	35,200		35,200		Libor+4.25%		January 20, 2023		A2/N/A
	Class D	11,400		11,400		Libor+6.25%		January 20, 2023		Baa2/N/A
		$	263,300	$	263,300
	-1	These ratings were initially given in December 2012, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time.
	On September 11, 2013, the Company completed a term debt transaction through its separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Funding 2013-1 LLC (the “2013-1 CLO”) and contributed $247.6 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2013-1 CLO. The Company remains the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2013-1 CLO issued $338.6 million of notes to institutional investors. The Company retained $61.4 million, comprising 100% of the 2013-1 CLO’s membership interests, Class F notes, Class G notes, and subordinated notes. At December 31, 2014, the $323.6 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $385.0 million. At December 31, 2014, deferred financing fees were $4.6 million. The 2013-1 CLO permits reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a three-year period ending in September 2016. Should the Company determine that reinvestment of collateral principal repayments are impractical in light of market conditions or if collateral principal repayments are not reinvested within a prescribed timeframe, such funds may be used to repay the outstanding notes.
	The Company receives a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. The Company also receives payments with respect to the classes of notes it owns in accordance with the transaction documents. The Company expects to receive a principal distribution as owner of the membership interests when the term debt is retired. If loan collateral in the 2013-1 CLO is in default under the terms of the indenture, the excess interest spread from the 2013-1 CLO may not be distributed if the overcollateralization ratio, or if other collateral quality tests, are not satisfied.
	The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2013-1 CLO:
		Notes		Outstanding		Interest			Original		Ratings
		originally		balance		rate			maturity		(S&P/
		issued		December 31,							Moody’s)(2)
				2014
		($ in thousands)
	2013-1 CLO
	Class A-T	$	202,600	$	202,600	Libor+1.65%			September 20, 2023		AAA/Aaa
	Class A-R	35,000		20,000		(1	)		September 20, 2023		AAA/Aaa
	Class B	38,000		38,000		Libor+2.30%			September 20, 2023		AA/N/A
	Class C	36,000		36,000		Libor+3.80%			September 20, 2023		A/N/A
	Class D	21,000		21,000		Libor+4.55%			September 20, 2023		BBB/N/A
	Class E	6,000		6,000		Libor+5.30%			September 20, 2023		BBB-/N/A
	$	338,600	$	323,600
-1	Class A-R Notes will accrue interest at the Class A-R CP Rate so long as they are held by a CP Conduit, and otherwise will accrue interest at the Class A-R LIBOR Rate or, in certain circumstances, the Class A-R Base Rate, but in no event shall interest rate payable pari passu with the Class A-T Notes exceed the Class A-R Waterfall Rate Cap.
-2	These ratings were initially given in September 2013, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time.
On April 17, 2014, the Company completed a term debt securitization transaction through its separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Funding 2014-1 LLC (the “2014-1 CLO”) and sold and contributed $249.6 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2014-1 CLO. The Company remains the servicer of the loans. Simultaneously with the initial sale and contribution, the 2014-1 CLO issued $289.5 million of notes to institutional investors. The Company retained $58.9 million, comprising 100% of the 2014-1 CLO’s membership interests, Class E notes, Class F notes, and subordinated notes. At December 31, 2014, the $289.5 million of outstanding drawn notes were collateralized by the specific loans and investments, principal collection account cash and principal payment receivables totaling $348.4 million. At December 31, 2014, deferred financing fees were $3.1 million. The 2014-1 CLO permits reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a four-year period ending in April 2018. Should the Company determine that reinvestment of collateral principal repayments are impractical in light of market conditions or if collateral principal repayments are not reinvested within a prescribed timeframe, such funds may be used to repay the outstanding notes.
The Company receives a loan collateral management fee and excess interest spread. The Company also receives payments with respect to the classes of notes it owns in accordance with the transaction documents. The Company expects to receive a principal distribution as owner of the membership interests when the term debt is retired. If loan collateral in the 2014-1 CLO is in default under the terms of the indenture, the excess interest spread from the 2014-1 CLO may not be distributed if the overcollateralization ratio, or if other collateral quality tests, are not satisfied.
The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2014-1 CLO:
	Notes		Outstanding		Interest			Original		Ratings
	originally		balance		rate			maturity		(Moody’s)(2)
	issued		December 31,
			2014
	($ in thousands)
2014-1 CLO
Class A	$	202,500	$	202,500	Libor+1.80%			April 20, 2025		Aaa
Class B-1	20,000		20,000		Libor+2.60%			April 20, 2025		Aa2
Class B-2	13,250		13,250		(1	)		April 20, 2025		Aa2
Class C	30,250		30,250		Libor+3.60%			April 20, 2025		A2
Class D	23,500		23,500		Libor+4.75%			April 20, 2025		Baa3
	$	289,500	$	289,500
-1	Class B-2 Notes accrue interest at a fixed rate of 4.902%.
-2	These ratings were initially given in April 2014, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time.
In June 2006 the Company completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction the Company established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy remote subsidiary, NewStar Commercial Loan Trust 2006-1 (the “2006 CLO Trust”) and contributed $500 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2006 CLO Trust. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2006 CLO Trust issued $456.3 million of notes to institutional investors. The Company retained $43.8 million, comprising 100% of the 2006 CLO Trust’s trust certificates. The 2006 CLO Trust permitted reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a five-year period which ended in June 2011. During 2011, the Company repurchased $7.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class C notes, $6.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $2.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2010, the Company repurchased $3.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $3.0 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2009, the Company repurchased $6.5 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $1.8 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2008, the Company repurchased $3.3 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class D and $2.5 million of the 2006 CLO Trust’s Class E notes, respectively. On September 30, 2014, the Company called the 2006 CLO Trust and redeemed the notes at par. In conjunction with the call, we received a principal distribution of $9.7 million.
In August 2005 the Company completed a term debt transaction. In conjunction with this transaction the Company established a separate single-purpose bankruptcy-remote subsidiary, NewStar Trust 2005-1 (the “2005 CLO Trust”) and contributed $375 million in loans and investments (including unfunded commitments), or portions thereof, to the 2005 CLO Trust. Simultaneously with the initial contributions, the 2005 CLO Trust issued $343.4 million of notes to institutional investors and issued $31.6 million of trust certificates of which the Company retained 100%. The 2005 CLO Trust permitted reinvestment of collateral principal repayments for a three-year period which ended in October 2008. During 2013, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class C notes and $2.4 million of the Class D notes. During 2012, the Company repurchased $9.8 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $0.9 million of the Class E notes. During 2011, the Company repurchased $3.9 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2010, the Company repurchased $4.6 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes. During 2009, the Company repurchased $1.4 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class D notes and $1.2 million of the Class E notes. During 2008, the Company repurchased $5.8 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. During 2007, the Company repurchased $5.0 million of the 2005 CLO Trust’s Class E notes. On October 25, 2013, the Company called the 2005 CLO Trust and redeemed the notes at par. In conjunction with the call, the Company received a principal distribution of $9.2 million.
Debt Maturities
The contractual obligations under credit facilities and term debt as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
	Credit		Term debt(1)		Corporate debt				Subordinated notes		Total
	facilities
	($ in thousands)
2015	$	114,751	$	—	$	—			$	—	$	114,751
2016	16,966		—		25,000				—		41,966
2017	356,051		—		—				—		356,051
2018	—		—		213,500				—		213,500
2019	—		—		—				—		—
Thereafter	—		1,193,187		—				200,000		1,393,187
Total	$	487,768	$	1,193,187	$	238,500			$	200,000	$	2,119,455
-1	Maturities for term debt are based on contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may occur earlier.

Repurchase_Agreement

Repurchase Agreement	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Repurchase Agreement	Repurchase Agreement
		Year Ended			Year Ended
	Loans sold under agreements to repurchase	31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		($ in thousands)
	Outstanding at end of period	$	57,227		$	67,954
	Maximum outstanding at any month end	57,891			67,954
	Average balance for the period	57,932			35,280
	Weighted average rate at end of period	5.16		%	5.17		%
	On June 7, 2011, the Company entered into a five-year, $68.0 million financing arrangement with Macquarie Bank Limited backed primarily by a portfolio of commercial mortgage loans previously originated by the Company. The financing was structured as a master repurchase agreement under which the Company sold the portfolio of commercial mortgage loans to Macquarie for an aggregate purchase price of $68.0 million. The Company also agreed to repurchase the commercial mortgage loans from time to time (including a minimum quarterly amount), and agreed to repurchase all of the commercial mortgage loans by June 7, 2016. Upon the repurchase of a commercial mortgage loan, the Company is obligated to repay the principal amount related to such mortgage loan plus accrued interest (at a rate based on LIBOR plus a margin) to the date of repurchase. The Company will continue to service the commercial mortgage loans. On October 2, 2013, the Company entered into an amendment to this financing arrangement which, among other things, extended the date it had agreed to repurchase all of the commercial mortgage loans by one year to June 7, 2017, provided for $25.5 million of additional advances for existing eligible assets owned by the Company, allowed for the advance of up to $15.0 million to fund an additional commercial mortgage loan, and released $41.1 million of principal payments to the Company as unrestricted cash. The facility accrues interest at a variable rate per annum, which was 5.16% as of December 31, 2014. As of December 31, 2014, unamortized deferred financing fees were $0.9 million and the outstanding balance was $57 million. During 2014, the Company made principal payments totaling $10.7 million. As part of the amended agreement, there is a minimum aggregate interest margin payment of $9.2 million required to be made over the life of the facility. The Company cannot control the rate at which the underlying commercial mortgage loans are repaid. If the facility is not utilized to cover this minimum requirement, then a make-whole fee is required to be made to satisfy the minimum aggregate interest margin payment.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	Commitments
	The Company has non-cancelable operating leases for office space and office equipment and furniture. These leases expire over the next five years and contain provisions for certain annual rental escalations. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		($ in thousands)
	2015	$	1,462
	2016	1,335
	2017	1,362
	2018	1,260
	2019	1,025
	Thereafter	150
	Rent expense was $2.0 million, $1.7 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company’s office space lease at its corporate headquarters in Boston, MA is scheduled to terminate on February 28, 2020.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	Stockholders’ Equity
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s authorized capital consists of preferred and common stock and the following was authorized and outstanding:
		31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
		Shares		Shares			Shares	Shares
		authorized		outstanding			authorized	outstanding
		(In thousands)
	Preferred stock	5,000		—			5,000	—
	Common stock	145,000		46,620			145,000	48,659
	Preferred Stock
	Since the completion of the Company’s initial public offering on December 13, 2006, the Company’s authorized capital stock has included 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share, all of which remain undesignated.
	Common Stock
	In connection with the Company’s initial public offering on December 13, 2006, the Company issued and sold 12,000,000 shares of its common stock. On December 19, 2006, the underwriters of the initial public offering purchased an additional 1,800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
	On November 12, 2007, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with institutional investors to issue 12.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock in a private placement at a price per share of $10.00. The gross proceeds from the offering, which closed in two tranches, were $125 million. The first tranche of 7.25 million shares closed on November 29, 2007. The second tranche of 5.25 million shares was subject to the Company obtaining stockholder approval, and was approved at a special meeting of stockholders held on January 15, 2008. The second tranche closed on January 18, 2008.
	In connection with the private placement, the Company entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with the institutional investors, whereby the Company agreed to register common stock as defined in the agreement. The Company registered the stock on Form S-3 on May 1, 2008, and the SEC deemed the registration effective on May 8, 2008.
	On January 25, 2010, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. On December 3, 2010, the Company had repurchased the entire $10 million allotment of its stock. The timing and amount of any shares purchased were determined by management based on its evaluation of market condition and other factors and required use of cash. Upon completion of the stock repurchase program, the Company had repurchased 1,372,300 shares of its common stock under the program at a weighted average price per share of $7.26.
	On May 4, 2011, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. On September 16, 2011, the Company had repurchased the entire $10 million allotment of its stock. The timing and amount of any shares purchased were determined by management based on its evaluation of market condition and other factors and required use of cash. Upon completion of the stock repurchase program, the Company had repurchased 1,042,208 shares of its common stock under the program at a weighted average price per share of $9.60.
	On September 29, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares purchased were determined by management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors and required use of cash. The repurchase program expired on September 29, 2012. Upon completion of the stock repurchase program, the Company had repurchased 252,450 shares of its common stock under the program at a weighted average price per share of $10.26.
	On November 19, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares purchased were determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program expired on December 31, 2013. Upon completion of the stock repurchase program, the Company had repurchased 17,665 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price per share of $12.22.
	On May 5, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $20.0 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares purchased were determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The Company completed repurchase program during July 2014. Under this stock repurchase program, the Company repurchased 1,519,615 shares of its common stock at a weighted average price per share of $13.13 in the aggregate.
	On August 13, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10.0 million of the Company’s common stock from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any shares purchased are determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program, which will expire on August 15, 2015 unless extended by the Board of Directors, may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had repurchased 382,999 shares of its common stock under this program at a weighted average price per share of $11.54.
	On December 22, 2014, the Company repurchased 1,000,000 shares of its common stock in a privately negotiated transaction with an unaffiliated third party for an aggregate purchase price of $10.2 million.
	Warrants
	On December 4, 2014, the Company issued warrants to purchase 9.5 million shares of its common stock as part of the strategic relationship with Franklin Square Capital Partners ("Franklin Square"). Each warrant allows the warrant holder to purchase one share of the Company's common stock at a purchase price equal to $12.62 per share. The warrants were deemed to be freestanding and indexed to the Company's common stock. As such they were recorded at relative fair value, with no required subsequent re-measurement. The warrants expire on December 4, 2024. At December 31, 2014, the warrants had a fair value of $62.4 million, net of assumed transaction costs.
	On January 23, 2015, the Company completed its issuance of warrants as part of the strategic relationship with Franklin Square. The Company issued additional warrants to purchase 2.5 million shares of its common stock subject to the same terms as the warrants that were issued on December 4, 2014.
	Restricted Stock
	On May 19, 2010, the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of restricted stock to the Company’s Executive Officers and other members of the senior management team. The shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $5.82 per share. The shares of restricted stock vested on May 20, 2013.
	On November 1, 2010 the Company issued 110,000 shares of restricted stock to certain employees of the Company. The shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $7.52 per share, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance. The shares of restricted stock vested in their entirety on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
	On December 1, 2010 the Company issued 50,000 shares of restricted stock to certain employees of the Company. The shares of restricted stock had a fair value of $9.89 per share, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance. The shares of restricted stock vested in their entirety on the third anniversary of the date of grant.
	During 2011, the Company issued 42,500 shares of restricted stock to certain employees of the Company pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, as amended and 34,615 shares of restricted stock to certain members of its Board of Directors. The fair value of the shares of restricted stock is equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of issuance. The shares of restricted stock granted to employees vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. The shares of restricted stock granted to directors vested in full on the one-year anniversary of the grant date.
	During 2012, the Company issued 203,774 shares of restricted stock to certain employees of the Company pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, as amended and 48,714 shares of restricted stock to certain members of its Board of Directors. The fair value of the shares of restricted stock is equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of issuance. The shares of restricted stock vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.
	During 2013, the Company issued 165,950 shares of restricted stock to certain employees of the Company pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, as amended and 45,376 shares of restricted stock to certain members of the Board of Directors. The fair value of the shares of restricted stock is equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of issuance. The shares of restricted stock vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.
	During 2014, the Company issued 91,360 shares of restricted stock to certain employees of the Company pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, as amended and 43,648 shares of restricted stock to non-employee members of the Board of Directors. The fair value of the shares of restricted stock is equal to the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of issuance. The shares of restricted stock vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.
	Restricted stock activity for 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Shares		Grant-date
				fair value
				($ in thousands)
	Non-vested as of January 1, 2013	2,418,860		$	19,810
	Granted	211,326		2,826
	Vested	(2,243,757	)	(18,053		)
	Forfeited	(20,295	)	(242		)
	Non-vested as of December 31, 2013	366,134		4,341
	Granted	135,008		1,915
	Vested	(175,484	)	(2,025		)
	Forfeited	(10,320	)	(140		)
	Non-vested as of December 31, 2014	315,338		$	4,091
	The Company’s compensation expense related to its restricted stock was $2.5 million, $4.2 million and $6.4 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The unrecognized compensation cost of $1.2 million at December 31, 2014 is expected to be recognized over approximately the next three years.
	Stock Options
	Under the Company’s 2006 Incentive Plan, the Company’s compensation committee may grant options to purchase shares of common stock. Stock options may either be incentive stock options (“ISOs”) or non-qualified stock options. ISOs may only be granted to officers and employees. The compensation committee will, with regard to each stock option, determine the number of shares subject to the stock option, the manner and time of exercise, vesting, and the exercise price, which will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant. The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options or other awards or upon grant of any other award may be either previously authorized but unissued shares or treasury shares.
	On March 18, 2009 the Company completed an option exchange program with its senior management, including the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and other named executive officers whereby in exchange for a grant of stock options priced at fair market value on March 18, 2009, each executive agreed to surrender to the Company for cancellation the option award granted to him on December 13, 2006 and to abide by the terms of a lock-up agreement. The lock-up agreement requires 50% of the net proceeds from any exercise or partial exercise of the option received as part of the March 2009 option exchange program be held by the Company until the one-year anniversary of the time when the executive ceases to be employed by the Company. During that time, such portion of the proceeds from the option exercise is subject to forfeiture if the senior executive violates the restrictive covenants in his employment agreement with the Company. The option exchange program resulted in the forfeiture of 1,985,262 options to the Company in exchange for 2,725,000 new stock option grants. The options granted vested in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the March 18, 2009 grant date and have a seven-year life.
	On May 12, 2010, stock options exercisable for an aggregate of 629,105 shares of common stock were issued to certain employees of the Company. The stock options have an exercise price of $8.28, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance. The options granted vested in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the May 12, 2010 grant date and have a seven-year life.
	On November 1, 2010, stock options exercisable for an aggregate of 60,000 shares of common stock were issued to certain employees of the Company. The stock options have an exercise price of $7.52, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance. The options granted vested in two equal installments on each of the first two anniversaries of the November 1, 2010 grant date and have a seven-year life.
	On December 1, 2010, stock options exercisable for an aggregate of 50,000 shares of common stock were issued to certain employees of the Company. The stock options have an exercise price of $8.74, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance. The options granted vested in two equal installments on each of the first two anniversaries of the December 1, 2010 grant date and have a seven-year life.
	During 2011, stock options exercisable for an aggregate of 52,500 shares of common stock were issued to certain employees of the Company pursuant to the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and stock options exercisable for an aggregate of 55,000 shares were issued to certain members of its Board of Directors. The stock options have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of issuance. The options granted to employees vest in three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant and have a seven-year life. The options granted to directors vest in full on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant and have a seven–year life.
	Stock option activity for 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Options		Weighted			Weighted
				average			average
				exercise			remaining
				price			contractual
							life (in years)
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2013	5,618,819		5.03			3
	Granted	—		—			0
	Exercised	(60,267	)	6			3
	Forfeited	(14,167	)	15.97			3
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	5,544,385		5			2
Granted	—		—			0
Exercised	(910,946	)	6.78			1
Forfeited	(5,000	)	12.45			2
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	4,628,439		4.64			1
Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	4,628,439		4.64			1
Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	4,628,439		4.64			1
The Company did not grant any options during 2014 or 2013. As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options granted was $0. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized compensation expense of $0.1 million for each year related to its stock options.

Income_Per_Share

Income Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income Per Share	Income Per Share
	The computations of basic and diluted income per share for the periods ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	10,594	$	24,595	$	23,977
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic income per common share	48,267		48,157		47,370
	Denominator:
	Denominator for diluted income per common share	48,267		48,157		47,370
	Potentially dilutive securities—options	3,229		3,671		3,284
	Potentially dilutive securities—restricted stock	—		762		2,000
	Potentially dilutive securities—warrants	79		352		79
	Total weighted average diluted shares	51,575		52,942		52,733

Consolidated_Variable_Interest

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity	Consolidated Variable Interest Entity
	In April 2013, the Company formed a new managed credit fund, NewStar Arlington Fund LLC (“Arlington Fund”) in partnership with an institutional investor to co-invest in middle market commercial loans originated by the Company’s Leveraged Finance group. As the managing member of Arlington Fund, the Company retained full discretion over Arlington Fund’s investment decisions, subject to usual and customary limitations, and earned management fees as compensation for its services. For 2014 and 2013, the management fee was $0.5 million for each year.
	On April 4, 2013, Arlington Fund entered into an agreement establishing $147.0 million of Class A variable funding notes (the “Class A Notes”) and $28.0 million of Class B variable funding notes (the “Class B Notes”) to partially fund eligible middle market loan origination for Arlington Fund. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association funded the Class A Notes as the initial Class A lender and the Company funded the Class B Notes as the initial Class B lender. For 2014 and 2013 interest expense on the Class B Notes totaled $0.7 million for each year. For 2014 and 2013 the Fund distributed excess cash to its institutional investor totaling $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
	From inception, the Company was deemed to be the primary beneficiary of Arlington Fund and, therefore, consolidated the financial results of Arlington Fund with the Company’s results of operations and statements of financial position since April 2013.
	On June 26, 2014, the NewStar Arlington Senior Loan Program LLC (the “Arlington Program”) completed a $409.4 million term debt securitization comprised of all of the Arlington Fund’s loans as well as a portion of the Company’s loans classified as held-for-sale. A portion of the proceeds from this term debt securitization were used to repay all advances under the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes. Following repayment, the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes were redeemed. As a result the amortization of $1.1 million of deferred financing fees was accelerated and recognized during the three months ended June 30, 2014. The Company’s membership interests in Arlington Fund were also redeemed and new membership interests in the Arlington Program were issued to its equity investors. The Company did not recognize a gain or a loss on the redemption of its membership interests in the Arlington Fund. The Company acts as collateral manager for the Arlington Program. As a result of the repayment of the Company’s advances as the Class B lender under the warehouse facility and the redemption of its membership interests in the Arlington Fund, the Company has no ownership or financial interests in the Arlington Fund or its successors except to the extent that it receives management fees as collateral manager of the Arlington Program. Additionally, the Arlington Program employs an independent investment professional who is responsible for investment decision making on behalf of the program. As a result, the Company deconsolidated the Arlington Fund from its statements of financial position beginning on June 26, 2014. The Company determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the Arlington Program and will not consolidate the Arlington Program’s operating results or statements of financial position as of that date.
	Although the Company consolidated all of the assets and liabilities of Arlington Fund, during the period from April 4, 2013 through June 26, 2014, its maximum exposure to loss was limited to its investments in membership interests in Arlington Fund, its Class B Note receivable, as well as the management fee receivable from Arlington Fund. These items defined the Company’s economic relationship with Arlington Fund but were eliminated upon consolidation. The Company managed the assets of Arlington Fund solely for the benefit of its lenders and investors. If the Company were to have liquidated, the assets of Arlington Fund would not have been available to the Company's general creditors. Conversely, the investors in the debt of Arlington Fund had no recourse to the Company's general assets. Therefore, the Company did not consider this debt its obligation.
	During the period from April 4, 2013 through June 26, 2014 when the Company consolidated the Arlington Fund as a variable interest entity, or VIE, the membership interests representing equity ownership of Arlington Fund were characterized as debt in the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position. The Company applied an imputed interest rate to that debt and recorded the resulting interest expense in its consolidated statement of operations. In the consolidation, the Company eliminated the economic results of its related portion of the membership interests and the applied interest expense from its results of operations and statements of financial position.
	The following tables present the unconsolidated, stand alone balance sheet of Arlington Fund.
		As of
		31-Dec-13
		(unaudited)
		($ in thousands)
	Restricted cash	$	1,950
	Loans, net	171,427
	Other assets	3,022
	Total assets	$	176,399
	Credit facilities—Class A Notes	$	120,344
	Class A Notes interest payable	434
	Class B Notes payable	19,375
	Class B Notes interest payable	183
	Other liabilities	173
	Total liabilities	140,509
	Equity	35,890
	Total liabilities and equity	$	176,399

Financial_Instruments_with_Off

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk	Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
	The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its borrowers. These financial instruments include unfunded commitments, standby letters of credit and interest rate mitigation products. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement we have in particular classes of financial instruments.
	The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
	Unused lines of credit are commitments to lend to a borrower if certain conditions have been met. These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because certain commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each borrower’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral required is based on factors that include management’s credit evaluation of the borrower and the borrower’s compliance with financial covenants. Due to their fluctuating nature, the Company cannot know with certainty the aggregate amounts that will be required to fund its unfunded commitments. The aggregate amount of these unfunded commitments currently exceeds the Company’s available funds and will likely continue to exceed its available funds in the future.
	At December 31, 2014, the Company had $317.6 million of unused lines of credit. Of these unused lines of credit, unfunded commitments related to revolving credit facilities were $266.7 million and unfunded commitments related to delayed draw term loans were $44.9 million. $6.0 million of the unused revolving commitments are unavailable to the borrowers, which may be related to the borrowers’ inability to meet covenant obligations or other similar events.
	Revolving credit facilities allow the Company’s borrowers to draw up to a specified amount, subject to customary borrowing conditions. The unfunded revolving commitments of $266.7 million are further categorized as either contingent or unrestricted. Contingent commitments limit a borrower’s ability to access the revolver unless it meets an enumerated borrowing base covenant or other restrictions. At December 31, 2014, the Company categorized $159.7 million of the unfunded commitments related to revolving credit facilities as contingent. Unrestricted commitments represent commitments that are currently accessible, assuming the borrower is in compliance with certain customary loan terms and conditions. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $107.0 million of unfunded unrestricted revolving commitments.
	During the three months ended December 31, 2014, revolver usage averaged approximately 53%, which is in line with the average of 47% over the previous four quarters. Management’s experience indicates that borrowers typically do not seek to exercise their entire available line of credit at any point in time. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, revolving commitments increased $60.9 million.
	Delayed draw credit facilities allow the Company’s borrowers to draw predefined amounts of the approved loan commitment at contractually set times, subject to specific conditions, such as capital expenditures or acquisitions in corporate loans or for tenant improvements in commercial real estate loans. During the three months ended December 31, 2014, delayed draw credit facility commitments increased $10.5 million.
	Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance by a borrower to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending credit to our borrowers.
	Interest rate risk mitigation products are offered to enable customers to meet their financing and risk management objectives. Derivative financial instruments consist predominantly of interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and floors. The interest rate risks to the Company of these customer derivatives is mitigated by entering into similar derivatives having offsetting terms with other counterparties.
	These interest rate risk mitigation products do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment. These interest rate swaps and caps contracts are recorded at fair value on the Company’s balance sheet in either “Other assets” or “Other liabilities.” Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, including any cash payments made or received are reported as gains or losses on derivatives in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s outstanding interest rate mitigation products had a fair value of $0.1 million at December 31, 2014 and $0 at December 31, 2013.
	On December 4, 2014, the Company entered into a TRS for senior floating rate loans with Citibank. The TRS with Citibank enables the Company, through a wholly-owned financing subsidiary NewStar TRS I LLC, to obtain the economic benefits of the loans subject to the TRS, despite the fact that such loans will not be directly owned by it, in return for an interest payment to Citibank. The Company acts as the manager of the TRS and selects the specific loans to be subject to the TRS. The TRS does not qualify for hedge accounting treatment as it does not offset the risks of another investment position. As of December 31, 2014, the fair value of the underlying loan portfolio was $109.2 million. Interest accrues at one-month LIBOR+1.60% per annum. At December 31, 2014, the Company had interest receivable from the TRS of $0.1 million included in Other assets. The Company is required to cash collateralize a specified percentage of each loan included under the TRS in accordance with margin requirements. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had cash collateral on deposit with Citibank of $39.0 million. The Company's obligations under the TRS are non-recourse to it, and its exposure is limited to the value of the cash collateral. At December 31, 2014 the TRS had an unrealized loss of $0.9 million that was included in Other assets and Non-interest income.Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk are summarized as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in thousands)
	Unused lines of credit	$	317,583	$	326,231
	Standby letters of credit	7,911		6,880

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		($ in thousands)
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	3,245		$	3,212		$	9,756
	State	1,667			1,516			3,164
	Total current	4,912			4,728			12,920
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	2,440			9,910			3,311
	State	133			1,918			769
	Total deferred	2,573			11,828			4,080
	Income tax expense	$	7,485		$	16,556		$	17,000
	The Company’s effective tax rate for 2014 and 2013 reflects the impact of tax filing in additional states and changes in the tax rate on cumulative temporary differences.
	The effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal corporate rate of 35% as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		($ in thousands)
	Federal statutory rate	$	6,328		$	14,403		$	14,342
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	1,170			2,232			2,556
	Other	(13		)	(79		)	102
		$	7,485		$	16,556		$	17,000
	Deferred income taxes are recorded when revenues and expenses are recognized in different periods for financial statement and income tax purposes. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Deferred tax asset:
	Allowance for credit losses	$	23,905		$	20,386
	Capitalized startup costs	112			124
	Other	420			390
	Capital loss carryforward	250			638
	Securities fair value adjustments	21			—
	Equity compensation	10,012			8,493
	Accrued bonus	5,019			5,083
	Income from non-performing assets	3,280			3,432
	Other real estate owned	282			814
	Gross deferred tax asset	43,301			39,360
	Deferred tax liability:
	Prepaid expenses	989			1,034
	Mark-to-market loans	370			147
	Deferred loan costs	1,873			2,117
	Cancellation of term debt income	2,371			2,964
	Equity positions	2,405			6
	Equipment leasing	7,215			2,463
	Securities fair value adjustments	—			391
	Gross deferred tax liability	15,223			9,122
	Net deferred tax asset	$	28,078		$	30,238
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had net deferred tax assets of $28.1 million and $30.2 million, respectively. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company’s management considered all available evidence, both positive and negative, in determining the realizability of deferred tax assets at December 31, 2014. Management considered carryback availability, the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income during the reversal periods, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Management also considered our recent history of taxable income, trends in our earnings, positive financial ratios, and the impact of the downturn in the current economic environment (including the impact of credit on allowance and provision for loan losses) on the Company. Based upon its assessment, management believes that a valuation allowance was not necessary as of December 31, 2014.
	The Company files U.S. federal and various state income tax returns. As of December 31, 2014, the Company is subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and most state tax authorities for tax years after December 31, 2010. A few states remain subject to examination for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”) establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
	•	Level 1—inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	•	Level 2—inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
	•	Level 3—inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
	A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale
	Investments in debt securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value measurement of investments in debt securities is based on third party pricing services or by using internally developed financial models. For securities in less liquid markets where there is limited activity and little transparency around broker quotes used to value such securities, the Company classifies securities valued using broker quotes as level 3. If quoted prices are not available, then fair value is estimated by using internally developed financial models. These securities are not actively traded and require a private sale, and the valuation involves application of significant management judgment. Inputs into the model-based valuations can include changes in market indexes, selling prices of similar securities, management’s assumptions related to the credit rating of the security, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions and management’s assessment of the current market conditions. Such securities are classified as level 3, as the valuation models are based on significant inputs that are unobservable in the market.
	Loans
	The Company does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and an allowance for loan losses may be established. If it is probable that payment of interest and principal on a loan will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement, then it is considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures the amount of impairment. The fair value of impaired loans is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral equals or exceeds the recorded investments in such loans. Impaired loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the impaired loan as level 3. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the impaired loan as level 3.
	Loans held-for-sale
	Loans held-for-sale are not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and are carried at the lower of cost or market value. Fair values for loans held-for-sale are based on quoted prices, where available, or are determined by discounting estimated cash flows using model-based valuation techniques. Inputs into the model-based valuations can include changes in market indexes, selling prices of similar loans, management’s assumption related to credit rating of the loan, prepayment assumptions and other factors, such as credit loss assumptions. Where quoted prices are available in an active market, loans held-for-sale are classified as level 1. Level 1 loans include instruments where the fair value is based on a contracted selling price. Loans are classified as level 3 in instances where valuation models are based on significant inputs that are unobservable in the market.
	Other real estate owned
	The Company does not record other real estate owned at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value of other real estate owned is estimated using one of several methods, including collateral value, market value of similar properties, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price or inputs, the Company records the other real estate owned as level 3.
	Fair value of derivative instruments
	Derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Substantially all derivative instruments held or issued by the Company for risk management or customer-initiated activities are traded in over-the-counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available. For those derivatives, the Company measures fair value using broker quotes or financial models that use primarily market observable inputs, such as yield curves and option volatilities, and include the value associated with the counterparty credit risk. The Company classifies derivative instruments held or issued for risk management or customer-initiated activities as level 2. Examples of level 2 derivatives are interest rate swaps and interest rate cap contracts. The Company also holds a portfolio of warrants for generally non-marketable equity securities, which are carried at $18.3 million and $8.0 million, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These warrants are primarily from non-public companies obtained as part of the loan origination process. Warrants which contain a net exercise provision are required to be accounted for as derivatives and recorded at fair value. The fair value of the derivative warrant portfolio is reviewed quarterly and adjustments to the fair value are recorded in current earnings. Fair value is determined using internally developed valuation models. Where sufficient data exists, a market approach method is utilized to estimate the current value of the underlying company. The estimated fair value of the underlying securities for warrants requiring valuation at fair value were adjusted for discounts related to lack of liquidity. The Company classifies warrants accounted for as derivatives as level 3.
	The following table presents recorded amounts of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014, by caption in the consolidated balance sheet and by ASC 820 valuation hierarchy (as described above).
		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant		Total
		in Active			Other			Unobservable		Carrying
		Markets for			Observable			Inputs		Value in
		Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)		Consolidated
		(Level 1)			(Level 2)					Balance Sheet
		($ in thousands)
	Recurring Basis:
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	—		$	—		$	46,881	$	46,881
	TRS	—			$	(740	)	$	—	$	(740	)
	Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	$	—		$	(740	)	$	46,881	$	46,141
	Nonrecurring Basis:
	Loans, net	$	—		$	—		$	27,719	$	27,719
	Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$	—		$	—		$	27,719	$	27,719
	At December 31, 2014, “Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale” consisted of collateralized loan obligations. The fair value measurement is obtained through a third party pricing service or by using internally developed financial models.
	At December 31, 2014, Other assets included TRS with Citibank. the TRS has a maximum notional amount of $125.0 million and is carried at an estimated fair value of $(0.8) million, comprised of $0.1 million of interest receivable and an unrealized loss of $0.9 million on the underlying loan portfolio.
	At Decmber 31, 2014, “Loans, net” measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consisted of impaired collateral-dependent commercial real estate loans. The fair values of these loans are based on third party appraisals of the underlying collateral value as well as the Company’s internal analysis. During 2014, the Company recorded $0.07 million of specific allowance for credit losses related to “Loans, net” measured at fair value at December 31, 2014.
	The following table presents a summary of significant unobservable inputs and valuation techniques of the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2014.
		Fair value			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Input	Range
		($ in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	46,881		Third-party pricing		Pricing assumptions such as prepayment rates, interest rates, loss assumptions, cash flow projections, and comparisons to similar financial instruments
	Loans and leases, net	27,719			Market comparables		Cost to sell	3% - 7%
					Valuation model		Marketability discount	5% - 30%
	Total:	$	74,600
	The following table presents recorded amounts of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2013, by caption in the consolidated balance sheet and by ASC 820 valuation hierarchy (as described above).
		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant		Total
		in Active			Other			Unobservable		Carrying
		Markets for			Observable			Inputs		Value in
		Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)		Consolidated
		(Level 1)			(Level 2)					Balance Sheet
		($ in thousands)
	Recurring Basis:
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	—		$	—		$	22,198	$	22,198
	Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	$	—		$	—		$	22,198	$	22,198
	Nonrecurring Basis:
	Loans, net	$	—		$	—		$	26,671	$	26,671
	Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$	—		$	—		$	26,671	$	26,671
	At December 31, 2013, “Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale” consisted of collateralized loan obligations. The fair value measurement is obtained through a third party pricing service or by using internally developed financial models.
	At December 31, 2013, “Loans, net” measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis consisted of impaired collateral-dependent commercial real estate loans. The fair values of these loans are based on third party appraisals of the underlying collateral value as well as the Company’s internal analysis. During 2013, the Company recorded a $3.2 million of specific provision for credit losses related to “Loans, net” measured at fair value.
	The following table presents a summary of significant unobservable inputs and valuation techniques of the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2013.
		Fair value			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Input	Range
		($ in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	22,198		Third-party pricing		Pricing assumptions such as prepayment rates, interest rates, loss assumptions, cash flow projections, and comparisons to similar financial instruments
	Loans and leases, net	26,671			Market comparables		Cost to sell	3% - 7%
					Valuation model		Marketability discount	5% - 30%
Total:	$	48,869
Changes in level 3 recurring fair value measurements
The table below illustrates the change in balance sheet amounts during 2014 and 2013 (including the change in fair value), for financial instruments measured on a recurring basis and classified by the Company as level 3 in the valuation hierarchy. When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument as level 3, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable parameters to the overall fair value measurement. However, level 3 financial instruments typically include, in addition to the unobservable or level 3 components, observable components (that is, components that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources); accordingly, the gains and losses in the table below include changes in fair value due in part to observable factors that are part of the valuation methodology. The Company did not transfer any financial instruments in or out of level 1, 2, or 3 during 2014 and 2013.
For the year ended December 31, 2014:
	Investments in
	Debt Securities,
	Available-for-sale
	($ in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	22,198
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings	1,412
Included in other comprehensive income	(984		)
Purchases	38,255
Issuances	—
Settlements	(14,000		)
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	46,881
For the year ended December 31, 2013:
	Investments in
	Debt Securities,
	Available-for-sale
	($ in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	21,127
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
Included in earnings	227
Included in other comprehensive income	844
Purchases	—
Issuances	—
Settlements	—
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	22,198
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.
	31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
	Carrying			Fair value			Carrying		Fair value
	amount						amount
	($ in thousands)
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	33,033		$	33,033		$	43,401	$	43,401
Restricted cash	95,411			95,411			169,870		169,870
Cash collateral on deposit with custodian	38,975			38,975			—		—
Loans held-for-sale	200,569			200,569			14,831		14,831
Loans and leases, net	2,305,896			2,314,271			2,266,677		2,301,053
Investments in debt securities available-for-sale	46,881			46,881			22,198		22,198
Other assets	15,613			15,613			7,955		7,955
Financial liabilities:
Credit facilities	$	487,768		$	487,768		$	452,502	$	452,502
Term debt securitizations	1,193,187			1,163,803			1,242,374		1,202,900
Corporate debt	238,500			238,500			200,000		200,000
Subordinated notes	156,831			184,087			—		—
Repurchase agreements	57,227			63,507			67,954		66,911
The carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions.
The following table presents the carrying amounts, estimated fair values, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, loans held-for-sale (as applicable), investments in debt securities available-for-sale, credit facilities, and financial information disclosed above.
31-Dec-14
	Carrying			Fair value			Fair Value Measurements
	amount						Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	($ in thousands)
Financial assets:
Loans and leases, net	$	2,305,896		$	2,314,271		$	—	$	—		$	2,314,271
Financial liabilities:
Term debt securitizations	1,193,187			1,163,803			—		1,163,803			—
Subordinated notes	156,831			184,087			—		—			184,087
Repurchase agreements	57,227			63,507			—		63,507			—
31-Dec-13
	Carrying			Fair value			Fair Value Measurements
	amount						Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
	($ in thousands)
Financial assets:
Loans and leases, net	$	2,240,006		$	2,274,382		$	0	$	0		$	2,274,382
Financial liabilities:
Term debt securitizations	1,242,374			1,202,900			0		1,402,900			0
Repurchase agreements	67,954			66,911			0		66,911			0
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
Loans held-for-sale, net: The fair values are based on quoted prices, where available, cost, or are determined by discounting estimated cash flows using model-based valuation techniques. Inputs into the model-based valuations can include changes in market indexes, selling prices of similar loans, management’s assumption related to credit rating of the loan, prepayment assumptions and other factors, such as credit loss assumptions.
Loans and leases, net: The fair value was determined as the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at current market interest rates offered by similar lending institutions for loans with similar terms to companies with comparable credit risk. This method of estimating fair value does not incorporate the exit price concept of fair value and is based on significant unobservable inputs. The amount included in the above table excludes impaired collateral-dependent commercial real estate loans.
Investments in debt securities: The fair values of debt securities are based on quoted market prices, when available, at the reporting date for those or similar investments. When no market data is available, we estimate fair value using various valuation tools including cash flow models that utilize financial statements and business plans, as well as qualitative factors.
Credit facilities: Due to the adjustable rate nature of the borrowings, the fair values of the credit facilities are estimated to be their carrying values. Rates currently are comparable to those offered to the Company for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities by the Company’s lenders.
Term debt securitizations: The fair value was determined by applying prevailing term debt securitization market interest rates to the Company’s current term debt securitizations structure.
Subordinated notes: The fair value of the subordinated notes was derived in conjunction with the analysis performed at the issuance of the debt and associated 12 million warrants. At December 31, 2014 the $200 million of notes issued had a fair value of $ $184.2 million.
Repurchase agreements: The fair value was determined by applying prevailing repurchase agreement market interest rates to the Company’s current repurchase agreement structure.
Other assets: Comprised of non-public investments which are initially valued at transaction price and subsequently adjusted when evidence is available to support such adjustments when appropriate and the fair value of the TRS. The estimated fair value of the non-public investments was determined based on the Company’s valuation techniques, including discounting estimated cash flows and model-based valuations.

Employee_Benefit_Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company maintains a contributory 401(k) plan covering all full-time employees. The Company matches 100% of an employee’s voluntary contributions up to a limit of 6% of the employee’s base salary, subject to IRS guidelines. Expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0.7 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

RelatedParty_Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions	Related-Party Transactions
	Pursuant to an Investment Management Agreement dated August 3, 2005, the Company serves as investment manager of the NewStar Credit Opportunities Fund, Ltd. (the “Fund”), a Cayman Islands exempted company limited by shares incorporated under the provisions of The Companies Law of the Cayman Islands. Prior to December 6, 2013 when the Fund called the notes of its term debt securitization, the Fund paid the Company a management fee, payable monthly in arrears, based on the carrying value of the total gross assets attributable to the applicable series of each class of shares at the end of each month. For 2013 and 2012, the Fund’s asset management fees were $2.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. Subsequent to December 6, 2013, the Fund pays the Company a fee when cash is distributed to its investors. For 2014, the Fund paid the Company $0.06 million.
	Pursuant to a Collateral Management Agreement dated June 26, 2014, the Company serves as collateral manager of the Arlington Program. The Company is entitled to receive a fee, which will accrue quarterly based on the fee basis amount in arrears payable on each payment date. For 2014, the Arlington Program’s collateral management fee was $1.0 million.

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Unaudited quarterly information for 2013 and 2012 is shown in the following table.
		For the three months ended
		Dec. 31,			Sept. 30,		June 30,			March 31,		Dec. 31,		Sept. 30,		June 30,		March 31,
		2014			2014		2014			2014		2013		2013		2013		2013
		($ in thousands)
	Summary Results of Operations Data:
	Interest income	$	35,601		$	33,907	$	33,536		$	33,127	$	32,283	$	30,370	$	34,891	$	30,140
	Interest expense	17,102			14,304		13,868			12,501		12,173		11,703		9,908		9,187
	Net interest income	18,499			19,603		19,668			20,626		20,110		18,667		24,983		20,953
	Provision for credit losses	5,280			3,369		12,652			5,807		2,309		2,381		4,330		718
	Net interest income after provision for credit losses	13,219			16,234		7,016			14,819		17,801		16,286		20,653		20,235
	Total non-interest income (loss)	(259		)	3,261		1,496			6,718		3,817		5,131		1,461		3,103
	Total operating expenses	10,752			10,981		11,655			12,128		12,193		11,525		12,769		12,911
	Operating income (loss) before income taxes	2,208			8,514		(3,143		)	9,409		9,425		9,892		9,345		10,427
	Results of Consolidated VIE
	Interest income	—			—		2,615			2,653		2,430		1,991		900		—
	Interest expense	—			—		2,684			1,473		1,424		1,125		683		—
	Other income	—			—		221			8		17		18		16		—
	Operating expenses	—			—		189			60		64		10		4		—
	Net results from Consolidated VIE	—			—		(37		)	1,128		959		874		229		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes	2,208			8,514		(3,180		)	10,537		10,384		10,766		9,574		10,427
	Income tax expense (benefit)	982			3,494		(1,325		)	4,334		4,024		4,329		3,930		4,273
	Net income (loss)	$	1,226		$	5,020	$	(1,855	)	$	6,203	$	6,360	$	6,437	$	5,644	$	6,154
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.03		$	0.1	$	(0.04	)	$	0.13	$	0.13	$	0.13	$	0.12	$	0.13
	Diluted	0.02			0.1		(0.04		)	0.12		0.12		0.12		0.11		0.12

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation	Consolidation
	On June 26, 2014, the NewStar Arlington Senior Loan Program LLC (the “Arlington Program”) completed a $409.4 million term debt securitization comprised of all of the loans of NewStar Arlington Fund LLC (“Arlington Fund”) as well as a portion of the Company’s loans classified as held-for-sale. A portion of the proceeds from this term debt securitization were used to repay all advances under the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes. Following repayment, the Class A Notes and the Class B Notes were redeemed. The Company’s membership interests in Arlington Fund were also redeemed and new membership interests in the Arlington Program were issued to its equity investors. The Company acts as collateral manager for the Arlington Program. As a result of the repayment of the Company’s advances as the Class B lender under the warehouse facility and the redemption of its membership interests in the Arlington Fund, the Company has no ownership or financial interests in the Arlington Fund or its successors except to the extent that it receives management fees as collateral manager of the Arlington Program. Additionally, the Arlington Program employs an independent investment professional who is responsible for investment decision making on behalf of the program. As a result, the Company deconsolidated the Arlington Fund from its statement of financial position beginning on June 26, 2014. The Company is not the primary beneficiary of the Arlington Program and will not consolidate the Arlington Program’s operating results or statements of financial position as of that date.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates most susceptible to change in the near-term are the Company’s estimates of their allowance for credit losses, impairment of loans and recorded amounts of deferred income taxes.
Prior Period Reclassifications	Prior Period Reclassifications
	Certain prior period disclosure amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Equipment Finance balances are no longer included with Business Credit and are presented separately in the footnote disclosures.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include all demand deposits held in banks and certain highly liquid instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less.
Investments in Debt Securities	Investments in Debt Securities
	Management determines the classification of securities at the time of purchase. If management has the intent and the Company has the ability at the time of purchase to hold securities until maturity, they are classified as held-to-maturity. Investment securities held-to-maturity are stated at amortized cost. Securities to be held for indefinite periods of time, but not necessarily to be held-to-maturity or on a long-term basis, are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. The carrying values of all securities are adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts over the shorter of the period to call or maturity of the related security using a method that approximates the interest method. Realized gains or losses on the sale of securities, if any, are determined using the amortized cost of the specific securities sold. If a decline in the fair value of a security below its amortized cost is judged by management to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value and the amount of the write-down is included in operations. The fair value of debt securities are based on quoted market prices, when available, at the reporting date for those or similar investments. When no market is available, the Company estimates fair value using various valuation tools, including cash flow analyses that utilize financial statements, business plans, as well as qualitative factors. The Company also recognizes an other than temporary impairment on an investment in debt security in an unrealized loss position if (i) the Company does not expect full recovery of its amortized cost based on the estimate of cash flows expected to be collected, (ii) the Company intends to sell the debt security, or (iii) it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery.
Loans Held-for-Sale	Loans Held-for-Sale
	Loans classified as held-for-sale consist of loans originated by the Company, intended to be sold or syndicated to third parties (including credit funds managed by the Company) or impaired loans for which a sale of the loan is expected as a result of a workout strategy. These loans are carried at the lower of aggregate cost, net of any deferred origination costs or fees, or fair value.
Loans	Loans
	Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis in accordance with the terms of the respective loan. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. The accrual of interest on loans is typically discontinued when principal or interest payments are past due 90 days or when, in the opinion of management, it is probable it will be unable to collect contractual principal and interest in the normal course of business. When loans are placed on nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Income on nonaccrual loans is subsequently recognized only to the extent that cash is received and the loan’s principal balance is deemed collectible.
	Nonrefundable loan fees and related direct costs associated with the origination of loans are deferred and included in loans, net in the consolidated balance sheet. The net deferred fees or costs are recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the contractual life of the loans using a method which approximates the interest method or taken into income when the related loans are paid off or sold. The Company accretes any discount from purchased loans into loan fee income as a yield adjustment over the contractual life of the loan. The amortization of loan fees is discontinued on non-accrual loans.
Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses	Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses
	Our general allowance for credit losses covers probable losses in our loan and lease portfolio with respect to loans and leases that are not impaired and for which no specific impairment has been identified. A specific provision for credit losses is recorded with respect to loans for which it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement for which there is impairment recognized. The Company employs a variety of internally developed and third-party modeling and estimation tools for measuring credit risk, which are used in developing an allowance for loan and lease losses on outstanding loans and leases. The Company’s allowance framework addresses economic conditions, capital market liquidity and industry circumstances from both a top-down and bottom-up perspective. The Company considers and evaluates a number of factors, including but not limited to, changes in economic conditions, credit availability, industry, loss emergence period, and multiple obligor concentrations in assessing both probabilities of default and loss severities as part of the general component of the allowance for loan and lease losses.
	On at least a quarterly basis, loans and leases are internally risk-rated based on individual credit criteria, including loan and lease type, loan and lease structures (including balloon and bullet structures common in the Company’s Leveraged Finance and Real Estate loans), borrower industry, payment capacity, location and quality of collateral if any (including the Company’s Real Estate loans). Borrowers provide the Company with financial information on either a monthly or quarterly basis. Ratings, corresponding assumed default rates and assumed loss severities are dynamically updated to reflect any changes in borrower condition or profile.
	For Leveraged Finance loans and Equipment Finance products, the data set used to construct probabilities of default in its allowance for loan losses model, Moody’s CRD Private Firm Database, primarily contains middle market loans that share attributes similar to the Company’s loans. The Company also considers the quality of the loan or lease terms and lender protections in determining a loan loss in the event of default.
	For Business Credit loans, the Company utilizes a proprietary model to risk rate the loans on a monthly basis. This model captures the impact of changes in industry and economic conditions as well as changes in the quality of the borrower’s collateral and financial performance to assign a final risk rating. The Company has also evaluated historical loss trends by risk rating from a comprehensive industry database covering more than twenty-five years of experience of the majority of the asset based lenders operating in the United States. Based upon the monthly risk rating from the model, the reserve is adjusted to reflect the historical average for expected loss from the industry database.
	For Real Estate loans, the Company employs two mechanisms to capture the impact of industry and economic conditions. First, a loan’s risk rating, and thereby its assumed default likelihood, can be adjusted to account for overall commercial real estate market conditions. Second, to the extent that economic or industry trends adversely affect a substandard rated borrower’s loan-to-value ratio enough to impact its repayment ability, the Company applies a stress multiplier to the loan’s probability of default. The multiplier is designed to account for default characteristics that are difficult to quantify when market conditions cause commercial real estate prices to decline.
	For consolidated variable interest entities to which the Company is providing transitional capital, we utilize a qualitative analysis which considers the business plans related to the entity, including expected hold periods, the terms of the agreements related to the entity, the Company’s historical credit experience, the credit migration of the entity’s loans in determining expected loss, as well as conditions in the capital markets. The Company provided capital on a transitional basis to the Arlington Fund. At December 31, 2013, the expected and actual loss on Arlington Fund was zero and no allowance was recorded. The Company deconsolidated the Arlington Fund on June 26, 2014. The Company did not recognize any losses on loans on the date of deconsolidation.
	The Company periodically reviews its allowance for credit loss methodology to assess any necessary adjustments based upon changing economic and capital market conditions. If the Company determines that changes in its allowance for credit losses methodology are advisable, as a result of changes in the economic environment or otherwise, the revised allowance methodology may result in higher or lower levels of allowance. There have been no material modifications to the allowance for credit losses methodology during 2014. Given uncertain market conditions, actual losses under the Company’s current or any revised allowance methodology may differ materially from the Company’s estimate.
	Additionally, when determining the amount of the general allowance, the Company supplements the base amount with an environmental reserve amount which is governed by a score card system comprised of ten individually weighted risk factors. The risk factors are designed based on those outlined in the Comptrollers of the Currency’s Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses Handbook. The Company also performs a ratio analysis of comparable money center banks, regional banks and finance companies. While the Company does not rely on this peer group comparison to set the level of allowance for credit losses, it does assist management in identifying market trends and serves as an overall reasonableness check on the allowance for credit losses computation.
	A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impairment of a loan is based upon (i) the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, (ii) the loan’s observable market price, or (iii) the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent, depending on the circumstances and our collection strategy. Impaired loans are identified based on the loan-by-loan risk rating process described above. Impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans with partial charge-offs and loans which are Troubled Debt Restructurings (see Note 3). It is the Company’s policy during the reporting period to record a specific provision for credit losses to cover the identified impairment on a loan.
	Impaired loans at December 31, 2014 were in Leveraged Finance and Real Estate over a range of industries impacted by the then current economic environment including the following: Media and Communications, Industrial, Commercial Real Estate, Other Business Services, Consumer/Retail, and Building Materials. For impaired Leveraged Finance loans, the Company measured impairment based on expected cash flows utilizing relevant information provided by the borrower and consideration of other market conditions or specific factors impacting recoverability. Such amounts are discounted based on original loan terms. For impaired Real Estate loans, the Company determined that the loans were collateral dependent and measured impairment based on the fair value of the related collateral utilizing recent appraisals from third-party appraisers, as well as internal estimates of collateral market value.
	Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged off and the allowance is reduced by the charged off balance of the loan. The provision for credit losses and recoveries on loans previously charged off are added to the allowance.
Deferred Financing Costs	Deferred Financing Costs
	Deferred financing costs represent fees and other direct incremental costs incurred in connection with borrowings and term debt securitizations. These amounts are amortized using the straight-line method into earnings as interest expense ratably over the contractual term of the facility or the estimated life of the term debt securitization.
Valuation of Debt and Equity Linked Instruments [Policy Text Block]	Valuation of debt and equity linked instruments
	We account for the subordinated notes and associated warrants issued to Franklin Square as debt and equity-linked instruments. The warrants are freestanding, indexed to the Company's common stock and are classified as equity. They were initially recorded at relative fair value, with no subsequent re-measurement. The allocation of the proceeds from the issuance of debt and warrants to Franklin Square was determined using the relative fair value method. The allocation of proceeds to the warrants created a debt discount to the subordinated debt and will be amortized over the life of the subordinated notes. The subordinated debt is presented net of the debt discount.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the following useful lives:
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of estimated life or remaining lease term
	Computer equipment and software	3 years
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company classifies all interest and penalties on recognized tax benefits as a part of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not have any significant accrued interest, penalties or uncertain tax positions.
Fee Income Recognition	Fee Income Recognition
	Origination fees and costs are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the contractual life of the loans and investments. In connection with the prepayment of a loan or other debt product, any remaining unamortized net deferred fees for that loan are accelerated and, depending on the terms of the loan, there may be an additional fee charged based upon the prepayment and recognized in the period of the prepayment. Syndication and structuring fees are recognized in the period the service is completed as fee income.
Asset Management Income	Asset Management Income
	NewStar Financial, Inc. earns asset management income for investment management services performed for the Arlington Program, Clarendon Fund, and NewStar Credit Opportunities Fund, Ltd. NewStar accrues this income when earned, on a monthly basis, and classifies it as asset management income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Stock Based Compensation	Stock Based Compensation
	Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted ASC 718 (Share-Based Payment), which requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values on the grant date. The Company adopted ASC 718 using the prospective method.
	For awards granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled after January 1, 2006, the Company estimates the fair value of stock-based awards using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions, including expected term and expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the calculated fair value of stock-based compensation and the related expense to be recognized. Further, for awards that contain performance measures and conditions, the Company makes an assessment, based on management’s judgment, of the probability of these conditions being satisfied, which affects the timing and the amount of expense to be recognized. If the Company’s judgment as to whether these conditions are probable of occurrence are not appropriate, the financial statements could be materially affected.
Gain (loss) on Sale of Loans	Gain (loss) on sale of loans
	All loans sold to date have been sold without recourse. When loans are sold, a gain or loss is recognized to the extent that the sales proceeds plus unamortized fees and costs exceed or are less than the carrying value of the loans. Gains and losses are determined using the specific identification method.
Equity Method of Accounting	Equity Method of Accounting
	As the result of a troubled debt restructuring, the Company may acquire a portion of the equity in the borrower. In cases where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the borrower, it accounts for its equity interest under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company recognizes its proportional share of the borrower’s GAAP net income in its results of operations. In cases where the equity of the underlying company has no value, and the borrower incurs losses, the Company will apply its proportional share of the GAAP loss against the principal of the outstanding loan to the borrower.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company accounts for derivatives and hedging activities on the balance sheet in either other assets or other liabilities at their respective fair values.
	On the date a derivative contract is entered into, the Company designates the derivative as either (1) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge) or as (2) a derivative trading instrument. For all hedging relationships the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the item, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed, and a description of the method of measuring ineffectiveness. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash-flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income to the extent that the derivative is effective as a hedge, until earnings are affected by the variability in cash flows of the designated hedged item. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of a derivative instrument that qualifies as a cash-flow hedge is reported in earnings.
	The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, the derivative is de-designated as a hedging instrument because it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur, or management determines that designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate. In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued or was never applied, the Company continues to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When hedge accounting is discontinued because it is probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur by the date (or within the time period) originally specified or within an additional two-month period of time thereafter, the Company recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses on derivatives not designated as hedges, including any cash payments made or received, are reported as gain (loss) on derivatives in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax
	The Company records the change in fair value of cash flow hedge derivatives and unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities in comprehensive income. Gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reclassified to net income as the gains and losses are realized upon sale of the securities. Other than temporary impairment charges are reclassified to earnings at the time of the charge.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property and Equipment are Carried at Cost and are Depreciated or Amortized on a Straight-line Basis	Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the following useful lives:
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of estimated life or remaining lease term
	Computer equipment and software	3 years

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le1

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Loans Held-for-Sale	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, loans held-for-sale consisted of the following:
		December 31,			December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	202,369		$	14,897
	Gross loans held-for-sale	202,369			14,897
	Deferred loan fees, net	(1,800		)	(66		)
	Total loans, net	$	200,569		$	14,831
Summary of Loans and Leases	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, loans and leases consisted of the following:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	1,881,277		$	1,965,130
	Business Credit	286,918			182,633
	Real Estate	105,394			123,029
	Equipment Finance	96,666			54,352
	Gross loans and leases	2,370,255			2,325,144
	Deferred loan fees, net	(21,376		)	(17,064		)
	Allowance for loan and lease losses	(42,983		)	(41,403		)
	Total loans and leases, net	$	2,305,896		$	2,266,677
Summary of Impaired Loans	A summary of impaired loans is as follows:
	2014	Investment			Unpaid			Recorded Investment with a			Recorded Investment
					Principal			Related Allowance for			without a Related Allowance
								Credit Losses			for Credit Losses
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	164,886		$	186,002		$	103,159		$	61,727
	Business Credit	—			366			—			—
	Real Estate	52,309			55,661			—			52,309
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—			—
	Total	$	217,195		$	242,029		$	103,159		$	114,036
	2013
	Leveraged Finance	$	208,626		$	238,522		$	124,560		$	84,066
	Business Credit	287			476			287			—
	Real Estate	62,106			62,110			29,870			32,236
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—			—
	Total	$	271,019		$	301,108		$	154,717		$	116,302
Evaluation Summary of Portfolio and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses by Impairment	Below is a summary of the Company’s evaluation of its portfolio and allowance for loan and lease losses by impairment methodology:
		Leveraged Finance						Business Credit					Real Estate					Equipment Finance
	31-Dec-14	Investment			Allowance			Investment			Allowance		Investment			Allowance		Investment		Allowance
		($ in thousands)
	Collectively evaluated (1)	$	1,716,391		$	20,045		$	286,918		$	1,334	$	53,085		$	257	$	96,666	$	622
	Individually evaluated (2)	164,886			20,725			—			—		52,309			—		—		—
	Total	$	1,881,277		$	40,770		$	286,918		$	1,334	$	105,394		$	257	$	96,666	$	622
		Leveraged Finance						Business Credit					Real Estate					Equipment Finance
	31-Dec-13	Investment			Allowance			Investment			Allowance		Investment			Allowance		Investment		Allowance
		($ in thousands)
	Collectively evaluated (1)	$	1,756,504		$	16,524		$	182,346		$	773	$	60,923		$	377	$	54,352	$	425
	Individually evaluated (2)	208,626			19,828			287			200		62,106			3,276		—		—
	Total	$	1,965,130		$	36,352		$	182,633		$	973	$	123,029		$	3,653	$	54,352	$	425
	-1	Represents loans and leases collectively evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASC 450-20, Loss Contingencies, and pursuant to amendments by ASU 2010-20 regarding allowance for unimpaired loans and leases. These loans and leases had a weighted average risk rating of 5.1 based on the Company’s internally developed 12 point scale at December 31, 2014 and at December 31, 2013.
	-2	Represents loans individually evaluated for impairment in accordance with ASU 310-10, Receivables, and pursuant to amendments by ASU 2010-20 regarding allowance for impaired loans and leases.
Summary of Company's Investment in Nonaccrual Loans	Below is a summary of the Company’s investment in nonaccrual loans.
	Recorded Investment in	December 31,			December 31,
	Nonaccrual Loans	2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	84,704		$	63,553
	Business Credit	—			287
	Real Estate	3,103			6,865
	Equipment Finance	—			—
	Total	$	87,807		$	70,705
Summary of Types of Concessions with Respect to TDRs	A summary of the types of concessions that the Company made with respect to TDRs at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is provided below:
	($ in thousands)	Group I			Group II
	31-Dec-14	$	175,589		$	135,748
	31-Dec-13	$	240,319		$	164,150
	Note: A loan may be included in both restructuring groups, but not repeatedly within each group.
Summary of the Company's Loans Classified as TDR	Below is a summary of the Company’s loans which were classified as TDR.
	For the Year Ended	Pre-Modification			Post-Modification			Investment in  TDR
	December 31, 2014	Outstanding			Outstanding			Subsequently
		Recorded			Recorded			Defaulted
		Investment			Investment
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	—		$	—		$	25,933
	Business Credit	—			—			—
	Real Estate	—			—			—
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—
	Total	$	—		$	—		$	25,933
	For the Year Ended	Pre-Modification			Post-Modification			Investment in  TDR
	December 31, 2013	Outstanding			Outstanding			Subsequently
		Recorded			Recorded			Defaulted
		Investment			Investment
		($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	23,580		$	23,580		$	27,872
	Business Credit	—			—			—
	Real Estate	—			—			8,976
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—
	Total	$	23,580		$	23,580		$	36,848
Breakdown of Troubled Debt Restructurings	The following sets forth a breakdown of troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	As of December 31, 2014	Accrual Status						Impaired			Specific		For the
								Balance			Allowance		year
	($ in thousands)	Accruing			Nonaccrual								Charged-off
	Loan Type
	Leveraged Finance	$	80,182		$	70,734		$	150,916		$	19,885	$	18,709
	Business Credit	—			—			—			—		—
	Real Estate	21,570			3,103			24,673			—		—
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—			—		—
	Total	$	101,752		$	73,837		$	175,589		$	19,885	$	18,709
	As of December 31, 2013	Accrual Status						Impaired			Specific		For the
								Balance			Allowance		year
	($ in thousands)	Accruing			Nonaccrual								Charged-off
	Loan Type
	Leveraged Finance	$	145,073		$	63,010		$	208,083		$	19,713	$	8,759
	Business Credit	—			—			—			—		—
	Real Estate	25,371			6,865			32,236			—		—
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—			—		—
	Total	$	170,444		$	69,875		$	240,319		$	19,713	$	8,759
Aged Analysis of Past Due Receivables	An aged analysis of the Company’s past due receivables is as follows:
		60-89 Days			Greater than			Total Past			Current		Total Loans			Investment in
		Past Due			90 Days			Due					and Leases			> 60 Days &
																Accruing
	31-Dec-14	($ in thousands)
	Leveraged Finance	$	25,412		$	18,151		$	43,563		$	1,837,714	$	1,881,277		$	—
	Business Credit	—			—			—			286,918		286,918			—
	Real Estate	—			—			—			105,394		105,394			—
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—			96,666		96,666			—
	Total	$	25,412		$	18,151		$	43,563		$	2,326,692	$	2,370,255		$	—
	31-Dec-13
	Leveraged Finance	$	—		$	4,788		$	4,788		$	1,960,342	$	1,965,130		$	—
	Business Credit	—			287			287			182,346		182,633			—
	Real Estate	—			—			—			123,029		123,029			—
	Equipment Finance	—			—			—			54,352		54,352			—
	Total	$	—		$	5,075		$	5,075		$	2,320,069	$	2,325,144		$	—
Summary Activity in the Allowance for Credit Losses	A summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
		Leveraged			Business			Real			Equipment Finance		Total
		Finance			Credit			Estate
		($ in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	36,803		$	973		$	3,653		$	425	$	41,854
	Provision for credit losses—general	4,400			561			(120		)	197		5,038
	Provision for credit losses—specific	22,201			(200		)	69			—		22,070
	Loans charged off, net of recoveries	(21,924		)	—			(3,345		)	—		(25,269		)
	Balance, end of period	$	41,480		$	1,334		$	257		$	622	$	43,693
	Balance, end of period—specific	$	20,725		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	20,725
	Balance, end of period—general	$	20,755		$	1,334		$	257		$	622	$	22,968
	Average balance of impaired loans	$	172,379		$	525		$	56,995		$	—	$	229,899
	Interest recognized from impaired loans	$	9,888		$	—		$	2,173		$	—	$	12,061
	Loans and leases
	Loans individually evaluated with specific allowance	$	103,159		$	—		$	—		$	—	$	103,159
	Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	61,727			—			52,309			—		114,036
	Loans and leases collectively evaluated without specific allowance	1,716,391			286,918			53,085			96,666		2,153,060
	Total loans and leases	$	1,881,277		$	286,918		$	105,394		$	96,666	$	2,370,255
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Leveraged			Business			Real			Equipment Finance		Total
		Finance			Credit			Estate
		($ in thousands)
	Balance, beginning of period	$	39,971		$	529		$	9,286		$	178	$	49,964
	Provision for credit losses—general	(1,441		)	268			(495		)	247		(1,421		)
	Provision for credit losses—specific	13,680			2,602			(5,123		)	—		11,159
	Loans charged off, net of recoveries	(15,407		)	(2,426		)	(15		)	—		(17,848		)
	Balance, end of period	$	36,803		$	973		$	3,653		$	425	$	41,854
	Balance, end of period—specific	$	19,828		$	200		$	3,276		$	—	$	23,304
	Balance, end of period—general	$	16,975		$	773		$	377		$	425	$	18,550
	Average balance of impaired loans	$	193,629		$	2,222		$	62,746		$	—	$	258,597
	Interest recognized from impaired loans	$	11,480		$	—		$	2,245		$	—	$	13,725
	Loans and leases
	Loans individually evaluated with specific allowance	$	124,560		$	287		$	29,870		$	—	$	154,717
	Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	84,066			—			32,236			—		116,302
	Loans and leases collectively evaluated without specific allowance	1,756,504			182,346			60,923			54,352		2,054,125
	Total loans and leases	$	1,965,130		$	182,633		$	123,029		$	54,352	$	2,325,144

Restricted_Cash_Tables

Restricted Cash (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Summary of Restricted Cash	Restricted cash as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in thousands)
	Collections on loans pledged to credit facilities	$	34,508	$	62,231
	Principal and interest collections on loans held in trust and prefunding amounts	60,013		107,402
	Customer escrow accounts	890		237
	Total	$	95,411	$	169,870

Investments_in_Debt_Securities1

Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Amortized Cost of Investments in Debt Securities	Amortized cost of investments in debt securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Investments in debt securities—gross	$	53,098		$	25,298
	Unamortized discount	(6,228		)	(4,095		)
	Investments in debt securities—amortized cost	$	46,870		$	21,203
Summary of Amortized Cost, Gross Unrealized Holding Gains, Gross Unrealized Holding Losses, and Fair Value of Available-for-Sale Securities	The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair value
		cost			unrealized			unrealized
					holding gains			holding losses
		($ in thousands)
	December 31, 2014:
	Collateralized loan obligations	$	46,870		$	214		$	(203	)	$	46,881
		$	46,870		$	214		$	(203	)	$	46,881
		Amortized			Gross			Gross			Fair value
		cost			unrealized			unrealized
					holding gains			holding losses
		($ in thousands)
	December 31, 2013:
	Collateralized loan obligations	$	21,203		$	1,270		$	(275	)	$	22,198
		$	21,203		$	1,270		$	(275	)	$	22,198
Summary of Unrealized Loss on Investments	The following is an analysis of the continuous periods during which the Company has held investment positions which were carried at an unrealized loss as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		December 31, 2014
		Less than			Greater than			Total
		12 Months			or Equal to
					12 Months
		($ in thousands)
	Number of positions	8			—			8
	Fair value	$	38,740		$	—		$	38,740
	Amortized cost	38,943			—			38,943
	Unrealized loss	$	203		$	—		$	203
		December 31, 2013
		Less than			Greater than			Total
		12 Months			or Equal to
					12 Months
		($ in thousands)
	Number of positions	—			2			—
	Fair value	$	—		$	8,370		$	8,370
	Amortized cost	—			8,645			8,645
	Unrealized loss	$	—		$	275		$	275
Summary of Maturities of Debt Securities	Maturities of debt securities classified as available-for-sale were as follows at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Amortized			Fair value			Amortized			Fair value
		cost						cost
		($ in thousands)
	Available-for-sale:
	Due one year or less	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Due after one year through five years	—			—			—			—
	Due after five years	46,870			46,881			21,203			22,198
	Total	$	46,870		$	46,881		$	21,203		$	22,198

Fixed_Assets_Tables

Fixed Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Summary of Fixed Assets
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in thousands)
	Leasehold improvements	$	2,235	$	2,235
	Non-depreciable assets	20		20
	Furniture and equipment	860		800
	Software	390		370
		3,505		3,425
	Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,845		2,592
		$	660	$	833

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Debt Maturities	The contractual obligations under credit facilities and term debt as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Credit		Term debt(1)		Corporate debt				Subordinated notes		Total
		facilities
		($ in thousands)
	2015	$	114,751	$	—	$	—			$	—	$	114,751
	2016	16,966		—		25,000				—		41,966
	2017	356,051		—		—				—		356,051
	2018	—		—		213,500				—		213,500
	2019	—		—		—				—		—
	Thereafter	—		1,193,187		—				200,000		1,393,187
	Total	$	487,768	$	1,193,187	$	238,500			$	200,000	$	2,119,455
	-1	Maturities for term debt are based on contractual maturity dates. Actual maturities may occur earlier.
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member]
Summary of Borrowings	The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2007-1 CLO Trust:
		Notes		Outstanding		Interest		Original		Ratings
		originally		balance		rate		maturity		(S&P/Moody’s/
		issued		December 31,						Fitch)(1)
				2014
		($ in thousands)
	2007-1 CLO Trust
	Class A-1	$	336,500	$	162,405	Libor+0.24%		September 30, 2022		AAA/Aaa/AAA
	Class A-2	100,000		51,089		Libor+0.26%		September 30, 2022		AAA/Aaa/AAA
	Class B	24,000		24,000		Libor+0.55%		September 30, 2022		AA+/Aa1/AA
	Class C	58,500		58,293		Libor+1.30%		September 30, 2022		A-/A2/A
	Class D	27,000		21,000		Libor+2.30%		September 30, 2022		BBB-/Baa2/BBB+
		$	546,000	$	316,787
	-1	These ratings were initially given in June 2007, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time. During the first quarter of 2009 Fitch affirmed its ratings on all of the notes. During the first quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class C notes and the Class D notes. During the third quarter of 2009, Moody’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes and the Class B notes. During the second quarter of 2010, Standard and Poor’s downgraded the Class A-1 notes, the Class A-2 notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes. During the second quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded the Class C notes and the Class D notes. During the second quarter of 2011, Standard and Poor’s upgraded the Class D notes. During the fourth quarter of 2011, Moody’s upgraded all of the notes. During the third quarter of 2012, Fitch affirmed its ratings on all of the notes. During the second quarter of 2013, Moody’s upgraded the Class B notes, the Class C notes, the Class D notes and the Class E notes to the ratings shown above, and affirmed its ratings of the Class A-1 notes and the Class A-2 notes. During the third quarter of 2013, Fitch affirmed its ratings on all of the notes. During the first quarter of 2014, Standard and Poor’s upgraded its ratings on all notes to the ratings shown above. During the second quarter of 2014, Moody’s affirmed the above ratings of the Class B notes, the Class C notes, and the Class D notes. During the third quarter of 2014, Fitch affirmed its ratings on all of the notes. (source: Bloomberg Finance L.P.).
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member]
Summary of Borrowings	The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2012-2 CLO:
		Notes		Outstanding		Interest		Original		Ratings
		originally		balance		rate		maturity		(Moody’s/
		issued		December 31,						S&P)(1)
				2014
		($ in thousands)
	2012-2 CLO
	Class A	$	190,700	$	190,700	Libor+1.90%		January 20, 2023		Aaa/AAA
	Class B	26,000		26,000		Libor+3.25%		January 20, 2023		Aa2/N/A
	Class C	35,200		35,200		Libor+4.25%		January 20, 2023		A2/N/A
	Class D	11,400		11,400		Libor+6.25%		January 20, 2023		Baa2/N/A
		$	263,300	$	263,300
	-1	These ratings were initially given in December 2012, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time.
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member]
Summary of Borrowings	The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2013-1 CLO:
		Notes		Outstanding		Interest			Original		Ratings
		originally		balance		rate			maturity		(S&P/
		issued		December 31,							Moody’s)(2)
				2014
		($ in thousands)
	2013-1 CLO
	Class A-T	$	202,600	$	202,600	Libor+1.65%			September 20, 2023		AAA/Aaa
	Class A-R	35,000		20,000		(1	)		September 20, 2023		AAA/Aaa
	Class B	38,000		38,000		Libor+2.30%			September 20, 2023		AA/N/A
	Class C	36,000		36,000		Libor+3.80%			September 20, 2023		A/N/A
	Class D	21,000		21,000		Libor+4.55%			September 20, 2023		BBB/N/A
	Class E	6,000		6,000		Libor+5.30%			September 20, 2023		BBB-/N/A
		$	338,600	$	323,600
	-1	Class A-R Notes will accrue interest at the Class A-R CP Rate so long as they are held by a CP Conduit, and otherwise will accrue interest at the Class A-R LIBOR Rate or, in certain circumstances, the Class A-R Base Rate, but in no event shall interest rate payable pari passu with the Class A-T Notes exceed the Class A-R Waterfall Rate Cap.
	-2	These ratings were initially given in September 2013, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time.
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member]
Summary of Borrowings	The following table sets forth selected information with respect to the 2014-1 CLO:
		Notes		Outstanding		Interest			Original		Ratings
		originally		balance		rate			maturity		(Moody’s)(2)
		issued		December 31,
				2014
		($ in thousands)
	2014-1 CLO
	Class A	$	202,500	$	202,500	Libor+1.80%			April 20, 2025		Aaa
	Class B-1	20,000		20,000		Libor+2.60%			April 20, 2025		Aa2
	Class B-2	13,250		13,250		(1	)		April 20, 2025		Aa2
	Class C	30,250		30,250		Libor+3.60%			April 20, 2025		A2
	Class D	23,500		23,500		Libor+4.75%			April 20, 2025		Baa3
		$	289,500	$	289,500
	-1	Class B-2 Notes accrue interest at a fixed rate of 4.902%.
	-2	These ratings were initially given in April 2014, are unaudited and are subject to change from time to time.

Repurchase_Agreement_Tables

Repurchase Agreement (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Banking and Thrift [Abstract]
Schedule of Loans Sold under Agreements to Repurchase
		Year Ended			Year Ended
	Loans sold under agreements to repurchase	31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		($ in thousands)
	Outstanding at end of period	$	57,227		$	67,954
	Maximum outstanding at any month end	57,891			67,954
	Average balance for the period	57,932			35,280
	Weighted average rate at end of period	5.16		%	5.17		%

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments	Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		($ in thousands)
	2015	$	1,462
	2016	1,335
	2017	1,362
	2018	1,260
	2019	1,025
	Thereafter	150

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Authorized Capital	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s authorized capital consists of preferred and common stock and the following was authorized and outstanding:
		31-Dec-14					31-Dec-13
		Shares		Shares			Shares	Shares
		authorized		outstanding			authorized	outstanding
		(In thousands)
	Preferred stock	5,000		—			5,000	—
	Common stock	145,000		46,620			145,000	48,659
Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity	Restricted stock activity for 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Shares		Grant-date
				fair value
				($ in thousands)
	Non-vested as of January 1, 2013	2,418,860		$	19,810
	Granted	211,326		2,826
	Vested	(2,243,757	)	(18,053		)
	Forfeited	(20,295	)	(242		)
	Non-vested as of December 31, 2013	366,134		4,341
	Granted	135,008		1,915
	Vested	(175,484	)	(2,025		)
	Forfeited	(10,320	)	(140		)
	Non-vested as of December 31, 2014	315,338		$	4,091
Schedule of Stock Option Activity	Stock option activity for 2014 and 2013 was as follows:
		Options		Weighted			Weighted
				average			average
				exercise			remaining
				price			contractual
							life (in years)
	Outstanding as of January 1, 2013	5,618,819		5.03			3
	Granted	—		—			0
	Exercised	(60,267	)	6			3
	Forfeited	(14,167	)	15.97			3
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	5,544,385		5			2
	Granted	—		—			0
	Exercised	(910,946	)	6.78			1
	Forfeited	(5,000	)	12.45			2
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	4,628,439		4.64			1
	Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	4,628,439		4.64			1
	Exercisable as of December 31, 2014	4,628,439		4.64			1

Income_Per_Share_Tables

Income Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computations of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share	The computations of basic and diluted income per share for the periods ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013		2012
		(In thousands)
	Numerator:
	Net income	$	10,594	$	24,595	$	23,977
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic income per common share	48,267		48,157		47,370
	Denominator:
	Denominator for diluted income per common share	48,267		48,157		47,370
	Potentially dilutive securities—options	3,229		3,671		3,284
	Potentially dilutive securities—restricted stock	—		762		2,000
	Potentially dilutive securities—warrants	79		352		79
	Total weighted average diluted shares	51,575		52,942		52,733

Consolidated_Variable_Interest1

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Balance Sheet of Variable Interest Entity	The following tables present the unconsolidated, stand alone balance sheet of Arlington Fund.
		As of
		31-Dec-13
		(unaudited)
		($ in thousands)
	Restricted cash	$	1,950
	Loans, net	171,427
	Other assets	3,022
	Total assets	$	176,399
	Credit facilities—Class A Notes	$	120,344
	Class A Notes interest payable	434
	Class B Notes payable	19,375
	Class B Notes interest payable	183
	Other liabilities	173
	Total liabilities	140,509
	Equity	35,890
	Total liabilities and equity	$	176,399

Financial_Instruments_with_Off1

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk	Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk are summarized as follows:
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in thousands)
	Unused lines of credit	$	317,583	$	326,231
	Standby letters of credit	7,911		6,880

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		($ in thousands)
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	3,245		$	3,212		$	9,756
	State	1,667			1,516			3,164
	Total current	4,912			4,728			12,920
	Deferred tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	2,440			9,910			3,311
	State	133			1,918			769
	Total deferred	2,573			11,828			4,080
	Income tax expense	$	7,485		$	16,556		$	17,000
Summary of Effective Tax Rate	The effective tax rate differed from the statutory federal corporate rate of 35% as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
		($ in thousands)
	Federal statutory rate	$	6,328		$	14,403		$	14,342
	State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	1,170			2,232			2,556
	Other	(13		)	(79		)	102
		$	7,485		$	16,556		$	17,000
Summary of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in thousands)
	Deferred tax asset:
	Allowance for credit losses	$	23,905		$	20,386
	Capitalized startup costs	112			124
	Other	420			390
	Capital loss carryforward	250			638
	Securities fair value adjustments	21			—
	Equity compensation	10,012			8,493
	Accrued bonus	5,019			5,083
	Income from non-performing assets	3,280			3,432
	Other real estate owned	282			814
	Gross deferred tax asset	43,301			39,360
	Deferred tax liability:
	Prepaid expenses	989			1,034
	Mark-to-market loans	370			147
	Deferred loan costs	1,873			2,117
	Cancellation of term debt income	2,371			2,964
	Equity positions	2,405			6
	Equipment leasing	7,215			2,463
	Securities fair value adjustments	—			391
	Gross deferred tax liability	15,223			9,122
	Net deferred tax asset	$	28,078		$	30,238

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	The following table presents recorded amounts of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2013, by caption in the consolidated balance sheet and by ASC 820 valuation hierarchy (as described above).
		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant		Total
		in Active			Other			Unobservable		Carrying
		Markets for			Observable			Inputs		Value in
		Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)		Consolidated
		(Level 1)			(Level 2)					Balance Sheet
		($ in thousands)
	Recurring Basis:
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	—		$	—		$	22,198	$	22,198
	Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	$	—		$	—		$	22,198	$	22,198
	Nonrecurring Basis:
	Loans, net	$	—		$	—		$	26,671	$	26,671
	Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$	—		$	—		$	26,671	$	26,671
	The following table presents recorded amounts of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2014, by caption in the consolidated balance sheet and by ASC 820 valuation hierarchy (as described above).
		Quoted Prices			Significant			Significant		Total
		in Active			Other			Unobservable		Carrying
		Markets for			Observable			Inputs		Value in
		Identical Assets			Inputs			(Level 3)		Consolidated
		(Level 1)			(Level 2)					Balance Sheet
		($ in thousands)
	Recurring Basis:
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	—		$	—		$	46,881	$	46,881
	TRS	—			$	(740	)	$	—	$	(740	)
	Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	$	—		$	(740	)	$	46,881	$	46,141
	Nonrecurring Basis:
	Loans, net	$	—		$	—		$	27,719	$	27,719
	Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$	—		$	—		$	27,719	$	27,719
Summary of Significant Unobservable Inputs and Valuation Techniques	The following table presents a summary of significant unobservable inputs and valuation techniques of the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2013.
		Fair value			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Input	Range
		($ in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	22,198		Third-party pricing		Pricing assumptions such as prepayment rates, interest rates, loss assumptions, cash flow projections, and comparisons to similar financial instruments
	Loans and leases, net	26,671			Market comparables		Cost to sell	3% - 7%
					Valuation model		Marketability discount	5% - 30%
	Total:	$	48,869
	The following table presents a summary of significant unobservable inputs and valuation techniques of the Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2014.
		Fair value			Valuation Techniques		Unobservable Input	Range
		($ in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$	46,881		Third-party pricing		Pricing assumptions such as prepayment rates, interest rates, loss assumptions, cash flow projections, and comparisons to similar financial instruments
	Loans and leases, net	27,719			Market comparables		Cost to sell	3% - 7%
					Valuation model		Marketability discount	5% - 30%
	Total:	$	74,600
Reconciliation of Financial Instruments Measured on Recurring Basis and Classified as Level 3 Inputs	For the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Investments in
		Debt Securities,
		Available-for-sale
		($ in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	22,198
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings	1,412
	Included in other comprehensive income	(984		)
	Purchases	38,255
	Issuances	—
	Settlements	(14,000		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	46,881
	For the year ended December 31, 2013:
		Investments in
		Debt Securities,
		Available-for-sale
		($ in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	21,127
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
	Included in earnings	227
	Included in other comprehensive income	844
	Purchases	—
	Issuances	—
	Settlements	—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	22,198
Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Company's Financial Instruments	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.
		31-Dec-14						31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Fair value			Carrying		Fair value
		amount						amount
		($ in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	33,033		$	33,033		$	43,401	$	43,401
	Restricted cash	95,411			95,411			169,870		169,870
	Cash collateral on deposit with custodian	38,975			38,975			—		—
	Loans held-for-sale	200,569			200,569			14,831		14,831
	Loans and leases, net	2,305,896			2,314,271			2,266,677		2,301,053
	Investments in debt securities available-for-sale	46,881			46,881			22,198		22,198
	Other assets	15,613			15,613			7,955		7,955
	Financial liabilities:
	Credit facilities	$	487,768		$	487,768		$	452,502	$	452,502
	Term debt securitizations	1,193,187			1,163,803			1,242,374		1,202,900
	Corporate debt	238,500			238,500			200,000		200,000
	Subordinated notes	156,831			184,087			—		—
	Repurchase agreements	57,227			63,507			67,954		66,911
Carrying Amounts Estimated Fair Values and Placement in Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments	The following table presents the carrying amounts, estimated fair values, and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The table excludes financial instruments for which the carrying amount approximates fair value such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, loans held-for-sale (as applicable), investments in debt securities available-for-sale, credit facilities, and financial information disclosed above.
	31-Dec-14
		Carrying			Fair value			Fair Value Measurements
		amount						Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		($ in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Loans and leases, net	$	2,305,896		$	2,314,271		$	—	$	—		$	2,314,271
	Financial liabilities:
	Term debt securitizations	1,193,187			1,163,803			—		1,163,803			—
	Subordinated notes	156,831			184,087			—		—			184,087
	Repurchase agreements	57,227			63,507			—		63,507			—
	31-Dec-13
		Carrying			Fair value			Fair Value Measurements
		amount						Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
		($ in thousands)
	Financial assets:
	Loans and leases, net	$	2,240,006		$	2,274,382		$	0	$	0		$	2,274,382
	Financial liabilities:
	Term debt securitizations	1,242,374			1,202,900			0		1,402,900			0
	Repurchase agreements	67,954			66,911			0		66,911			0

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Information	Unaudited quarterly information for 2013 and 2012 is shown in the following table.
		For the three months ended
		Dec. 31,			Sept. 30,		June 30,			March 31,		Dec. 31,		Sept. 30,		June 30,		March 31,
		2014			2014		2014			2014		2013		2013		2013		2013
		($ in thousands)
	Summary Results of Operations Data:
	Interest income	$	35,601		$	33,907	$	33,536		$	33,127	$	32,283	$	30,370	$	34,891	$	30,140
	Interest expense	17,102			14,304		13,868			12,501		12,173		11,703		9,908		9,187
	Net interest income	18,499			19,603		19,668			20,626		20,110		18,667		24,983		20,953
	Provision for credit losses	5,280			3,369		12,652			5,807		2,309		2,381		4,330		718
	Net interest income after provision for credit losses	13,219			16,234		7,016			14,819		17,801		16,286		20,653		20,235
	Total non-interest income (loss)	(259		)	3,261		1,496			6,718		3,817		5,131		1,461		3,103
	Total operating expenses	10,752			10,981		11,655			12,128		12,193		11,525		12,769		12,911
	Operating income (loss) before income taxes	2,208			8,514		(3,143		)	9,409		9,425		9,892		9,345		10,427
	Results of Consolidated VIE
	Interest income	—			—		2,615			2,653		2,430		1,991		900		—
	Interest expense	—			—		2,684			1,473		1,424		1,125		683		—
	Other income	—			—		221			8		17		18		16		—
	Operating expenses	—			—		189			60		64		10		4		—
	Net results from Consolidated VIE	—			—		(37		)	1,128		959		874		229		—
	Income (loss) before income taxes	2,208			8,514		(3,180		)	10,537		10,384		10,766		9,574		10,427
	Income tax expense (benefit)	982			3,494		(1,325		)	4,334		4,024		4,329		3,930		4,273
	Net income (loss)	$	1,226		$	5,020	$	(1,855	)	$	6,203	$	6,360	$	6,437	$	5,644	$	6,154
	Net income (loss) per share:
	Basic	$	0.03		$	0.1	$	(0.04	)	$	0.13	$	0.13	$	0.13	$	0.12	$	0.13
	Diluted	0.02			0.1		(0.04		)	0.12		0.12		0.12		0.11		0.12

Organization_Commitments_Detai

Organization - Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Credit Concentration Risk [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Possible balance sheet exposure to a single customer - exceed	$30,000,000
Commitment to Provide Financing [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Range of commitment per borrower	10,000,000
Commitment to Provide Financing [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Range of commitment per borrower	$50,000,000

Organization_Lending_Groups_De

Organization - Lending Groups (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
	Segment
	Group
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	1
Number of specialized lending groups	4
Minimum [Member] | Leveraged Finance [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Revenues from national specialized lending groups	10,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Business Credit [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Revenues from national specialized lending groups	25,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Revenues from national specialized lending groups	10,000,000
Minimum [Member] | Equipment Finance [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Revenues from national specialized lending groups	25,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Leveraged Finance [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Revenues from national specialized lending groups	50,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Business Credit [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Revenues from national specialized lending groups	500,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Real Estate [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Revenues from national specialized lending groups	50,000,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 26, 2014
	Mechanisms
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents maturity period	Cash and cash equivalents include all demand deposits held in banks and certain heighly liquid instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less
Financing receivable past due period	90 days
Historical loss trends experience period	25 years
Number of mechanisms	2
Arlington Fund [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Term debt securitization		$409,400,000
Arlington Fund [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Allowance for credit losses	0

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Property and Equipment are Carried at Cost and are Depreciated or Amortized on a Straight-line Basis (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	Shorter of estimated life or remaining lease term
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property and equipment are carried at cost and are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le2

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 27, 2015
	risk_factor								Segment		Loans
	Group								risk_factor
									Group
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of operating segments									1
Number of specialized lending groups	4								4
Loans held-for-sale, net	$200,569,000				$14,831,000				$200,569,000	$14,831,000
Loans sold, aggregate amount	59,000,000				32,000,000				59,000,000	32,000,000	45,100,000
Gain (loss) on sale of loans, net									-230,000	72,000	335,000
Impaired loan	217,195,000				271,019,000				217,195,000	271,019,000
Impaired loans restructured and classified as TDR	175,600,000				240,300,000				175,600,000	240,300,000
Aggregate carrying value of equity investments	16,400,000				6,900,000				16,400,000	6,900,000
Impaired financing receivable, non-accrual status	87,800,000				70,700,000				87,800,000	70,700,000
Loans charged-off, net of recoveries									25,300,000	17,800,000	26,800,000
Impaired loans, non-accrual status	43,500,000				48,900,000				43,500,000	48,900,000
Identified non-accrual loans, outstanding balance	1,900,000								1,900,000		16,200,000
Specific provisions for impaired loans									22,200,000	11,200,000
Specific allowance for impaired loans	20,700,000				23,300,000				20,700,000	23,300,000
Specific allowance for impaired loans with an aggregate outstanding balance	103,200,000				154,700,000				103,200,000	154,700,000
Additional funding commitments for impaired loans	10,900,000				17,600,000				10,900,000	17,600,000
Impaired loans related to delinquent loans greater than 60 days	43,600,000				5,100,000				43,600,000	5,100,000
Number of days past due to classified as delinquent									60 days	60 days
Impaired loans related to delinquent loans									8,700,000	1,200,000
Number of impaired commercial real estate loans											2
Partial charge-off on commercial real estate property											2,700,000
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned									10,276,000	0	0
Gains (Losses) on sales of other real estate									15,000	0	-324,000
Previously charged-off impaired loan outstanding balances, recovered									100,000	100,000	1,600,000
Partial charge-offs related to loans previously classified as TDR									18,700,000	8,800,000
Minimum number of years of database for risk rating analysis									25 years
Number of risk factors used to determine allowance for credit losses	10								10
Allowance for unfunded commitments	700,000				500,000				700,000	500,000
Provision for credit losses	5,280,000	3,369,000	12,652,000	5,807,000	2,309,000	2,381,000	4,330,000	718,000	27,108,000	9,738,000	12,651,000
Allowance for credit losses	43,693,000				41,854,000				43,693,000	41,854,000	49,964,000
Allowance for credit losses, percentage									17.00%
Percentage of TDR and other loans to loans and leases, net	9.00%				12.00%				9.00%	12.00%
Arlington Fund [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans held-for-sale, net	202,400,000								202,400,000
Allowance for credit losses	0								0
Credit Funds [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans held-for-sale, balance	190,300,000								190,300,000
Other Than NCOF [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on sale of loans, net									200,000	100,000	300,000
Criticized [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and leases outstanding	133,200,000				190,600,000				133,200,000	190,600,000
Impaired loan	121,800,000				177,500,000				121,800,000	177,500,000
Loans Pass [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans and leases outstanding	2,200,000,000				2,100,000,000				2,200,000,000	2,100,000,000
Non Accrual Loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans charged-off, net of recoveries									18,800,000	15,800,000
Specific Provision [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for credit losses	20,725,000				23,304,000				20,725,000	23,304,000
Provision for credit losses related to loans, net									22,070,000	11,159,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Credit Funds [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans sold, aggregate amount												104,600,000
Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Commercial Real Estate Property Underlying One of the Impaired Loans [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned									9,500,000
Gains (Losses) on sales of other real estate									10,000
Commercial Real Estate [Member] | Other Commercial Real Estate Property [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Aggregate carrying value of commercial real estate property	$3,200,000								$3,200,000

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le3

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Held-for-sale (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross loans	$202,369	$14,897
Deferred loan fees, net	-1,800	-66
Total loans, net	200,569	14,831
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Gross loans	$202,369	$14,897

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le4

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary of Loans and Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	$2,370,255	$2,325,144
Deferred loan fees, net	-21,376	-17,064
Allowance for loan and lease losses	-42,983	-41,403
Total loans and leases, net	2,305,896	2,266,677
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	1,881,277	1,965,130
Business Credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	286,918	182,633
Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	105,394	123,029
Equipment Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	$96,666	$54,352

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le5

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary of Impaired Loans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment	$217,195	$271,019
Unpaid Principal	242,029	301,108
Recorded Investment with a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	103,159	154,717
Recorded Investment without a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	114,036	116,302
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment	164,886	208,626
Unpaid Principal	186,002	238,522
Recorded Investment with a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	103,159	124,560
Recorded Investment without a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	61,727	84,066
Business Credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment	0	287
Unpaid Principal	366	476
Recorded Investment with a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	0	287
Recorded Investment without a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment	52,309	62,106
Unpaid Principal	55,661	62,110
Recorded Investment with a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	0	29,870
Recorded Investment without a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	52,309	32,236
Equipment Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment	0	0
Unpaid Principal	0	0
Recorded Investment with a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	0	0
Recorded Investment without a Related Allowance for Credit Losses	$0	$0

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le6

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Evaluation Summary of Portfolio and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses by Impairment (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Investment, Collectively evaluated	$2,153,060	$2,054,125
Total Loans and Leases	2,370,255	2,325,144
Weighted-average risk rating	5.1
Point scale used to determine risk rating	12
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Investment, Collectively evaluated	1,716,391	1,756,504
Investment, Individually evaluated	164,886	208,626
Total Loans and Leases	1,881,277	1,965,130
Allowance, Collectively evaluated	20,045	16,524
Allowance, Individually evaluated	20,725	19,828
Allowance, Total	40,770	36,352
Business Credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Investment, Collectively evaluated	286,918	182,346
Investment, Individually evaluated	0	287
Total Loans and Leases	286,918	182,633
Allowance, Collectively evaluated	1,334	773
Allowance, Individually evaluated	0	200
Allowance, Total	1,334	973
Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Investment, Collectively evaluated	53,085	60,923
Investment, Individually evaluated	52,309	62,106
Total Loans and Leases	105,394	123,029
Allowance, Collectively evaluated	257	377
Allowance, Individually evaluated	0	3,276
Allowance, Total	257	3,653
Equipment Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items]
Investment, Collectively evaluated	96,666	54,352
Investment, Individually evaluated	0	0
Total Loans and Leases	96,666	54,352
Allowance, Collectively evaluated	622	425
Allowance, Individually evaluated	0	0
Allowance, Total	$622	$425

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le7

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary of Company's Investment in Nonaccrual Loans (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment in Non-accrual Loans	$87,807	$70,705
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment in Non-accrual Loans	84,704	63,553
Business Credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment in Non-accrual Loans	0	287
Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment in Non-accrual Loans	3,103	6,865
Equipment Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Impaired [Line Items]
Investment in Non-accrual Loans	$0	$0

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le8

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary of Types of Concessions with Respect to TDRs (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Group I [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring, Debtor, Subsequent Periods [Line Items]
Concessions with respect to troubled debt restructuring	$175,589	$240,319
Group II [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring, Debtor, Subsequent Periods [Line Items]
Concessions with respect to troubled debt restructuring	$135,748	$164,150

Loans_HeldforSale_Loans_and_Le9

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary of the Company's Loans Classified as TDR (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	$0	$23,580
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	23,580
Investment in TDR Subsequently Defaulted	25,933	36,848
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	23,580
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	23,580
Investment in TDR Subsequently Defaulted	25,933	27,872
Business Credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	0
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	0
Investment in TDR Subsequently Defaulted	0	0
Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	0
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	0
Investment in TDR Subsequently Defaulted	0	8,976
Equipment Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Modifications [Line Items]
Pre-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	0
Post-Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment	0	0
Investment in TDR Subsequently Defaulted	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet1

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Sets Forth a Breakdown of Troubled Debt Restructurings (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Troubled Debt Restructuring, Debtor, Subsequent Periods [Line Items]
Accruing	$101,752	$170,444
Nonaccrual	73,837	69,875
Impaired Balance	175,589	240,319
Specific Allowance	19,885	19,713
Charged-off	18,709	8,759
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring, Debtor, Subsequent Periods [Line Items]
Accruing	80,182	145,073
Nonaccrual	70,734	63,010
Impaired Balance	150,916	208,083
Specific Allowance	19,885	19,713
Charged-off	18,709	8,759
Business Credit [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring, Debtor, Subsequent Periods [Line Items]
Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	0	0
Impaired Balance	0	0
Specific Allowance	0	0
Charged-off	0	0
Real Estate [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring, Debtor, Subsequent Periods [Line Items]
Accruing	21,570	25,371
Nonaccrual	3,103	6,865
Impaired Balance	24,673	32,236
Specific Allowance	0	0
Charged-off	0	0
Equipment Finance [Member]
Troubled Debt Restructuring, Debtor, Subsequent Periods [Line Items]
Accruing	0	0
Nonaccrual	0	0
Impaired Balance	0	0
Specific Allowance	0	0
Charged-off	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet2

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Aged Analysis of Past Due Receivables (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
60-89 Days Past Due	$25,412	$0
Greater than 90 Days	18,151	5,075
Total Past Due	43,563	5,075
Current	2,326,692	2,320,069
Total Loans and Leases	2,370,255	2,325,144
Investment in greater than 60 Days & Accruing	0	0
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
60-89 Days Past Due	25,412	0
Greater than 90 Days	18,151	4,788
Total Past Due	43,563	4,788
Current	1,837,714	1,960,342
Total Loans and Leases	1,881,277	1,965,130
Investment in greater than 60 Days & Accruing	0	0
Business Credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater than 90 Days	0	287
Total Past Due	0	287
Current	286,918	182,346
Total Loans and Leases	286,918	182,633
Investment in greater than 60 Days & Accruing	0	0
Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater than 90 Days	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	105,394	123,029
Total Loans and Leases	105,394	123,029
Investment in greater than 60 Days & Accruing	0	0
Equipment Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
60-89 Days Past Due	0	0
Greater than 90 Days	0	0
Total Past Due	0	0
Current	96,666	54,352
Total Loans and Leases	96,666	54,352
Investment in greater than 60 Days & Accruing	$0	$0

Recovered_Sheet3

Loans Held-for-Sale, Loans and Leases, and Allowance for Credit Losses - Summary Activity in the Allowance for Credit Losses (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$41,854	$49,964
Loans charged off, net of recoveries	-25,269	-17,848
Average balance of impaired loans	229,899	258,597
Interest recognized from impaired loans	12,061	13,725
Balance, end of period	43,693	41,854
Investment, Collectively evaluated	2,153,060	2,054,125
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	2,370,255	2,325,144
General [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	18,550
Provision for credit losses	5,038	-1,421
Balance, end of period	22,968	18,550
Specific Provision [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	23,304
Provision for credit losses	22,070	11,159
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	103,159	154,717
Balance, end of period	20,725	23,304
No Specific [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	114,036	116,302
Leveraged Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	36,803	39,971
Loans charged off, net of recoveries	-21,924	-15,407
Average balance of impaired loans	172,379	193,629
Interest recognized from impaired loans	9,888	11,480
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	164,886	208,626
Balance, end of period	41,480	36,803
Investment, Collectively evaluated	1,716,391	1,756,504
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	1,881,277	1,965,130
Leveraged Finance [Member] | General [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	16,975
Provision for credit losses	4,400	-1,441
Balance, end of period	20,755	16,975
Leveraged Finance [Member] | Specific Provision [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	19,828
Provision for credit losses	22,201	13,680
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	103,159	124,560
Balance, end of period	20,725	19,828
Leveraged Finance [Member] | No Specific [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	61,727	84,066
Business Credit [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	973	529
Loans charged off, net of recoveries	0	-2,426
Average balance of impaired loans	525	2,222
Interest recognized from impaired loans	0	0
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	0	287
Balance, end of period	1,334	973
Investment, Collectively evaluated	286,918	182,346
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	286,918	182,633
Business Credit [Member] | General [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	773
Provision for credit losses	561	268
Balance, end of period	1,334	773
Business Credit [Member] | Specific Provision [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	200
Provision for credit losses	-200	2,602
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	0	287
Balance, end of period	0	200
Business Credit [Member] | No Specific [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	0	0
Real Estate [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	3,653	9,286
Loans charged off, net of recoveries	-3,345	-15
Average balance of impaired loans	56,995	62,746
Interest recognized from impaired loans	2,173	2,245
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	52,309	62,106
Balance, end of period	257	3,653
Investment, Collectively evaluated	53,085	60,923
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	105,394	123,029
Real Estate [Member] | General [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	377
Provision for credit losses	-120	-495
Balance, end of period	257	377
Real Estate [Member] | Specific Provision [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	3,276
Provision for credit losses	69	-5,123
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	0	29,870
Balance, end of period	0	3,276
Real Estate [Member] | No Specific [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	52,309	32,236
Equipment Finance [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	425	178
Loans charged off, net of recoveries	0	0
Average balance of impaired loans	0	0
Interest recognized from impaired loans	0	0
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	0	0
Balance, end of period	622	425
Investment, Collectively evaluated	96,666	54,352
Loans and Leases Receivable, Gross	96,666	54,352
Equipment Finance [Member] | General [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	425
Provision for credit losses	197	247
Balance, end of period	622	425
Equipment Finance [Member] | Specific Provision [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	0
Provision for credit losses	0	0
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	0	0
Balance, end of period	0	0
Equipment Finance [Member] | No Specific [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Loans individually evaluated with no specific allowance	$0	$0

Restricted_Cash_Summary_of_Res

Restricted Cash - Summary of Restricted Cash (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Collections on loans pledged to credit facilities	$34,508	$62,231
Principal and interest collections on loans held in trust and prefunding amounts	60,013	107,402
Customer escrow accounts	890	237
Total	$95,411	$169,870

Restricted_Cash_Additional_Inf

Restricted Cash - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Restricted Cash and Investments [Abstract]
Restricted cash to fund new or existing loans	$32.80

Investments_in_Debt_Securities2

Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale - Summary of Amortized Cost of Investments in Debt Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments in debt securities—gross	$53,098	$25,298
Unamortized discount	-6,228	-4,095
Investments in debt securities—amortized cost	$46,870	$21,203

Investments_in_Debt_Securities3

Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-sale - Summary of Amortized cost, Gross Unrealized Holding Gains, Gross Unrealized Holding Losses, and Fair Value of Available-for-sale Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Amortized cost	$46,870	$21,203
Gross unrealized holding gains	214	1,270
Gross unrealized holding losses	-203	-275
Fair value	46,881	22,198
Collateralized Loan Obligations [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Amortized cost	46,870	21,203
Gross unrealized holding gains	214	1,270
Gross unrealized holding losses	-203	-275
Fair value	$46,881	$22,198

Investments_in_Debt_Securities4

Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Purchase of debt securities available-for-sale	$38,255,000	$0	$0
Aggregate discount on the purchase of debt securities	3,500,000
Proceeds from repayments of debt securities available-for-sale	14,000,000	0	0
Other than temporary impairment charges	$0	$0	$0

Investments_in_Debt_Securities5

Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale - Summary of Unrealized Loss on Investments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Positions	Positions
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Number of positions, Less than 12 Months	8	0
Fair value, Less than 12 Months	$38,740	$0
Amortized cost, Less than 12 Months	38,943	0
Unrealized loss, Less than 12 Months	203	0
Number of positions, Greater than or Equal to 12 Months	0	2
Fair value, Greater than or Equal to 12 Months	0	8,370
Amortized cost, Greater than or Equal to 12 Months	0	8,645
Unrealized loss, Greater than or Equal to 12 Months	0	275
Number of positions, Total	8	2
Fair value	38,740	8,370
Investments in debt securities - amortized cost	38,943	8,645
Unrealized loss, Total	$203	$275

Investments_in_Debt_Securities6

Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-sale - Summary of Maturities of Debt Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost, Available-for-sale, Due one year or less	$0	$0
Amortized cost, Available-for-sale, Due after one year through five years	0	0
Amortized cost, Available-for-sale, Due after five years	46,870	21,203
Amortized cost	46,870	21,203
Fair value, Available-for-sale, Due one year or less	0	0
Fair value, Available-for-sale, Due after one year through five years	0	0
Fair value, Available-for-sale, Due after five years	46,881	22,198
Fair value	$46,881	$22,198

Fixed_Assets_Summary_of_Fixed_

Fixed Assets - Summary of Fixed Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment, Gross	$3,505	$3,425
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,845	2,592
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Total	660	833
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment, Gross	2,235	2,235
Non-Depreciable Assets [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment, Gross	20	20
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment, Gross	860	800
Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Plant, property and equipment, Gross	$390	$370

Fixed_Asset_Additional_Informa

Fixed Asset - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$0.30	$0.40	$0.50

Borrowings_Credit_Facilities_A

Borrowings - Credit Facilities - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 04, 2013	Dec. 08, 2014	Jan. 13, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of credit facilities	4
Outstanding balance of credit facility	$487,768,000	$332,158,000
Wells Fargo [Member] | Class A Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable funding notes	147,000,000		147,000,000
Arlington Fund [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Number of credit facilities	1
Arlington Fund [Member] | Class B Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Variable funding notes	28,000,000		28,000,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Facility to Fund Leveraged Finance Loans [Member] | Wells Fargo [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility	275,000,000
Outstanding balance of credit facility	261,700,000
Unamortized deferred financing fees	2,900,000
Revolving reinvestment period	5-Nov-15
Amortization period of credit facility	2 years
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Facility to Fund Asset Based Loans [Member] | Wells Fargo [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility	110,000,000			100,000,000
Outstanding balance of credit facility	94,400,000
Unamortized deferred financing fees	800,000
Maturity date of facility	7-Dec-17
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity deduction	300,000,000
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Facility to Fund Asset Based Loans [Member] | DZ Bank [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility	125,000,000
Outstanding balance of credit facility	114,800,000
Unamortized deferred financing fees	200,000
Minimum payment of credit facility	1,600,000
Maturity date of facility	30-Jun-15
Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Facility to Fund New Equipment Lease Origination [Member] | Wells Fargo [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility	75,000,000
Outstanding balance of credit facility	17,000,000
Unamortized deferred financing fees	1,100,000
Maturity date of facility	16-Nov-16
Subsequent Event [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | Credit Facility to Fund Leveraged Finance Loans [Member] | Wells Fargo [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Amount of credit facility					375,000,000
Line of credit facility maximum borrowing capacity					$425,000,000

Borrowings_Corporate_Credit_Fa

Borrowings - Corporate Credit Facility - Additional Information 1 (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 06, 2014	15-May-14
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings on credit facilities	$1,557,162,000	$1,184,356,000	$583,878,000
Outstanding balance of credit facility	487,768,000	332,158,000
Deferred financing costs, net	26,514,000	21,386,000
Note Agreement [Member] | Fortress Credit Corp [Member] | Corporate Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings on credit facilities				28,500,000
Amount of credit facility	238,500,000
Outstanding balance of credit facility	238,500,000
Number of subsequent borrowings	3
Maximum amount of proceeds of borrowings under credit facility permitted to use general corporate purposes	37,500,000
Amount of proceeds of borrowings adjusted to net income excluding depreciation and amortization expense	37,500,000
Deferred financing costs, net	4,100,000
Note Agreement [Member] | Fortress Credit Corp [Member] | Term C Loan [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Borrowings on credit facilities					10,000,000
Spread over LIBOR (as a percentage)	4.25%
Spread over Floor Rate (as a percentage)	1.00%
Note Agreement [Member] | Fortress Credit Corp [Member] | Existing Funding [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding balance of credit facility	100,000,000
Note Agreement [Member] | Fortress Credit Corp [Member] | Initial Funding [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding balance of credit facility	98,500,000
Note Agreement [Member] | Fortress Credit Corp [Member] | Delay Draw Term A [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding balance of credit facility	5,000,000
Note Agreement [Member] | Fortress Credit Corp [Member] | Delay Draw Term B [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Outstanding balance of credit facility	$25,000,000
Maturity date of facility	3-Jun-16
Spread over LIBOR (as a percentage)	3.38%
Spread over Floor Rate (as a percentage)	1.00%
Note Agreement [Member] | Fortress Credit Corp [Member] | Initial Funding, Existing Funding, and Delay Draw A [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maturity date of facility	11-May-18
Spread over LIBOR (as a percentage)	4.50%
Spread over Floor Rate (as a percentage)	1.00%

Borrowings_Subordinated_Notes_

Borrowings - Subordinated Notes (Details) (Subordinated Notes [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 04, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 04, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	$200,000,000	$200,000,000	$200,000,000
Debt instrument term (in years)	10 years
Additional borrowings required		100,000,000
Minimum increments of required additional borrowings		25,000,000
Fair value of warrants issued in connection with the notes	$43,200,000		$43,200,000
Stated interest percentage	8.25%		8.25%
PIK Toggle feature interest rate	8.75%		8.75%
Period callable - first three years
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption period with make-whole premium	3 years
Period callable - after the third anniversary
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as percentage of face value	103.00%
Period callable - after the fourth anniversary
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price as percentage of face value	101.00%

Borrowings_Term_Debt_Securitiz

Borrowings - Term Debt Securitizations - Additional Information 2 (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Oct. 25, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 31, 2005

Oct. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2007

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2006

31-May-13

Jun. 30, 2007

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 18, 2012

Sep. 11, 2013

Apr. 17, 2014

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Purchased membership interest

$5,000,000

Membership interest purchased by third party

30,000,000

Term debt securitizations

1,212,374,000

1,193,187,000

Deferred financing costs, net

21,386,000

26,514,000

Proceeds from principal distribution in conjunction with call of notes

9,200,000

9,700,000

Trust Instruments [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

54,000,000

2005 CLO Trust [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loans and investments provided to bankruptcy remote subsidiary

375,000,000

Notes originally issued

343,400,000

Notes issued and retained as trust certificate percentage

100.00%

Collateral principal repayments maturity period

3 years

2005 CLO Trust [Member] | Trust Instruments [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

31,600,000

2005 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchase of Long Term Debt

5,000,000

2005 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchase of Long Term Debt

2,400,000

9,800,000

4,600,000

1,400,000

2005 CLO Trust [Member] | Class E [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchase of Long Term Debt

900,000

1,200,000

3,900,000

5,800,000

5,000,000

2006 CLO Trust [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loans and investments provided to bankruptcy remote subsidiary

500,000,000

Notes originally issued

456,300,000

Notes issued and retained as trust certificate percentage

100.00%

Collateral principal repayments maturity period

5 years

2006 CLO Trust [Member] | Trust Instruments [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

43,800,000

2006 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchase of Long Term Debt

7,000,000

2006 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchase of Long Term Debt

3,000,000

6,500,000

6,000,000

3,300,000

2006 CLO Trust [Member] | Class E [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Repurchase of Long Term Debt

3,000,000

1,800,000

2,000,000

2,500,000

2007-1 CLO Trust [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loans and investments provided to bankruptcy remote subsidiary

600,000,000

Notes originally issued

546,000,000

546,000,000

Notes issued and retained as trust certificate percentage

100.00%

Term debt securitizations

316,787,000

Principal collection and payments receivable of secured debt

377,000,000

Deferred financing costs, net

500,000

Collateral principal repayments maturity period

6 years

2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

58,500,000

Term debt securitizations

58,293,000

Repurchase of Long Term Debt

200,000

Interest rate

Libor+1.30%

Original maturity

30-Sep-22

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

A-/A2/A

2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

27,000,000

Term debt securitizations

21,000,000

Repurchase of Long Term Debt

5,000,000

1,000,000

Interest rate

Libor+2.30%

Original maturity

30-Sep-22

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

BBB-/Baa2/BBB+

2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

24,000,000

Term debt securitizations

24,000,000

Interest rate

Libor+0.55%

Original maturity

30-Sep-22

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

AA+/Aa1/AA

2012-2 CLO Trust [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loans and investments provided to bankruptcy remote subsidiary

325,900,000

Notes originally issued

263,300,000

263,300,000

Notes issued and retained as trust certificate percentage

100.00%

Term debt securitizations

263,300,000

Principal collection and payments receivable of secured debt

325,900,000

Deferred financing costs, net

2,200,000

Collateral principal repayments maturity period

3 years

2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

190,700,000

Term debt securitizations

190,700,000

Interest rate

Libor+1.90%

Original maturity

20-Jan-23

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

Aaa/AAA

2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Trust Instruments [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

62,600,000

2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

35,200,000

Term debt securitizations

35,200,000

Interest rate

Libor+4.25%

Original maturity

20-Jan-23

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

A2/N/A

2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

11,400,000

Term debt securitizations

11,400,000

Interest rate

Libor+6.25%

Original maturity

20-Jan-23

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

Baa2/N/A

2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

26,000,000

Term debt securitizations

26,000,000

Interest rate

Libor+3.25%

Original maturity

20-Jan-23

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

Aa2/N/A

2013-1 CLO Trust [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loans and investments provided to bankruptcy remote subsidiary

247,600,000

Notes originally issued

338,600,000

338,600,000

Notes issued and retained as trust certificate percentage

100.00%

Term debt securitizations

323,600,000

Principal collection and payments receivable of secured debt

385,000,000

Deferred financing costs, net

4,600,000

Collateral principal repayments maturity period

3 years

2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Trust Instruments [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

61,400,000

2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

36,000,000

Term debt securitizations

36,000,000

Interest rate

Libor+3.80%

Original maturity

20-Sep-23

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

A/N/A

2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

21,000,000

Term debt securitizations

21,000,000

Interest rate

Libor+4.55%

Original maturity

20-Sep-23

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

BBB/N/A

2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class E [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

6,000,000

Term debt securitizations

6,000,000

Interest rate

Libor+5.30%

Original maturity

20-Sep-23

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

BBB-/N/A

2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

38,000,000

Term debt securitizations

38,000,000

Interest rate

Libor+2.30%

Original maturity

20-Sep-23

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

AA/N/A

2014-1 CLO Trust [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Loans and investments provided to bankruptcy remote subsidiary

249,600,000

Notes originally issued

289,500,000

289,500,000

Notes issued and retained as trust certificate percentage

100.00%

Term debt securitizations

289,500,000

Principal collection and payments receivable of secured debt

348,400,000

Deferred financing costs, net

3,100,000

Collateral principal repayments maturity period

4 years

2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

202,500,000

Term debt securitizations

202,500,000

Interest rate

Libor+1.80%

Original maturity

20-Apr-25

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

Aaa

2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B-1 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

20,000,000

Term debt securitizations

20,000,000

Interest rate

Libor+2.60%

Original maturity

20-Apr-25

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

Aa2

2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B-2 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

13,250,000

Term debt securitizations

13,250,000

Original maturity

20-Apr-25

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

Aa2

2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Trust Instruments [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

58,900,000

2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

30,250,000

Term debt securitizations

30,250,000

Interest rate

Libor+3.60%

Original maturity

20-Apr-25

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

A2

2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Notes originally issued

23,500,000

Term debt securitizations

$23,500,000

Interest rate

Libor+4.75%

Original maturity

20-Apr-25

Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)

Baa3

Borrowings_Summary_of_Borrowin

Borrowings - Summary of Borrowings (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2007	Dec. 18, 2012	Sep. 11, 2013	Apr. 17, 2014
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Term debt securitizations	$1,193,187,000	$1,212,374,000
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	546,000,000		546,000,000
Term debt securitizations	316,787,000
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A-One [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	336,500,000
Term debt securitizations	162,405,000
Interest rate	Libor+0.24%
Original maturity	30-Sep-22
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	AAA/Aaa/AAA
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A-One [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	0.24%
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A-Two [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	100,000,000
Term debt securitizations	51,089,000
Interest rate	Libor+0.26%
Original maturity	30-Sep-22
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	AAA/Aaa/AAA
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A-Two [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	0.26%
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	24,000,000
Term debt securitizations	24,000,000
Interest rate	Libor+0.55%
Original maturity	30-Sep-22
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	AA+/Aa1/AA
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	0.55%
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	58,500,000
Term debt securitizations	58,293,000
Interest rate	Libor+1.30%
Original maturity	30-Sep-22
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	A-/A2/A
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	1.30%
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	27,000,000
Term debt securitizations	21,000,000
Interest rate	Libor+2.30%
Original maturity	30-Sep-22
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	BBB-/Baa2/BBB+
2007-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	2.30%
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	263,300,000			263,300,000
Term debt securitizations	263,300,000
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	190,700,000
Term debt securitizations	190,700,000
Interest rate	Libor+1.90%
Original maturity	20-Jan-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	Aaa/AAA
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	1.90%
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	26,000,000
Term debt securitizations	26,000,000
Interest rate	Libor+3.25%
Original maturity	20-Jan-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	Aa2/N/A
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	3.25%
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	35,200,000
Term debt securitizations	35,200,000
Interest rate	Libor+4.25%
Original maturity	20-Jan-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	A2/N/A
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	4.25%
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	11,400,000
Term debt securitizations	11,400,000
Interest rate	Libor+6.25%
Original maturity	20-Jan-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	Baa2/N/A
2012-2 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	6.25%
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	338,600,000				338,600,000
Term debt securitizations	323,600,000
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A-T [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	202,600,000
Term debt securitizations	202,600,000
Interest rate	Libor+1.65%
Original maturity	20-Sep-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	AAA/Aaa
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A-T [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	1.65%
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A-R [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	35,000,000
Term debt securitizations	20,000,000
Original maturity	20-Sep-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	AAA/Aaa
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	38,000,000
Term debt securitizations	38,000,000
Interest rate	Libor+2.30%
Original maturity	20-Sep-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	AA/N/A
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	2.30%
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	36,000,000
Term debt securitizations	36,000,000
Interest rate	Libor+3.80%
Original maturity	20-Sep-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	A/N/A
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	3.80%
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	21,000,000
Term debt securitizations	21,000,000
Interest rate	Libor+4.55%
Original maturity	20-Sep-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	BBB/N/A
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	4.55%
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class E [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	6,000,000
Term debt securitizations	6,000,000
Interest rate	Libor+5.30%
Original maturity	20-Sep-23
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	BBB-/N/A
2013-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class E [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	5.30%
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	289,500,000					289,500,000
Term debt securitizations	289,500,000
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	202,500,000
Term debt securitizations	202,500,000
Interest rate	Libor+1.80%
Original maturity	20-Apr-25
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	Aaa
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class A [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	1.80%
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B-1 [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	20,000,000
Term debt securitizations	20,000,000
Interest rate	Libor+2.60%
Original maturity	20-Apr-25
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	Aa2
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B-1 [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	2.60%
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class B-2 [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	13,250,000
Term debt securitizations	13,250,000
Original maturity	20-Apr-25
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	Aa2
Stated interest percentage	4.90%
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	30,250,000
Term debt securitizations	30,250,000
Interest rate	Libor+3.60%
Original maturity	20-Apr-25
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	A2
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class C [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	3.60%
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Notes originally issued	23,500,000
Term debt securitizations	$23,500,000
Interest rate	Libor+4.75%
Original maturity	20-Apr-25
Ratings (S&P/Moody's/Fitch)	Baa3
2014-1 CLO Trust [Member] | Class D [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Financial Instruments Owned and Pledged as Collateral [Line Items]
Basis spread on Libor rate	4.75%

Borrowings_Summary_of_Debt_Mat

Borrowings - Summary of Debt Maturities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2015	$114,751
2016	41,966
2017	356,051
2018	213,500
2019	0
Thereafter	1,393,187
Total	2,119,455
Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2015	114,751
2016	16,966
2017	356,051
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total	487,768
Term Debt [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	1,193,187
Total	1,193,187
Subordinated Notes [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2015	0
2016	0
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	200,000
Total	200,000
Corporate Credit Facility [Member] | Line of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
2015	0
2016	25,000
2017	0
2018	213,500
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$238,500

Repurchase_Agreement_Schedule_

Repurchase Agreement - Schedule of Loans under Agreements to Repurchase (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of period	$57,227	$67,954
Loans [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of period	57,227	67,954
Maximum outstanding at any month end	57,891	67,954
Average balance for the period	$57,932	$35,280
Weighted average rate at end of period (as a percentage)	5.16%	5.17%

Repurchase_Agreement_Additiona

Repurchase Agreement - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 07, 2011	Oct. 02, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Outstanding at end of period			$57,227,000	$67,954,000
Loans [Member]
Assets Sold under Agreements to Repurchase [Line Items]
Repurchase agreement period (in years)	5 years
Financing arrangement commercial mortgage loans sold to Macquarie	68,000,000
Commercial mortgage loans to Macquarie, agreed date of repurchase	7-Jun-16
Commercial mortgage loans repurchase extension period		1 year
Commercial mortgage loan repurchase new maturity date		7-Jun-17
Additional advances for repurchase of loans		25,500,000
Additional advances for existing eligible assets		15,000,000
Unrestricted cash received from principal payment released		41,100,000
Weighted average rate at end of period (as a percentage)			5.16%	5.17%
Unamortized deferred financing fees			900,000
Outstanding at end of period			57,227,000	67,954,000
Principal payments			10,700,000
Minimum aggregate interest margin payment			$9,200,000

Commitments_Summary_of_Future_

Commitments - Summary of Future Minimum Lease Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$1,462
2016	1,335
2017	1,362
2018	1,260
2019	1,025
Thereafter	$150

Commitments_Additional_Informa

Commitments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent Expense	$2	$1.70	$1.40
Termination date	28-Feb-20

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Authorized Capital (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, shares authorized	145,000,000	145,000,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	46,620,474	48,658,606

Stockholders_Equity_Additional

Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Dec. 22, 2014

Aug. 13, 2014

5-May-14

Sep. 29, 2012

Sep. 16, 2011

Dec. 03, 2010

Mar. 18, 2009

Nov. 12, 2007

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Nov. 29, 2007

Jan. 15, 2008

Dec. 01, 2010

Nov. 02, 2010

19-May-10

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

12-May-10

Nov. 19, 2012

Sep. 29, 2011

4-May-11

Jan. 25, 2010

Dec. 19, 2006

Dec. 04, 2014

Jan. 23, 2015

Installment

Installment

Installment

Installment

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Preferred stock, shares authorized

5,000,000

5,000,000

Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)

$0.01

$0.01

Additional number of shares purchased by underwriters in the IPO

1,800,000

Agreement date with institutional investor under private placement

12-Nov-07

Common stock, price per share (in dollars per share)

$10

Effective agreement date with institutional investor under private placement

8-May-08

Dollar value of authorized repurchase of common stock

$10,000,000

$20,000,000

$10,000,000

$10,000,000

$10,000,000

$10,000,000

Repurchase of stock, value

10,200,000

10,000,000

10,000,000

Repurchase of stock, shares

1,000,000

382,999

1,519,615

252,450

1,042,208

1,372,300

17,665

Common stock weighted average price per share (in dollars per share)

$11.54

$13.13

$10.26

$9.60

$7.26

$12.22

Expiration of repurchase program

29-Sep-12

Shares subject to stock option description

less than 100%

Number of stock options forfeited

1,985,262

5,000

14,167

Number of stock options granted

2,725,000

Franklin Square Warrants [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of common shares called by the issued warrants

9,500,000

Number of shares called by each warrant

1

Purchase price of common stock called by warrants (in dollars per share)

$12.62

Fair value of warrants

62,400,000

Subsequent Event [Member] | Franklin Square Warrants [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Number of common shares called by the issued warrants

2,500,000

Options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Preferred stock, shares authorized

5,000,000

Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)

$0.01

Common stock, shares issued

12,000,000

Number of common shares issued in private placement

12,500,000

Number of tranches in which the private offering closed

2

Proceeds from issuance of private placement

125,000,000

Stock-based compensation expense

100,000

100,000

Unrecognized compensation cost

0

0

First Tranche [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Shares issued in private placement

7,250,000

Second Tranche [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Shares issued in private placement

5,250,000

Tranche closing date

18-Jan-08

Restricted Stock [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Shares issued to employees

91,360

165,950

50,000

110,000

2,000,000

203,774

42,500

Fair value of restricted stock (in dollars per share)

$9.89

$7.52

$5.82

Date of shares restricted stock vested

20-May-13

Number of equal installments of granted restricted stock that will be made to employees

3

3

3

3

Award vesting period

3 years

3 years

3 years

3 years

Period for installments of vested restricted stock, employees

first three anniversaries of the date of grant

first three anniversaries of the date of grant

third anniversary of the date of grant

third anniversary of the date of grant

first three anniversaries of the date of grant

three equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant

Stock-based compensation expense

2,500,000

4,200,000

6,400,000

Unrecognized compensation cost

$1,200,000

Weighted average recognition period for unrecognized compensation cost (in years)

3 years

Restricted Stock [Member] | Director [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Period for installments of vested restricted stock, employees

one-year anniversary of the grant date

Restricted Stock [Member] | 2006 Incentive Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Shares issued to employees

43,648

45,376

48,714

34,615

Options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Shares issued to employees

50,000

60,000

52,500

629,105

Number of equal installments of granted restricted stock that will be made to employees

3

2

2

3

3

Award vesting period

3 years

2 years

2 years

3 years

3 years

Life or expiration period of a stock-based award

7 years

7 years

7 years

7 years

7 years

Period for installments of vested restricted stock, employees

first three anniversaries of the date of grant and have a seven-year life

first two anniversaries of the December 1, 2010 grant date and have a seven-year life

first two anniversaries of the November 1, 2010 grant date and have a seven-year life

first three anniversaries of the date of grant and have a seven-year life.

first three anniversaries of the date of grant and have a seven-year life

Percentage of the net proceeds required for lock-up agreement

50.00%

Period after the end of employment that the lock-up agreement requires to pass before exercising options (in years)

1 year

Option exercise price (in dollars per share)

$8.74

$7.52

$8.28

Options [Member] | Director [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Award vesting period

1 year

Life or expiration period of a stock-based award

7 years

Options [Member] | 2006 Incentive Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Shares issued to employees

55,000

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o1

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares, Non-vested, Beginning balance	366,134	2,418,860
Shares, Granted	135,008	211,326
Shares, Vested	-175,484	-2,243,757
Shares, Forfeited	-10,320	-20,295
Shares, Non-vested, Ending balance	315,338	366,134
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted average grant-date fair value, Non-vested, Beginning balance	$4,341	$19,810
Weighted average grant-date fair value, Granted	1,915	2,826
Weighted average grant-date fair value, Vested	-2,025	-18,053
Weighted average grant-date fair value, Forfeited	-140	-242
Weighted average grant-date fair value, Non-vested, Ending balance	$4,091	$4,341

Stockholders_Equity_Schedule_o2

Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Stock Option Activity (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 18, 2009	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options Outstanding, Beginning balance		5,544,385	5,618,819
Options Granted		0	0
Options Exercised		-910,946	-60,267
Options Forfeited	-1,985,262	-5,000	-14,167
Options Outstanding, Ending Balance		4,628,439	5,544,385	5,618,819
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price Beginning balance (in dollars per share)		$5	$5.03
Weighted average exercise price Granted (in dollars per share)		$0	$0
Weighted average exercise price Exercised (in dollars per share)		$6.78	$6
Weighted average exercise price Forfeited (in dollars per share)		$12.45	$15.97
Weighted average exercise price Ending balance (in dollars per share)		$4.64	$5	$5.03
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)		1 year	2 years	3 years
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) granted		0 years	0 years
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) exercised		1 year	3 years
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) forfeited		2 years	3 years
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)		1 year	2 years	3 years
Options vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		4,628,439
Options exercisable as of December 31, 2014		4,628,439
Weighted average exercise price Vested or expected to vest as of December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)		$4.64
Weighted average exercise price, Exercisable as of December 31, 2014 (in dollars per share)		$4.64
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) vested or expected to vest as of December 31 2014		1 year
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) exercisable as of December 31, 2014		1 year

Income_Per_Share_Computations_

Income Per Share - Computations of Basic and Diluted Income Per Share (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income	$1,226	$5,020	($1,855)	$6,203	$6,360	$6,437	$5,644	$6,154	$10,594	$24,595	$23,977
Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic									48,267	48,157	47,370
Denominator:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted									48,267	48,157	47,370
Total weighted average diluted shares									51,575	52,942	52,733
Options [Member]
Denominator:
Potentially dilutive securities-options									3,229	3,671	3,284
Restricted Stock [Member]
Denominator:
Potentially dilutive securities-options									0	762	2,000
Warrants [Member]
Denominator:
Potentially dilutive securities-options									79	352	79

Consolidated_Variable_Interest2

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 26, 2014	Apr. 04, 2013
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest expense	$17,102,000	$14,304,000	$13,868,000	$12,501,000	$12,173,000	$11,703,000	$9,908,000	$9,187,000	$57,775,000	$42,971,000	$35,591,000
Amortization of deferred financing fees	26,514,000				21,386,000				26,514,000	21,386,000
Class B Notes [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Interest expense									700,000	700,000
Wells Fargo [Member] | Class A Notes [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable funding notes													147,000,000
Arlington Fund [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Term debt securitization												409,400,000
Amortization of deferred financing fees			1,100,000
Arlington Fund [Member] | Class B Notes [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable funding notes	28,000,000								28,000,000				28,000,000
Variable Interest Entity, Arlington Fund [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Management fee									500,000	500,000
Fund Cash Distributions									$700,000	$600,000

Consolidated_Variable_Interest3

Consolidated Variable Interest Entity - Balance Sheet of Variable Interest Entity (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Restricted cash	$95,411	$167,920
Other assets	24,127	24,983
Credit facilities	487,768	332,158
Interest payable	6,576	6,333
Other liabilities	29,923	20,211
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,811,009	2,606,861
Variable Interest Entity, Arlington Fund [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Restricted cash		1,950
Loans, net		171,427
Other assets		3,022
Total assets of Consolidated Variable Interest Entity		176,399
Other liabilities		173
Total liabilities		140,509
Equity		35,890
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		176,399
Variable Interest Entity, Arlington Fund [Member] | Class A Notes [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Credit facilities		120,344
Interest payable		434
Variable Interest Entity, Arlington Fund [Member] | Class B Notes [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Notes payable		19,375
Interest payable		$183

Financial_Instruments_with_Off2

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments related to revolving credit facilities	$266,700,000	$266,700,000
Unfunded commitments related to delayed draw term loans	44,900,000	44,900,000
Unused commitments are unavailable to the borrowers	6,000,000	6,000,000
Unfunded commitments related to revolving credit facilities as contingent	159,700,000	159,700,000
Unfunded unrestricted revolving commitments	107,000,000	107,000,000
Revolver usage averaged (as a percentage)	53.00%
Revolver usage averaged over previous four quarters (as a percentage)	47.00%
Revolving commitments increased	60,900,000
Interest receivable	7,477,000	7,477,000	7,415,000
Cash collateral on deposit with custodian	38,975,000	38,975,000	0
Delayed Draw Credit Facility Commitment [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Decrease in delayed draw credit facility commitments	10,500,000
Unused Lines of Credit [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit	317,600,000	317,600,000
Interest Rate Mitigation Products [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Outstanding interest rate mitigation products fair value	100,000	100,000	0
Total Return Swap [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Fair value of underlying loan portfolio	109,200,000	109,200,000
Interest receivable	100,000	100,000
Cash collateral on deposit with custodian	39,000,000	39,000,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives		($900,000)
Total Return Swap [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percentage)	1.60%	1.60%

Financial_Instruments_with_Off3

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk - Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Unused Lines of Credit [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk	$317,583	$326,231
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk	$7,911	$6,880

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Income

Income Taxes - Summary of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal									$3,245	$3,212	$9,756
State									1,667	1,516	3,164
Total current									4,912	4,728	12,920
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
Federal									2,440	9,910	3,311
State									133	1,918	769
Total deferred									2,573	11,828	4,080
Income tax expense	$982	$3,494	($1,325)	$4,334	$4,024	$4,329	$3,930	$4,273	$7,485	$16,556	$17,000

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory federal corporate rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Net deferred tax assets	$28,078	$30,238

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Effect

Income Taxes - Summary of Effective Tax Rate (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal statutory rate									$6,328	$14,403	$14,342
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit									1,170	2,232	2,556
Other									-13	-79	102
Income tax expense	$982	$3,494	($1,325)	$4,334	$4,024	$4,329	$3,930	$4,273	$7,485	$16,556	$17,000

Income_Taxes_Summary_of_Compon

Income Taxes - Summary of Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax asset:
Allowance for credit losses	$23,905	$20,386
Capitalized startup costs	112	124
Other	420	390
Capital loss carryforward	250	638
Securities fair value adjustments	21	0
Equity compensation	10,012	8,493
Accrued bonus	5,019	5,083
Income from non-performing assets	3,280	3,432
Other real estate owned	282	814
Gross deferred tax asset	43,301	39,360
Deferred tax liability:
Prepaid expenses	989	1,034
Mark-to-market loans	370	147
Deferred loan costs	1,873	2,117
Cancellation of term debt income	2,371	2,964
Equity positions	2,405	6
Equipment leasing	7,215	2,463
Securities fair value adjustments	0	391
Gross deferred tax liability	15,223	9,122
Net deferred tax asset	$28,078	$30,238

Fair_Value_Additional_Informat

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 04, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of portfolio of warrants	$18,300,000	$8,000,000
Interest receivable	7,477,000	7,415,000
Subordinated Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Number of warrants	12
Face amount	200,000,000		200,000,000
Fair value	184,200,000
Total Return Swap [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Estimated fair value	-800,000
Interest receivable	100,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives	-900,000
Total Return Swap [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Notional amount	125,000,000
Collateral-dependent Commercial Real Estate Loans [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Provision for credit losses related to loans, net	70,000
Collateral-dependent Commercial Real Estate Loans [Member] | Specific Provision [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Provision for credit losses related to loans, net		$3,200,000

Fair_Value_Assets_and_Liabilit

Fair Value - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	$46,881	$22,198
Recurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	46,881	22,198
TRS	-740
Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	46,141	22,198
Nonrecurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, net	27,719	26,671
Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	27,719	26,671
Level 1 [Member] | Recurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
TRS	0
Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	0	0
Level 1 [Member] | Nonrecurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, net	0	0
Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Recurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	0	0
TRS	-740
Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	-740	0
Level 2 [Member] | Nonrecurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, net	0	0
Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	0	0
Level 3 [Member] | Recurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in debt securities, available-for-sale	46,881	22,198
TRS	0
Total assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis	46,881	22,198
Level 3 [Member] | Nonrecurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans, net	27,719	26,671
Total assets recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$27,719	$26,671

Fair_Value_Summary_of_Signific

Fair Value - Summary of Significant Unobservable Inputs and Valuation Techniques (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value	$74,600	$48,869
Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value	46,881	22,198	21,127
Valuation Techniques	Third-party pricing	Third-party pricing
Unobservable Input	Pricing assumptions such as prepayment rates, interest rates, loss assumptions, cash flow projections, and comparisons to similar financial instruments	Pricing assumptions such as prepayment rates, interest rates, loss assumptions, cash flow projections, and comparisons to similar financial instruments
Loans and Leases [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value	$27,719	$26,671
Valuation Techniques	Market comparables Valuation Model	Market comparables Valuation Model
Unobservable Input	Cost to sell Marketability discount	Cost to sell Marketability discount
Minimum [Member] | Loans and Leases [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value discount rate range - cost to sell (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%
Fair value discount rate range - marketability discount (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%
Maximum [Member] | Loans and Leases [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Fair value discount rate range - cost to sell (as a percent)	7.00%	7.00%
Fair value discount rate range - marketability discount (as a percent)	30.00%	30.00%

Fair_Value_Reconciliation_of_F

Fair Value - Reconciliation of Financial Instruments Measured on Recurring Basis and Classified as Level 3 Inputs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance	$74,600	$48,869
Investments in Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	22,198	21,127
Included in earnings	1,412	227
Included in other comprehensive income	-984	844
Purchases	38,255	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	-14,000	0
Ending Balance	$46,881	$22,198

Fair_Value_Carrying_Amounts_an

Fair Value - Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Company's Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Disclosures Regarding Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying amount	$33,033	$43,401	$27,212	$18,468
Restricted cash, Carrying amount	95,411	167,920
Cash Collateral, Carrying Amount	38,975	0
Loans held-for-sale, Carrying amount	200,569	14,831
Loans and leases, net, Carrying amount	2,305,896	2,095,250
Investments in debt securities available-for-sale, Carrying amount	46,881	22,198
Credit facilities, Carrying amount	487,768	332,158
Term debt, Carrying amount	1,193,187	1,212,374
Corporate debt, Carrying amount	238,500	200,000
Subordinated notes, Carrying amount	156,831	0
Repurchase agreements, Carrying amount	57,227	67,954
Consolidated Entities [Member]
Disclosures Regarding Financial Instruments [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying amount	33,033	43,401
Restricted cash, Carrying amount	95,411	169,870
Cash Collateral, Carrying Amount	38,975
Loans held-for-sale, Carrying amount	200,569	14,831
Loans and leases, net, Carrying amount	2,305,896	2,266,677
Investments in debt securities available-for-sale, Carrying amount	46,881	22,198
Other assets, Carrying amount	15,613	7,955
Credit facilities, Carrying amount	487,768	452,502
Term debt, Carrying amount	1,193,187	1,242,374
Corporate debt, Carrying amount	238,500	200,000
Subordinated notes, Carrying amount	156,831
Repurchase agreements, Carrying amount	57,227	67,954
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair value	33,033	43,401
Restricted cash, Fair value	95,411	169,870
Cash Collateral, Fair Value	38,975
Loans held-for-sale, Fair value	200,569	14,831
Loans and leases, net	2,314,271	2,301,053
Investments in debt securities available-for-sale, Fair value	46,881	22,198
Other assets, Fair value	15,613	7,955
Credit facilities, Fair value	487,768	452,502
Term debt, Fair value	1,163,803	1,202,900
Corporate Debt, Fair Value	238,500	200,000
Subordinated notes, Fair value	184,087
Repurchase agreements, Fair value	$63,507	$66,911

Fair_Value_Carrying_Amounts_Es

Fair Value - Carrying Amounts, Estimated Fair Values and Placement in Fair Value Hierarchy of Financial Instruments (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Term debt, Carrying amount	$1,193,187	$1,212,374
Subordinated notes, Carrying amount	156,831	0
Repurchase agreements, Carrying amount	57,227	67,954
Financial instruments for which the carrying amount does not approximate fair value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and leases, net, Carrying amount	2,305,896	2,240,006
Term debt, Carrying amount	1,193,187	1,242,374
Subordinated notes, Carrying amount	156,831
Repurchase agreements, Carrying amount	57,227	67,954
Loans and leases, net, Fair value	2,314,271	2,274,382
Term debt, Fair value	1,163,803	1,202,900
Subordinated notes, Fair value	184,087
Repurchase agreements, Fair value	63,507	66,911
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and leases, net, Fair value	0	0
Term debt, Fair value	0	0
Subordinated notes, Fair value	0
Repurchase agreements, Fair value	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and leases, net, Fair value	0	0
Term debt, Fair value	1,163,803	1,402,900
Subordinated notes, Fair value	0
Repurchase agreements, Fair value	63,507	66,911
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and leases, net, Fair value	2,314,271	2,274,382
Term debt, Fair value	0	0
Subordinated notes, Fair value	184,087
Repurchase agreements, Fair value	$0	$0

Employee_Benefit_Plans_Additio

Employee Benefit Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
General Discussion of Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee's voluntary contributions	100.00%
Max percentage of employee matched by employer at 100%	6.00%
Employer match amount	$0.70	$0.80	$0.70

RelatedParty_Transactions_Addi

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management income - related party	$1,054	$2,482	$2,984
NCOF [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment management agreement date	3-Aug-05
Asset management income - related party	60	2,500	3,000
Arlington Program [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment management agreement date	26-Jun-14
Asset management income - related party	$1,000

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Interim Reporting [Line Items]
Interest income	$35,601	$33,907	$33,536	$33,127	$32,283	$30,370	$34,891	$30,140	$136,171	$127,684	$123,945
Interest expense	17,102	14,304	13,868	12,501	12,173	11,703	9,908	9,187	57,775	42,971	35,591
Net interest income	18,499	19,603	19,668	20,626	20,110	18,667	24,983	20,953	78,396	84,713	88,354
Provision for credit losses	5,280	3,369	12,652	5,807	2,309	2,381	4,330	718	27,108	9,738	12,651
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	13,219	16,234	7,016	14,819	17,801	16,286	20,653	20,235	51,288	74,975	75,703
Total non-interest income (loss)	-259	3,261	1,496	6,718	3,817	5,131	1,461	3,103	11,216	13,512	11,571
Total operating expenses	10,752	10,981	11,655	12,128	12,193	11,525	12,769	12,911	45,516	49,398	46,297
Operating income before income taxes	2,208	8,514	-3,143	9,409	9,425	9,892	9,345	10,427	16,988	39,089	40,977
Results of Consolidated VIE
Operating expenses	10,752	10,981	11,655	12,128	12,193	11,525	12,769	12,911	45,516	49,398	46,297
Income before income taxes	2,208	8,514	-3,180	10,537	10,384	10,766	9,574	10,427	18,079	41,151	40,977
Income tax expense	982	3,494	-1,325	4,334	4,024	4,329	3,930	4,273	7,485	16,556	17,000
Net income	1,226	5,020	-1,855	6,203	6,360	6,437	5,644	6,154	10,594	24,595	23,977
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.03	$0.10	($0.04)	$0.13	$0.13	$0.13	$0.12	$0.13	$0.22	$0.51	$0.51
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.02	$0.10	($0.04)	$0.12	$0.12	$0.12	$0.11	$0.12	$0.21	$0.46	$0.45
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity [Member]
Interim Reporting [Line Items]
Interest income									5,268	5,321	0
Total operating expenses	0	0	189	60	64	10	4	0	249	78	0
Results of Consolidated VIE
Interest income	0	0	2,615	2,653	2,430	1,991	900	0
Interest expense	0	0	2,684	1,473	1,424	1,125	683	0	2,865	1,879	0
Other income	0	0	221	8	17	18	16	0
Operating expenses	0	0	189	60	64	10	4	0	249	78	0
Net results from Consolidated Variable Interest Entity	$0	$0	($37)	$1,128	$959	$874	$229	$0	$1,091	$2,062	$0