J.G. Wentworth (JGW) 10-K 13 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 12, 2015
Entity Registrant Name	J.G. Wentworth Co
Entity Central Index Key	1580185
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Period End Date	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$141,400
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Class A Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (A)			14,250,264
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (B)			14,250,264
Class B Common Stock
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (A)			10,679,661
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (B)			10,679,661

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$41,648		$39,061
Restricted cash and investments	198,206		109,338
VIE finance receivables, at fair market value	4,422,033	[1]	3,818,704	[1]
Other finance receivables, at fair market value	101,802		51,945
VIE finance receivables, net of allowances for losses of $7,674 and $6,443, respectively	113,489	[1]	117,826	[1]
Other finance receivables, net of allowances for losses of $2,454 and $1,899, respectively	17,803		15,166
Notes receivable, at fair market value	0	[1]	5,610	[1]
Other receivables, net of allowances for losses of $204 and $243, respectively	14,165		13,529
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,976 and $4,544, respectively	3,758		3,112
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $20,273 and $17,781, respectively	45,436		47,878
Goodwill	84,993		84,993
Marketable securities	103,419		121,954
Deferred tax assets, net	2,170		1,830
Other assets	33,787		41,151
Total Assets	5,182,709		4,472,097
Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable	5,301		3,903
Accrued expenses	13,955		21,181
Accrued interest	17,416		14,485
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	75,706		70,296
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	19,339		41,274
VIE long-term debt	181,558		150,802
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	4,031,864		3,431,283
Term loan payable	437,183		434,184
Other liabilities	6,677		7,646
Deferred tax liabilities, net	36,656		1,707
Installment obligations payable	103,419		121,954
Total Liabilities	4,929,074		4,298,715
Stockholders' Equity And Members' Capital [Abstract]
Additional paid-in-capital	95,453		70,236
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)	25,634		-5,577
Accumulated other comprehensive income	0		612
Stockholders Equity And Members Capital Including Treasury Stock	121,087		65,271
Less: treasury stock at cost, 600,755 and 3,929 shares as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	-2,443		0
Total stockholders' equity, The J.G. Wentworth Company	118,644		65,271
Non-controlling interests	134,991		108,111
Total Stockholders' Equity	253,635		173,382
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	5,182,709		4,472,097
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity And Members' Capital [Abstract]
Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 15,021,147 and 14,420,392 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014, respectively, 11,220,358 and 11,216,429 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013, respectively	0		0
Class B common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 9,963,750 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014, 14,001,583 and 13,984,065 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013, respectively	0		0
Class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 0 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	0		0
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity And Members' Capital [Abstract]
Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 15,021,147 and 14,420,392 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014, respectively, 11,220,358 and 11,216,429 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013, respectively	0		0
Class B common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 9,963,750 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014, 14,001,583 and 13,984,065 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013, respectively	0		0
Class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 0 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	0		0
Class C Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity And Members' Capital [Abstract]
Class A common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 15,021,147 and 14,420,392 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014, respectively, 11,220,358 and 11,216,429 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013, respectively	0		0
Class B common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 9,963,750 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014, 14,001,583 and 13,984,065 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2013, respectively	0		0
Class C common stock, par value $0.00001 per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 0 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	$0		$0
[1]	Pledged as collateral to credit and long-term debt facilities. See Note 6 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value" and Note 7 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of allowances for losses".

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
VIE finance receivables, allowances for losses	$7,674	$6,443
Other finance receivables, allowances for losses	2,454	1,899
Other receivables, allowances for losses	204	243
Fixed assets, accumulated depreciation	5,976	4,544
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$20,273	$17,781
Treasury stock, shares	600,755	3,929
Class A Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,021,147	11,220,358
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,420,392	11,216,429
Class B Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	9,963,750	14,001,583
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,963,750	13,984,065
Class C Common Stock
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.01
Common stock, authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
REVENUES
Interest income	$186,958	$172,423	$177,748
Unrealized gains on VIE and other finance receivables, long-term debt and derivatives	300,702	252,801	270,787
Gain (loss) on swap terminations, net	-628	200	-2,326
Servicing, broker, and other fees	4,149	5,276	9,303
Change in marketable securities, net	888	15,299	12,741
Realized gain (loss) on notes receivable, at fair value	2,098	-1,862	0
Gain on extinguishment of debt, net	270	14,217	0
Other	-61	1,209	-856
Total Revenue	494,376	459,563	467,397
EXPENSES
Advertising	68,489	70,304	73,307
Interest expense	200,798	193,035	158,631
Compensation and benefits	41,108	42,595	43,584
General and administrative	18,567	20,179	14,613
Professional and consulting	18,452	18,820	15,874
Debt issuance	8,683	8,930	9,124
Securitization debt maintenance	6,161	6,091	5,208
Provision for losses on finance receivables	4,806	5,695	3,805
Depreciation and amortization	4,168	5,703	6,385
Installment obligations expense, net	5,322	19,647	17,321
Loss on disposal/impairment of fixed assets	69	4,200	300
Total Expenses	376,623	395,199	348,152
Income before income taxes	117,753	64,364	119,245
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	21,140	2,546	-227
Net income	96,613	61,818	119,472
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests	65,402	67,395	2,731
Net income (loss) attributable to The J.G. Wentworth Company	$31,211	($5,577)	$116,741
Class A Common Stock
Weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	12,986,058
Diluted (in shares)	12,988,781
Net income (loss) per share attributable to stockholders of Class A common stock of The J.G. Wentworth Company
Basic (in dollars per share)	$2.40
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.40

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (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	$96,613	$61,818	$119,472
Other comprehensive gain (loss):
Unrealized gains on notes receivable arising during the year	480	29	1
Reclassification adjustments for (gain) loss recognized in net income	-2,098	1,862	0
Total other comprehensive gain (loss)	-1,618	1,891	1
Total comprehensive income	94,995	63,709	119,473
Less: comprehensive income allocated to non-controlling interest in earnings of affiliate	0	0	2,731
Less: comprehensive income allocated to non-controlling interests	64,396	69,275	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The J.G. Wentworth Company	$30,599	($5,566)	$116,742

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity/Member's Capital (USD $)	Total	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock	Member's Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Non-controlling Interest in Affiliate	Non-controlling Interest	Accumulated deficit	Additional Paid-In-Capital	Treasury Stock	Common Stock	Common Stock
	USD ($)	USD ($)		USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock
											USD ($)	USD ($)
Member's capital beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011				$325,001,000
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	342,983,000				-278,000	18,260,000	0	0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	119,472,000			116,741,000		2,731,000
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.	2,393,000			2,393,000
Redemption of share-based awards	-300,000			-300,000
Capital distributions	-740,000			-740,000
Unrealized gains on notes receivable arising during the period	1,000				1,000
Non-controlling interest investors' withdrawals and contributions, net	-20,991,000					-20,991,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0
Member's capital ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012				443,095,000
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	442,818,000				-277,000	0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	75,368,000			75,368,000
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.	1,168,000			1,168,000
Capital distributions	-475,877,000			-475,877,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	1,862,000				1,862,000
Member's capital ending balance at Nov. 13, 2013				43,754,000
Ending Balance at Nov. 13, 2013	45,339,000				1,585,000		103,906,000		62,814,000
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Nov. 13, 2013											9,757,858	14,001,583
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Effect of Reorganization on member's capital	0			-43,754,000			43,754,000
Issuance of Class A Shares in initial public offering, net of issuance cost	121,982,000				-984,000		60,152,000		62,814,000
Issuance of Class A Shares in initial public offering, net of issuance cost (in shares)		11,212,500									9,757,858	14,001,583
Ending Balance at Nov. 14, 2013	167,321,000				601,000	0	103,906,000	0	62,814,000
Member's capital beginning balance at Nov. 14, 2013				0
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Nov. 14, 2013											9,757,858	14,001,583
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	-13,550,000			0			-7,973,000	-5,577,000
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.	284,000						176,000		108,000
Share-based compensation (in shares)											-3,929	-17,518
Unrealized gains on notes receivable arising during the period	29,000				11,000		18,000
Issuance of additional shares in connection with exercise of over-allotment	19,298,000						11,984,000		7,314,000
Issuance of additional shares in connection with exercise of over-allotment (in shares)											1,462,500
Member's capital ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013				0
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		11,216,429	13,984,065							3,929	11,216,429	13,984,065
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	173,382,000				612,000	0	108,111,000	-5,577,000	70,236,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	96,613,000						65,402,000	31,211,000
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.	2,384,000						1,324,000		1,060,000
Share-based compensation (in shares)											8,796	-180,882
Unrealized gains on notes receivable arising during the period	480,000				191,000		289,000
Issuance of Class A Shares in initial public offering, net of issuance cost	-11,463,000						-12,215,000		1,270,000	-518,000
Issuance of Class A Shares in initial public offering, net of issuance cost (in shares)										138,121	530,355	-715,916
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	-2,098,000				-803,000		-1,295,000
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.							-23,418,000		23,418,000
Shares converted during period		3,123,517									3,123,517	-3,123,517
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Stock Issued, Issuance Costs	-1,197,000						-666,000		-531,000
Common interests repurchased related to Class A common stock repurchased.	-4,466,000	-4,500,000					-2,541,000			-1,925,000
Stock repurchased, shares		458,705								458,705	-458,705
Member's capital ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014				0
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		14,420,392	9,963,750							600,755	14,420,392	9,963,750
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$253,635,000				$0	$0	$134,991,000	$25,634,000	$95,453,000	($2,443,000)	$0	$0

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	$96,613	$61,818	$119,472
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Provision for losses on finance and other receivables	4,806	5,695	3,805
Depreciation	1,676	2,179	1,644
Loss on disposal/impairment of fixed assets	69	4,200	300
Amortization of finance receivables acquisition costs	518	11	15
Amortization of intangibles	2,492	3,524	4,741
Amortization of debt issuance costs	7,901	5,740	1,444
Change in unrealized gains/losses on finance receivables	-551,676	-164,786	-484,469
Change in unrealized gains/losses on long-term debt	245,355	-36,858	222,634
Change in unrealized gains/losses on derivatives	5,619	-51,157	-8,952
Net proceeds from sale of finance receivables	0	473	10,188
(Gain) loss on notes receivable, at fair market value	-2,098	1,862	0
Purchases of finance receivables	-450,106	-410,121	-389,205
Collections on finance receivables	527,487	482,928	464,605
Gain on sale of finance receivables	0	-20	-957
Recoveries of finance receivables	69	16	652
Accretion of interest income	-186,861	-171,926	-176,810
Accretion of interest expense	-35,924	-42,393	-34,863
Gain on debt extinguishment	-270	-22,109	0
Share-based compensation expense	2,384	1,452	2,393
Change in marketable securities, net	-888	-15,299	-12,741
Installment obligations expense, net	5,322	19,647	17,321
Change in fair value of life settlement contracts	116	33	1,522
Premiums and other costs paid, and proceeds from sale of life settlement contracts	-116	-200	2,968
Deferred income taxes	21,023	2,332	-19
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Restricted cash and investments	-88,868	3,540	42,483
Other assets	219	-723	-1,994
Other receivables	-793	375	-2,072
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable	1,398	-4,727	4,216
Accrued expenses	-7,226	8,741	-9,246
Accrued interest	2,931	2,798	685
Other liabilities	-969	192	-5,492
Net cash used in operating activities	-399,797	-312,763	-225,732
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of intangible assets	-50	-125	-1,460
Receipts from notes receivable	6,093	2,493	4,692
Collections on notes receivable from affiliate	0	5,243	-5,000
Purchases of fixed assets, net of sales proceeds	-2,391	-3,126	-2,549
Cash received in connection with the Blocker Merger	2,136	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	5,788	4,485	-4,317
Cash flows from financing activities:
Distributions of member’s capital	0	-459,612	0
Proceeds from Initial Public Offering, net	0	141,280	0
Payments of equity financing costs	-1,197	0	0
Purchases of treasury stock	-4,466	0	0
Issuance of VIE long-term debt	795,436	624,252	623,931
Payments for debt issuance costs	-2,438	-33,518	-6,297
Payments on lease obligations	0	-745	-990
Repayments of long-term debt and derivatives	-368,804	-330,551	-248,555
Gross proceeds from revolving credit facility	270,294	369,195	349,661
Repayments of revolving credit facilities	-292,229	-355,333	-403,929
Issuance of installment obligations payable	100	2,782	0
Purchase of marketable securities	-100	-2,782	0
Repayments of installment obligations payable	-23,957	-31,589	-42,520
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	23,957	31,589	42,520
Repayments under term loan	0	-267,941	-29,515
Net proceeds from new term loan	0	557,175	0
Redemption of share based awards	0	0	-300
Non-controlling interest investors’ distribution, net	0	0	-20,991
Net cash provided by financing activities	396,596	244,202	263,015
Net increase (decrease) in cash	2,587	-64,076	32,966
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	39,061	103,137	70,171
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	41,648	39,061	103,137
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	225,803	228,683	176,243
Capital distributions	0	-459,612	0
Supplemental disclosure of noncash items:
Non-cash asset distribution of members’ capital	0	16,265	740
Issuance of note receivable from sale of finance receivables held for sale	0	0	606
Net deferred tax liability assumed in connection with the Blocker Merger	$13,599	$0	$0

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen

Background and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation	Background and Basis of Presentation
	Organization and Description of Business Activities
	The J.G. Wentworth Company (the "Corporation") is a Delaware holding company that was incorporated on June 21, 2013. The Corporation operates through its managing membership in The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC ("JGW LLC"), the Corporation's sole operating asset. JGW LLC is a controlled and consolidated subsidiary of the Corporation whose sole asset is its membership interest in J.G. Wentworth, LLC.
	Prior to the completion of the Company's reorganization and initial public offering ("IPO") on November 14, 2013, described in Note 2, JGW LLC was primarily owned by its members. As used in these notes, the "Company" refers to: (i) following the consummation of the Corporation's initial public offering (the “IPO”) and related concurrent transactions on November 14, 2013, collectively, to the Corporation and, unless otherwise stated, all of its subsidiaries, and (ii) prior to the completion of the IPO and related concurrent transactions on November 14, 2013, collectively, to J.G. Wentworth, LLC and, unless otherwise stated, all of its subsidiaries.
	The Company, operating through its subsidiaries and affiliates, has its principal office in Radnor, Pennsylvania. The Company provides liquidity to individuals with financial assets such as structured settlements, annuities, and lottery winnings by either purchasing these financial assets for a lump-sum payment, issuing installment obligations payable over time, or serving as a broker to other purchasers of those financial assets. The Company also provides pre-settlement funding to people with pending personal injury claims. The Company engages in warehousing and subsequent resale or securitization of these various financial assets.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature.
	The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant balance sheet accounts that could be affected by such estimates are variable interest entity (“VIE”) and other finance receivables, at fair market value, VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value, VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value, intangible assets and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation, its wholly- owned subsidiaries, including those entities that are considered VIEs, and where the Company has been determined to be the primary beneficiary in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). Excluded from the consolidated financial statements of the Company are those entities that are considered VIEs and where the Company has been deemed not to be the primary beneficiary according to ASC 810. The December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements also included the accounts of American Insurance Strategies Fund II, LP ("AIS Fund II") for which the Company was the general partner. The limited partners' interests were reflected as non-controlling interests in the Company's 2012 consolidated financial statements. In 2012, the assets of the AIS Fund II were liquidated and distributed to the partners.
	As indicated above, the Corporation operates and controls all of the businesses and affairs of JGW LLC and its subsidiaries. As such, JGW LLC meets the definition of a VIE under ASC 810. Further, the Corporation is the primary beneficiary of JGW LLC as a result of its control over JGW LLC. As the primary beneficiary of JGW LLC, the Corporation consolidates the financial results of JGW LLC and records a non-controlling interest for the economic interest in JGW LLC not owned by the Corporation. The Corporation's and the non-controlling Common Interestholders’ economic interest in JGW LLC was 50.2% and 49.8%, respectively, as of December 31, 2014. The Corporation's and the non-controlling Common Interestholders’ economic interest in JGW LLC as of December 31, 2013 was 37.9% and 62.1%, respectively.
	Net income attributable to the non-controlling interests in the consolidated statements of operations represents the portion of earnings attributable to the economic interest in JGW LLC held by the non-controlling Common Interestholders. The allocation of net income to the non-controlling interests is based on the weighted average percentage of JGW LLC owned by the non-controlling interests during the reporting period. The Corporation's and the non-controlling Common Interestholders’ weighted average economic interests in JGW LLC for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were 44.3% and 55.7%, and 37.9% and 62.1%, respectively. The net income attributable to Corporation in the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 does not necessarily reflect the Corporation's weighted average economic interests in JGW LLC for the respective periods because the majority of the provision for income taxes was specifically attributable to the Corporation, and thus was not allocated to the non-controlling interests. For the year ended December 31, 2014, $20.0 million of the Company's $21.1 million provision for income taxes was specifically attributable to the Corporation. For the year ended December 31, 2013, $0.7 million of the Company's $2.5 million provision for income taxes was specifically attributable to the Corporation. Refer to Note 19 for a description of the Company’s income taxes.
	Non-controlling interests in the consolidated balance sheets represents the portion of equity attributable to the non-controlling Common Interests of JGW LLC. The allocation of equity to the non-controlling interests in JGW LLC is based on the percentage owned by the non-controlling Common Interests in the entity.
	All material inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Refer to Note 3 for a summary of significant accounting policies.

Business_Changes_and_Developme

Business Changes and Developments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Changes and Developments
Business Changes and Developments	Business Changes and Developments
	Initial Public Offering & Reorganization
	On November 14, 2013, the Corporation consummated an IPO whereby 11,212,500 Class A shares of common stock (the "Class A common stock") were sold to the public for net proceeds of $141.3 million, after payment of underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The 11,212,500 shares sold were inclusive of 1,462,500 shares of Class A common stock sold pursuant to the full exercise of an overallotment option granted to the underwriters which was consummated on December 11, 2013. The net proceeds from the IPO were used to purchase 11,212,500 newly issued common membership interests (the "Common Interests" and the holders of such Common Interests the "Common Interestholders") directly from JGW LLC representing 37.9% of the then outstanding Common Interests. Concurrent with the consummation of the Corporation's IPO, the Corporation amended and restated its certificate of incorporation to provide for, among other things, the authorization of shares of Class A common stock, shares of “vote only” Class B common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Class B common stock”), and shares of Class C “non-voting” common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “Class C common stock”). Also concurrent with the consummation of the Corporation's IPO, JGW LLC merged with and into a newly formed subsidiary of the Corporation.
	Pursuant to this merger, the operating agreement of JGW LLC was amended and restated such that, among other things, (i) the Corporation became the sole managing member of JGW LLC, (ii) JGW LLC Common Interests became exchangeable for one share of Class A common stock, or in the case of Peach Group Holdings, Inc. ("PGHI Corp."), one share of Class C common stock.  Additionally, in connection with the merger, each holder of JGW LLC common interests, other than PGHI Corp., was issued an equivalent number of shares of Class B common stock.
	Tax Receivable Agreement
	Common Interestholders may exchange their Common Interests for shares of Class A common stock or, in the case of PGHI Corp., shares of Class C common stock, on a one-for-one basis or, in each case, at the option of JGW LLC, cash. JGW LLC is expected to make an election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in connection with the filing of its 2014 federal income tax return, which may result in an adjustment to the Corporation's share of the tax basis of the assets owned by JGW LLC at the time of such initial sale of and subsequent exchanges of Common Interests. The sale and exchanges may result in increases in the Corporation's share of the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of JGW LLC that otherwise would not have been available. Any such increases in tax basis are, in turn, anticipated to create incremental tax deductions that would reduce the amount of tax that the Corporation would otherwise be required to pay in the future.
	In connection with the IPO, the Corporation entered into a tax receivable agreement with Common Interestholders who held in excess of approximately 1% of the Common Interests outstanding immediately prior to the IPO. The tax receivable agreement requires the Corporation to pay those Common Interestholders 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax that the Company actually realizes in any tax year beginning with 2013 from increases in tax basis realized as a result of any future exchanges by Common Interestholders of their Common Interests for shares of Class A or Class C common stock (or cash). The cash savings in income tax paid to any such Common Interestholders will reduce the cash that may otherwise be available to the Corporation for operations and to make future distributions to holders of Class A common stock.
	For purposes of the tax receivable agreement, cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing the Corporation’s actual income tax liability for a covered tax year to the amount of such taxes that the Corporation would have been required to pay for such covered tax year had there been no increase to the Corporation’s share of the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of JGW LLC as a result of such sale and any such exchanges and had the Corporation not entered into the tax receivable agreement. The tax receivable agreement continues until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired, unless the Corporation exercises its right to terminate the tax receivable agreement upon a change of control for an amount based on the remaining payments expected to be made under the tax receivable agreement.
	JLL Blocker Merger
	On October 7, 2014, the Company executed a merger ("the Blocker Merger") pursuant to which a subsidiary of the Company merged with and into JGW Holdings, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of JLL Fund V AIF II, L.P (“JLL”), a related party, with JGW Holdings, Inc. surviving the merger and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation. In connection with the merger, JLL received 715,916 newly issued shares of Class A common stock in the merger and subsequently transferred to the Company 715,916 shares of Class B common stock and an equal number of Common Interests in JGW LLC. The Company also received from JLL $2.1 million in cash, 185,561 shares of Class A common stock, of which 47,440 were cancelled by the Company, in consideration for the assumption of approximately $13.6 million of JGW Holdings, Inc.'s contingent future tax obligation the parties agreed had a present value of approximately $4.4 million. The Company accounted for the Blocker Merger as a common control transaction and recorded the assets and liabilities received at their carrying values within the accounts of JLL as of the date of the merger.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Fair Value Measurements
	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“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 hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels are defined as follows:
	•	Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices in markets that are not active or 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, reflecting the entity’s own assumptions about assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	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 (Note 5). Fair value is a market based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the assets or owes the liabilities rather than an entity specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company also evaluates various factors to determine whether certain transactions are orderly and may make adjustments to transactions or quoted prices when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have decreased significantly.
	The above conditions could cause certain assets and liabilities to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2/Level 3 or Level 2 to Level 3. The inputs or methodology used for valuing the assets or liabilities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with the assets and liabilities.
	Transfers of Financial Assets
	Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the following conditions have been satisfied: (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company; (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity, the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets or through an agreement that permits the transferee to require the transferor to repurchase the transferred financial assets that is so favorable to the transferee that it is probable that the transferee will require the transferor to repurchase them. Transfers that do not meet the criteria to be accounted for as sales are accounted for as secured borrowings.
	The amendments to ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing (“ASC 860”), eliminated the concept of a qualified special purpose entity, changed the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and required additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions and continuing involvement with transferred financial assets.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all cash accounts, which are not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties, and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three-months or less to be cash equivalents.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company held cash and cash equivalents at U.S. and non-U.S. financial institutions and substantially all cash and cash equivalents are held by U.S. financial institutions. Under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, an entity’s US non-interest bearing and interest bearing accounts are insured in total up to $250,000 by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
	Restricted Cash and Investments
	Restricted cash balances represent the use of trust or escrow accounts to secure the cash assets managed by the Company, certificates of deposit supporting letters of credit, customer purchase holdbacks, collateral collections and split payment collections. The Company acts as servicer and/or subservicer for structured settlements and annuities, lottery winnings, life settlements, and pre-settlements. Trust accounts are established for collections with payments being made from the restricted cash accounts to the lenders and other appropriate parties on a monthly basis in accordance with the applicable loan agreements or indentures. At certain times, the Company has cash balances in excess of FDIC insurance limits of $250,000 for interest-bearing accounts, which potentially subject the Company to market and credit risks. The Company has not experienced any losses to date as a result of these risks.
	Restricted investments in the amounts of $1.1 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, include certificates of deposit which are pledged to meet certain state requirements in order to conduct business in certain states. The certificates of deposit are carried at face value inclusive of interest, which approximates fair value as such instruments are renewed annually.
	VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value
	The Company has elected to fair value newly originated guaranteed structured settlements in accordance with ASC 810. The Company acquires receivables associated with structured settlement payments from individuals in exchange for cash (purchase price).  These receivables are carried at fair value. Additionally, as a result of the Company including lottery winning finance receivables beginning with its 2013-1 asset securitization (Note 16), the Company also elected to fair value newly originated lottery winnings effective January 1, 2013.
	Unearned income is determined as the amount the fair value exceeds the cost basis of the receivables. Unearned income on structured settlements is recognized as interest income using the effective interest method over the life of the related structured settlements. Changes in fair value are recorded in unrealized gains on VIE and other finance receivables, long-term debt and derivatives in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	The Company, through its subsidiaries, sells finance receivables to Special Purpose Entities (“SPE”), as defined in ASC 860. An SPE issues notes secured by undivided interests in the receivables. Payments due on these notes generally correspond to receipts from the receivables in terms of the timing of payments due. The Company retains a retained interest in the SPEs and is deemed to have control over these SPEs due to its servicing or subservicing role and therefore consolidates these SPEs (Note 4).
	VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses
	VIE and other finance receivables carried at amortized cost include primarily pre-settlement funding transactions, Life Contingent Structured Settlements, lottery winnings, and attorney cost financing, which are reported at the amount outstanding, adjusted for deferred fees and costs and allowance for losses. Interest income on fees earned on pre-settlement funding transactions is recognized over their respective terms using the effective interest method based on principal amounts outstanding. The Company’s policy is to discontinue the recognition of interest income on finance receivables not fair valued once it has been determined that collection of future interest or fees are unlikely.
	Fees charged upon the origination of finance receivables and certain direct origination costs, including personnel, travel, postage, legal fees and other associated costs, are deferred and the net amount is amortized using the effective interest method over the estimated life of the related receivables.
	Allowance for Losses on Receivables
	On an ongoing basis the Company reviews the ability to collect all amounts owed on VIE and other finance receivables carried at amortized cost.
	The Company reduces the carrying value of finance receivables by the amount of projected losses. The Company’s determination of the adequacy of the projected losses is based upon an evaluation of the finance receivables collateral, the financial strength of the related insurance company that issued the structured settlement, current economic conditions, historical loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolios and other relevant factors. The Company will charge-off the defaulted payment balances at the time it determines them to be uncollectible. Because the projected losses are dependent on general and other economic conditions beyond the Company’s control, it is reasonably possible that the losses projected could differ materially from the currently reported amount in the near term.
	The Company suspends recognizing interest income on receivables when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all payments according to the contractual terms of the underlying agreements. Management considers all information available in assessing collectability. Collectability is measured on a receivable-by-receivable basis by either the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective rate, the observable market price for the receivable or the fair value of the collateral if the receivable is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous receivables, such as pre-settlement funding transactions, are collectively assessed for collectability.
	Payments received on past due receivables and finance receivables the Company has suspended recognizing interest income on are applied first to principal and then to accrued interest. Additionally, the Company generally does not resume recognition of interest income once it has been suspended.
	Life Settlement Contracts
	The Company’s life settlement contracts are accounted for using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, life settlement contracts are remeasured at fair value at each reporting period and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings (Note 5). The Company’s life settlement contracts are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and any gains or losses are included in other revenue in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	Marketable Securities
	Assets acquired through the Company’s installment sale transaction structure are invested in a diverse portfolio of marketable debt and equity securities. Marketable securities are carried using the fair value method in accordance with ASC 820 with realized and unrealized gains and losses included in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations (Note 5).  Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices.  Management has classified these investments as Level 1 assets in the valuation hierarchy of fair value measurements. Marketable securities are held for resale in anticipation of fluctuations in market prices.
	Interest on debt securities is recognized in interest income as earned and dividend income on marketable equity securities is recognized in interest income on the ex-dividend date.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company applies ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions, based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued, be included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company has determined that these share-based payment transactions represent equity awards under ASC 718 and therefore measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for share based compensation on the grant-date fair value of the award, and recognizes the cost over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. For all grants of stock options, the fair value at the grant date is calculated using option pricing models based on the value of the issuing entities shares at the award date. Compensation expense for performance-based restricted stock units is recognized ratably from the date of the grant until the date the restrictions lapse and is based on the trading price of the Class A common stock on the date of grant and the probability of achievement of the specific performance-based goals. Share-based compensation is included in compensation and benefits expense within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements
	Fixed assets and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation or amortization and are comprised primarily of computer equipment, office furniture, and software licensed from third parties. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets. For leasehold improvements, amortization is computed over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the lease term. The estimated useful lives of the assets range from 3 to 10 years.
	Notes Receivable, at Fair Market Value
	Notes receivable represented fixed rate obligations of a third party collateralized by retained interests from certain securitizations sponsored by the Company. Under the agreements, the obligor had the right to redeem the notes at fair value. The notes receivable were treated as debt securities, classified as available-for-sale, and carried at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. Unrealized gains and losses on notes receivable arising during the period were reflected within accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity (Note 21). The notes receivable were fully repaid in June of 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the amortized cost and fair value of the notes receivable was $6.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively.
	The notes receivable were analyzed on an annual basis for other than temporary impairment. No impairment expense was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Note Receivable due from affiliate
	Note receivable due from affiliate represented a $5.0 million secured note the Company executed in August 2012 with PGHI. The note accrued interest in arrears at a rate of 13.75% per annum and was paid quarterly.  The note was secured by PGHI’s interest in the Company, and was scheduled to mature in August 2015. The note, including accrued interest, was fully repaid in February 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of interest income on the note receivable which is included in interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	Intangible Assets
	Identifiable intangible assets consist of the Company's databases, customer relationships, and domain names. The Company's non-compete agreements were fully amortized during 2014. The Company’s databases are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 10 years. Customer relationships are amortized over useful lives of 8 to 15 years. Domain names are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 10 years. As of December 31, 2014, the weighted average remaining useful lives of the databases, customer relationships and domain names are 5, 5 and 8 years, respectively. In addition, such identifiable intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset’s carrying value may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss, generally calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of an asset, is recognized if the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows relating to the asset is less than the corresponding carrying value. Intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives, which in the Company’s case includes a trade name, are not amortized and are subject to annual impairment tests. Impairment exists if the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value. No impairment was recognized for the intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with the 2011 acquisition of Orchard Acquisition Company, LLC ("OAC"). Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is subject to annual impairment tests whereby impairment is recognized if the estimated fair value of the Company is less than its net book value. Such loss is calculated as the difference between the estimated implied fair value of goodwill and its carrying amount.  No impairment was recognized for goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	Income Taxes
	JGW LLC and the majority of its subsidiaries operate in the U.S. as non-tax paying entities, and are treated as disregarded entities for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes and generally as corporate entities in non-U.S. jurisdictions. In addition, certain of JGW LLC's wholly owned subsidiaries are operating as corporations within the U.S. and subject to U.S. federal and state tax. As non-tax paying entities, the majority of JGW LLC's net income or loss is attributable to its members and included in their tax returns. The current and deferred income tax provision (benefit) relates to both the income (loss) attributable to the Corporation from JGW LLC and to the tax-paying subsidiaries of JGW LLC.
	Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of the differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, using currently enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The Company analyzes its tax filing positions in all of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as for all open tax years in these jurisdictions. If, based on this analysis, the Company determines that uncertainties in tax positions exist, a reserve will be established. The Company will recognize accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and evaluating tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties under U.S. GAAP. The Company reviews its tax positions periodically and adjusts its tax balances as new information becomes available.
	Segment Reporting
	The Company reports operating segments in accordance with ASC 280 Segment Reporting ("ASC 280"). Operating segments are components of an entity for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. ASC 280 requires that a public entity report a measure of segment profit or loss, certain specific revenue and expense items, segment assets, and information on the way that the Company identified its operating segments. The Company primarily operates in the structured settlement industry and has no other reportable segments. The other revenue generating activities of the Company, including annuities, lottery, and pre-settlement funding are performed at the Company's headquarters in conjunction with or similar to structured settlements.
	Other Revenue Recognition
	Servicing, broker, and other fees in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations primarily include broker fees and subservicing fees earned from servicing life settlement contracts for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Broker fee income is recognized when the contract between the purchasing counterparty and the seller is closed for the sale of lottery winnings receivables.
	Debt Issuance Costs
	Debt issuance costs related to liabilities for which the Company has elected the fair value option are expensed when incurred. Debt issuance costs related to liabilities for which the Company has not elected the fair value option are capitalized and amortized over the expected term of the borrowing or debt issuance. Capitalized amounts are included in other assets or netted against the Company's long-term debt in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and amortization of such costs is included in interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations over the life of the debt facility.
	Advertising Expenses
	The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. The costs are included in advertising expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company holds derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedging instruments as defined by ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). The objective for holding these instruments is to offset variability in forecasted cash flows associated with interest rate fluctuations. Derivatives are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in unrealized gains on VIE and other finance receivables, long-term debt and derivatives in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 requires, unless certain conditions exists, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not materially impact the Company’s financial statements.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities
Variable Interest Entities	Variable Interest Entities
	In the normal course of business, the Company is involved with various entities that are considered to be VIEs. A VIE is an entity that has either a total investment that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or whose equity investors lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest under the voting interest model of consolidation. The Company is required to consolidate any VIE for which it is determined to be the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has the power to direct those activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance and has the obligation to absorb losses from or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company reviews all significant interests in the VIEs it is involved with including consideration of the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance and whether the Company has control over those activities. On an ongoing basis, the Company assesses whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE.
	As a result of adopting ASC 810, the Company was deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIEs used to securitize its finance receivables (“VIE finance receivables”). The Company elected the fair value option with respect to assets and liabilities in its securitization VIEs as part of their initial consolidation on January 1, 2010.
	The debt issued by the Company’s securitization VIEs is reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value (“VIE securitization debt”). The VIE securitization debt is recourse solely to the VIE finance receivables held by such special purpose entities (Note 6 and 7) and thus is non-recourse to the other consolidated subsidiaries. The VIEs will continue in operation until all securitization debt is paid and all residual cash flows are collected. As a result of the long lives of many finance receivables purchased and securitized by the Company, most consolidated VIEs have expected lives in excess of 20 years.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
	For assets and liabilities measured at fair value in the consolidated financial statements:
	Marketable securities – The estimated fair value of investments in marketable securities is based on quoted market prices.
	VIE and other finance receivables and VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value – The estimated fair value of VIE and other finance receivables and VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair value is determined based on a discounted cash flow model using expected future collections discounted at a calculated rate as described below.
	For guaranteed structured settlements and annuities, the Company allocates the projected cash flows based on the waterfall of the securitization and permanent financing trusts (collectivity the “Trusts”). The waterfall includes fees to operate the Trusts (servicing fees, admin fees, etc.), note holder principal and note holder interest. Many of the Trusts have various tranches of debt that have varying subordinations in the waterfall calculation (Note 16). The remaining cash flows, net of those obligations, are considered a residual interest which is projected to be paid to the Company’s retained interest holders.
	The projected finance receivable cash flows used to pay the obligations of the Trusts are discounted using a calculated rate derived from the fair value interest rates of the debt in the Trusts. The fair value interest rate of the debt is derived using a swap curve and applying a calculated spread that is based on market indices that are highly correlated with the spreads from the Company's previous securitizations. The calculated spread is adjusted for the specific attributes of the debt in the Trusts, such as years to maturity and credit grade. The debt’s fair value interest rates are applied to the projected future cash payments paid on the principal and interest to derive the debt’s fair value. The debt’s fair value interest rates are blended using the debt’s principal balance to obtain a weighted average fair value interest rate; this rate is used to determine the value of the finance receivables’ asset cash flows. In addition, the Company considers transformation cost and profit margin associated with its securitizations to derive the fair value of its finance receivables’ asset cash flows. The finance receivables’ residual cash flows remaining after the projected obligations of the Trusts are satisfied are discounted using a separate yield based on an assumed rating of the residual tranche (5.97% and 7.85% at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, with a weighted average life of 20 years as of both dates).
	The residual cash flows are adjusted for a loss assumption of 0.25% over the life of the finance receivables in its fair value calculation. Finance receivable cash flows, including the residual asset cash flows, are included in VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The associated debt’s projected future cash payments for principal and interest are included in VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value.
	For finance receivables not yet securitized, the Company uses the calculated spreads based on market indices, while also considering transformation costs and profit margin to determine the fair value yield adjusting for expected losses and applying the residual yield for the cash flows the Company projects would make up the retained interest in a securitization.
	For the Company’s Life Contingent Structured Settlements (“LCSS”) receivables and long-term debt issued by its related permanent financing trusts, the blended weighted average discount rate of the LCSS receivables at the time of borrowing (which occurs frequently throughout the year) is used to determine the fair value of the receivables’ cash flows. The residual cash flows relating to the LCSS receivables are discounted using a separate yield based on the assumed rating to the residual tranche reflecting the life contingent feature of these receivables.
	Life settlement contracts, at fair market value – The fair values of life settlement contracts are determined by reference to the transfer price of similar life settlement contracts under a discounted cash flow calculation that takes into account the net death benefit under the policy, estimated future premium payments and the life expectancy of the insured, as well as other qualitative factors regarding market participants' assumptions. Life expectancy is determined on a policy-by-policy basis using the results of medical underwriting performed by independent agencies. Although the Company updated the life expectancy inputs used to determine the fair value of its life settlement contracts during the year ended December 31, 2014, this did not result in a significant change in the fair value of these assets.
	Notes receivable, at fair market value – The fair values of notes receivables were determined based on the discounted present value of future expected cash flows using management’s best estimates of the key assumptions regarding credit losses and discount rates determined to be commensurate with the risks involved. The notes receivable was repaid in June 2014.
	VIE derivative liabilities, at fair value – The fair value of interest rate swaps, is based on pricing models which consider current interest rates, and the amount and timing of cash flows (Note 18).
	Assets and liabilities for which fair value is only disclosed in the consolidated financial statements:
	VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses – The fair value of structured settlement, annuity, and lottery receivables was estimated based on the present value of future expected cash flows using discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. The fair value of pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing was based on expected losses and historical loss experience associated with the respective receivables using management’s best estimates of the key assumptions regarding credit losses.
	Other receivables, net of allowance for losses – The estimated fair value of advances receivable and certain other receivables, which are generally recovered in less than three months, is equal to the carrying amount. The carrying value of other receivables which have expected recoverability of greater than three months, which consist primarily of a note receivable (Note 8), have been estimated based on the present value of future expected cash flows using management’s best estimate of the key assumptions, including discount rates commensurate with the risks involved.
	Installment obligations payable – Installment obligations payable are reported at contract value determined based on changes in the measuring indices selected by the obligees under the terms of the obligations over the lives of the obligations. The fair value of installment obligations payable is estimated to be equal to carrying value.
	Term loan payable – The estimated fair value of the term loan payable is based on recently executed transactions and market price quotations obtained from third-parties (Note 17).
	VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings – The estimated fair value of borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings is based on the borrowing rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.
	VIE long-term debt – The estimated fair value of VIE long-term debt is based on fair value borrowing rates available to the Company based on recently executed transactions with similar underlying collateral characteristics, reflecting the specific terms and conditions of the debt.
	The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of:
		Quoted Prices in Active				Significant Other				Significant				Total at
		Markets for Identical Assets				Observable Inputs				Unobservable Inputs				Fair Value
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(Dollars in thousands)
	31-Dec-14
	Assets
	Marketable Securities:
	Equity securities
	US large cap	$	41,246			$	—			$	—			$	41,246
	US mid cap	8,192				—				—				8,192
	US small cap	7,586				—				—				7,586
	International	14,123				—				—				14,123
	Other equity	1,051				—				—				1,051
	Total equity securities	$	72,198			$	—			$	—			$	72,198
	Fixed income securities:
	US fixed income	16,699				—				—				16,699
	International fixed income	3,526				—				—				3,526
	Other fixed income	27				—				—				27
	Total fixed income securities	20,252				—				—				20,252
	Other securities:
	Cash & cash equivalents	6,629				—				—				6,629
	Alternative investments	1,829				—				—				1,829
	Annuities	2,511				—				—				2,511
	Total other securities	10,969				—				—				10,969
	Total marketable securities	103,419				—				—				103,419
	VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value	—				—				4,523,835				4,523,835
	Life settlements contracts, at fair market value (1)	—				—				—				—
	Total Assets	$	103,419			$	—			$	4,523,835			$	4,627,254
	Liabilities
	VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	—				—				4,031,864				4,031,864
	VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	—				75,706				—				75,706
	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	75,706			$	4,031,864			$	4,107,570
		Quoted Prices in Active				Significant Other				Significant				Total at
		Markets for Identical Assets				Observable Inputs				Unobservable Inputs				Fair Value
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(Dollars in thousands)
	31-Dec-13
	Assets
	Marketable Securities:
	Equity securities
	US large cap	$	41,821			$	—			$	—			$	41,821
	US mid cap	9,769				—				—				9,769
	US small cap	10,212				—				—				10,212
International	19,938				—				—				19,938
Other equity	936				—				—				936
Total equity securities	$	82,676			$	—			$	—			$	82,676
Fixed income securities:
US fixed income	26,713				—				—				26,713
International fixed income	4,089				—				—				4,089
Other fixed income	29				—				—				29
Total fixed income securities	30,831				—				—				30,831
Other securities:
Cash & cash equivalents	5,534				—				—				5,534
Alternative investments	705				—				—				705
Annuities	2,208				—				—				2,208
Total other securities	8,447				—				—				8,447
Total marketable securities	121,954				—				—				121,954
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value	—				—				3,870,649				3,870,649
Notes receivable, at fair market value	—				—				5,610				5,610
Life settlements contracts, at fair market value (1)	—				—				—				—
Total Assets	$	121,954			$	—			$	3,876,259			$	3,998,213
Liabilities
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	—				—				3,431,283				3,431,283
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	—				70,296				—				70,296
Total Liabilities	$	—			$	70,296			$	3,431,283			$	3,501,579
(1) Included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet
The following table sets forth the Company’s quantitative information about its Level 3 fair value measurements as of :
		Fair Value (Dollars in thousands)				Valuation Technique		Unobservable  Input		Range (Weighted Average)
31-Dec-14
Assets
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value		$	4,523,835			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		2.55% - 12.60% (3.43%)
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value		—				Model actuarial pricing		Life expectancy Discount rate		45 to 344 months (219) 18.00% (18.00%)
Total Assets		$	4,523,835
Liabilities
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value		4,031,864				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		0.74% - 12.32% (3.16%)
Total Liabilities		$	4,031,864
		Fair Value (Dollars in thousands)				Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input		Range (Weighted Average)
31-Dec-13
Assets
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value		$	3,870,649			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		2.79% - 13.69% (4.33%)
Notes receivable, at fair market value		5,610				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		7.85% (7.85%)
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value		—				Model actuarial pricing		Life expectancy Discount rate		14 to 250 months (148)
										18.50% (18.50%)
Total Assets		$	3,876,259
Liabilities
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value		3,431,283				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		0.73% - 12.70% (3.94%)
Total Liabilities		$	3,431,283
A significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of all of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value using unobservable inputs (Level 3) is the discount rate. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount rate used to estimate fair value in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement of the corresponding asset or liability. An additional significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of the life settlement contracts, at fair value, is life expectancy. Significant increases (decreases) in the life expectancy used to estimate the fair value of life settlement contracts in isolation would result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement.
The changes in assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		VIE and other				Life settlement				Notes receivable, at				Total
		finance receivables,				contracts, at fair				fair market value
		at fair market value				market value
		(Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	3,870,649			$	—			$	5,610			$	3,876,259
Total gains (losses):
Included in earnings / losses		551,756				(116		)		2,098				553,738
Included in other comprehensive gain		—				—				(1,615		)		(1,615		)
Purchases of finance receivables		420,886				—				—				420,886
Life insurance premiums paid		—				116				—				116
Interest accreted		163,758				—				—				163,758
Payments received		(483,214		)		—				(6,093		)		(489,307		)
Maturities		—				—				—				—
Asset distribution		—				—				—				—
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		—				—				—				—
Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	4,523,835			$	—			$	—			$	4,523,835
The amount of net gains (losses) for the period included in revenues attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held as of:
31-Dec-14		$	551,756			$	(116	)		$	—			$	551,640
Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	3,615,188			$	1,724			$	8,074			$	3,624,986
Total gains (losses):
Included in earnings / losses		164,823				(22		)		(1,862		)		162,939
Included in other comprehensive gain		—				—				1,891				1,891
Purchases of finance receivables		388,401				—				—				388,401
Life insurance premiums paid		—				241				—				241
Interest accreted		147,063				—				—				147,063
Payments received		(435,211		)		—				(2,493		)		(437,704		)
Maturities		—				(51		)		—				(51		)
Asset distribution		(9,615		)		(1,892		)		—				(11,507		)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		—				—				—				—
Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	3,870,649			$	—			$	5,610			$	3,876,259
The amount of net gains (losses) for the period included in revenues attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held as of:
31-Dec-13		$	164,823			$	(20	)		$	—			$	164,803
The changes in liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	VIE long-term debt issued
	by securitizations and
	permanent financing
	trusts, at fair market value
	(Dollars in thousands)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	3,431,283
Net (gains) losses:
Included in earnings / losses	245,085
Issuances	685,436
Interest accreted	(40,000		)
Repayments	(289,940		)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	4,031,864
The amount of net (gains) losses for the period included in revenues attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to long-term debt still held as of:
31-Dec-14	$	245,332
Balance as of December 31, 2012	3,229,591
Net (gains) losses:
Included in earnings / losses	(58,968		)
Issuances	624,252
Interest accreted	(46,425		)
Repayments	(317,167		)
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	3,431,283
The amount of net (gains) losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to long- term debt still held as of:
31-Dec-13	$	(34,475	)
Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are reported in the following revenue categories:
	VIE and other finance				Life settlement
	receivables and long-				contracts
	term debt
	(Dollars in thousands)
Net gains (losses) in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014	$	306,671			$	(116	)
Unrealized gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2014 relating to assets still held as of December 31, 2014	$	306,424			$	(116	)
Net gains (losses) in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013	$	223,791			$	(22	)
Unrealized gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2013 relating to assets still held as of December 31, 2013	$	199,298			$	(20	)
Net gains (losses) in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012	$	261,835			$	(1,757	)
Unrealized gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2012 relating to assets still held as of December 31, 2012	$	261,244			$	(1,370	)
The Company discloses fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized at fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. As such, the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows as of:
	31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Estimated				Carrying				Estimated				Carrying
	Fair				Amount				Fair				Amount
	Value								Value
Financial assets
Marketable securities	$	103,419			$	103,419			$	121,954			$	121,954
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value	4,523,835				4,523,835				3,870,649				3,870,649
VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses (1)	123,765				131,292				126,502				132,992
Notes receivable, at fair market value	—				—				5,610				5,610
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses (1)	14,165				14,165				13,529				13,529
Financial liabilities
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	75,706				75,706				70,296				70,296
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings (1)	21,415				19,339				42,275				41,274
VIE long-term debt (1)	176,635				181,558				147,112				150,802
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	4,031,864				4,031,864				3,431,283				3,431,283
Installment obligations payable (1)	103,419				103,419				121,954				121,954
Term loan payable (1)	433,904				437,183				434,184				434,184
(1)These represent financial instruments not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.  Such financial instruments would be classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value	VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value
	The Company has elected to fair value newly originated guaranteed structured settlements in accordance with ASC 810.  Additionally, as a result of the Company including lottery winning finance receivables in its 2013-1 asset securitization, the Company also elected to fair value newly originated lottery winnings effective January 1, 2013. VIE and other finance receivables for which the fair value option was elected consist of the following as of:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Maturity value	$	6,492,863		$	5,917,596
	Unearned income	(1,969,028		)	(2,046,947		)
	Net carrying amount	$	4,523,835		$	3,870,649
	Encumbrances on VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value are as follows:
	Encumbrance		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
			(Dollars in thousands)
	VIE securitization debt (2)		$	4,357,456		$	3,742,218
	$250 million credit facility (1)		—			—
	$100 million credit facility (1)		2			11,073
	$50 million credit facility (1)		—			—
	$300 million credit facility (1)		—			16,681
	$300 million credit facility (1)		—			7,568
	$100 million permanent financing related to 2011-A (2)		64,575			41,164
	Total VIE finance receivables, at fair value		4,422,033			3,818,704
	Not encumbered		101,802			51,945
	Total VIE and other finance receivables, at fair value		$	4,523,835		$	3,870,649
	(1) See Note 14
	(2) See Note 16
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the residual cash flows from the Company’s finance receivables, at fair market value, were pledged as collateral for the Residual Term Facility (Note 16). Additionally, as of December 31, 2013, the Company’s notes receivables, at fair market value, were pledged as collateral for the Residual Term Facility. The Company’s notes receivables, at fair market value, were repaid during the year ended December 31, 2014.
	As of December 31, 2014, the expected cash flows of VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value based on maturity value for the next five years and thereafter were as follows:
	Year ended December 31,		Expected cash flows
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	492,968
	2016		478,018
	2017		452,471
	2018		420,244
	2019		403,629
	Thereafter		4,245,533
	Total		$	6,492,863
	The Company is engaged to service certain finance receivables it sells to third parties. Servicing fee revenue related to those receivables are included in servicing, broker, and other fees in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, and for the years ended December 31, were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Servicing fees	$	914		$	948		$	1,051

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab1

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses	VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses
	VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses consist of the following as of:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Structured settlements and annuities	$	76,253		$	75,894
	Less: unearned income	(49,270		)	(49,751		)
		26,983			26,143
	Lottery winnings	81,169			87,495
	Less: unearned income	(24,389		)	(28,442		)
		56,780			59,053
	Pre-settlement funding transactions	57,886			56,309
	Less: deferred revenue	(1,563		)	(2,240		)
		56,323			54,069
	Attorney cost financing	1,334			2,069
	Less: deferred revenue	—			—
		1,334			2,069
	VIE and other finance receivables, gross	141,420			141,334
	Less: allowance for losses	(10,128		)	(8,342		)
	VIE and other finance receivables, net	$	131,292		$	132,992
	Encumbrances on VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses are as follows:
	Encumbrance		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
			(Dollars in thousands)
	VIE securitization debt (2)		$	74,973		$	78,575
	$35 million pre-settlement credit facility (1)		30,423			25,047
	$45.1 million long-term pre-settlement facility (2)		6,453			11,680
	$2.5 million long-term facility (2)		1,640			2,524
	Total VIE finance receivables, net of allowances		113,489			117,826
	Not encumbered		17,803			15,166
	Total VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowances		$	131,292		$	132,992
	(1) See Note 14
	(2) See Note 15
	As of December 31, 2014, the expected cash flows of structured settlements, annuities and lottery winnings based on maturity value for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,		Expected cash flows
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	16,500
	2016		11,669
	2017		10,757
	2018		10,379
	2019		10,336
	Thereafter		97,781
	Total		$	157,422
	Excluded from the above table are pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing receivable balances of $59.2 million and $58.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, which do not have specified maturity dates.
	Activity in the allowance for losses for VIE and other finance receivables are as follows:
		Structured			Lottery			Pre-settlement			Attorney cost			Total
		settlements and						funding			financing
		annuities						transactions
		(Dollars in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for losses:
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(48	)	$	—		$	(8,011	)	$	(283	)	$	(8,342	)
	Provision for loss	(31		)	(3		)	(4,772		)	—			(4,806		)
	Charge-offs	128			—			2,997			—			3,125
	Recoveries	(105		)	—			—			—			(105		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(56	)	$	(3	)	$	(9,786	)	$	(283	)	$	(10,128	)
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	(56	)	$	(3	)	$	(2,886	)	$	—		$	(2,945	)
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	—			—			(6,900		)	(283		)	(7,183		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(56	)	$	(3	)	$	(9,786	)	$	(283	)	$	(10,128	)
	VIE and other finance receivables, net:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	26,927		$	56,777		$	3,204		$	1,051		$	87,959
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	—			—			43,333			—			43,333
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	26,927		$	56,777		$	46,537		$	1,051		$	131,292
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for losses:
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(181	)	$	(6	)	$	(4,194	)	$	(269	)	$	(4,650	)
Provision for loss	(86		)	99			(5,694		)	(14		)	(5,695		)
Charge-offs	225			38			1,877			—			2,140
Recoveries	(6		)	(131		)	—			—			(137		)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(48	)	$	—		$	(8,011	)	$	(283	)	$	(8,342	)
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	(48	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(48	)
Collectively evaluated for impairment	—			—			(8,011		)	(283		)	(8,294		)
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(48	)	$	—		$	(8,011	)	$	(283	)	$	(8,342	)
VIE and other finance receivables, net:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	26,095		$	59,053		$	4,283		$	—		$	89,431
Collectively evaluated for impairment	—			—			41,777			1,784			43,561
Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	26,095		$	59,053		$	46,060		$	1,784		$	132,992
Management makes estimates in determining the allowance for losses on finance receivables. Consideration is given to a variety of factors in establishing these estimates, including current economic conditions and anticipated delinquencies. Because the allowance for losses is dependent on general and other economic conditions beyond the Company’s control, it is at least reasonably possible that the estimate for the allowance for losses could differ materially from the currently reported amount in the near term.
The Company suspends recognizing interest income on a receivable when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all payments according to the contractual terms of the underlying agreement. Management considers all information available in assessing collectability. Collectability is measured on a receivable-by-receivable basis by either the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective rate, the observable market price for the receivable or the fair value of the collateral if the receivable is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous receivables, such as pre-settlement funding transactions, are collectively assessed for collectability.
Payments received on past due receivables and finance receivables on which the Company has suspended recognizing revenue are applied first to principal and then to accrued interest. Additionally, the Company generally does not resume recognition of interest income once it has been suspended. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had discontinued recognition of income on pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing receivables in the amount of $14.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had discontinued recognition of income on pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing receivables in the amount of $11.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
Pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing are usually outstanding for a period of time exceeding one year. The Company performs underwriting procedures to assess the quality of the underlying pending litigation collateral prior to executing such transactions. The underwriting process involves an evaluation of each transaction’s case merits, counsel track record, and case concentration.
The Company assesses the status of the individual pre-settlement funding transactions to determine whether there are any case specific concerns that need to be addressed and included in the allowance for losses on finance receivables. The Company also analyzes pre-settlement funding transactions on a portfolio basis based on the advances’ age as the ability to collect is correlated to the duration of time the advances are outstanding.
The following table presents gross finance receivables related to pre-settlement funding transactions based on their year of origination as of:
Year of Origination		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
2009		$	2,618		$	4,578
2010		4,251			5,740
2011		6,938			10,915
2012		10,687			17,527
2013		11,335			17,549
2014		22,057			—
Total		$	57,886		$	56,309
Based on historical portfolio experience, the Company reserved for pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing of $9.8 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2014, respectively, and $8.0 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2013, respectively.
The following table presents portfolio delinquency status excluding pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing as of:
	30-59			60-89			Greater			Total			Current			VIE and Other		VIE and Other
	Days			Days			than			Past Due						Finance		Finance
	Past Due			Past Due			90 Days									Receivables,		Receivables, net
																net		> 90 days
																		accruing
	(Dollars in thousands)
31-Dec-14
Structured settlements and annuities	$	6		$	12		$	208		$	226		$	26,701		$	26,927	$	—
Lottery winnings	2			6			120			128			56,649			$	56,777	—
Total	$	8		$	18		$	328		$	354		$	83,350		$	83,704	$	—
31-Dec-13
Structured settlements and annuities	$	4		$	1		$	62		$	67		$	26,028		$	26,095	$	—
Lottery winnings	—			—			18			18			59,035			59,053		—
Total	$	4		$	1		$	80		$	85		$	85,063		$	85,148	$	—
Pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing do not have set due dates as payment is dependent on the underlying case settling.

Other_Receivables_net_of_Allow

Other Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Other Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses	Other Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses
	Other receivables include the following as of:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Advances receivable	$	2,406		$	3,146
	Notes receivable	8,038			7,317
	Tax withholding receivables on lottery winnings	1,209			1,992
	Due from affiliates	376			271
	Other	2,340			1,046
	Other receivables, gross	14,369			13,772
	Less allowance for losses	(204		)	(243		)
	Other Receivables, net of allowances	$	14,165		$	13,529
	The Company’s lottery and structured settlements businesses in some cases will advance a portion of the purchase price to a customer prior to the closing of the transaction, which are included in advances receivable above.
	Notes receivable represents receivables from a third party for the sale of LCSS assets.
	Tax withholding receivables on lottery winnings represents the portion of lottery collections withheld for state and federal agencies. The Company obtains the withholding refund once appropriate tax filings are completed for the respective jurisdictions.
	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for other receivables for the following years ended was as follows:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	(243	)	$	(276	)
	Reversal of provision for losses	39			8
	Recoveries	—			—
	Other	—			25
	Ending balance	$	(204	)	$	(243	)

Life_Settlement_Contracts_at_F

Life Settlement Contracts, at Fair Market Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Life Settlement Contracts, Fair Value Method [Abstract]
Life Settlement Contracts, at Fair Market Value	Life Settlement Contracts, at Fair Market Value
	Information about life settlement contracts, all of which are reported at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets based on estimated remaining life expectancy, for each of the next five years and thereafter and in the aggregate, as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	Year ended December 31,	Number of		Carrying Value			Face Value
		Contracts
				(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	—		$	—		$	—
	2016	—		—			—
	2017	—		—			—
	2018	1		—			500
	2019	—		—			—
	Thereafter	26		—			8,044
	Total	27		$	—		$	8,544
	Key assumptions in measuring the fair value of life settlement contracts were as follows:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Discount rate	18	%		18.5	%
	Life expectancies range (months)	45 to 344			14 to 250
	Average life expectancy (months)	219			148
	The Company is required to pay certain life insurance premiums to keep the life settlement contracts in force. Premiums are required to be paid throughout the life of the insured. As of December 31, 2014, the anticipated amount of life insurance premiums to be paid by the Company for the next 5 years are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	Premium Payments
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	173
	2016	152
	2017	163
	2018	177
	2019	196
	Total	$	861
	The Company recorded fair market value losses in the amount of $0.1 million, $0 and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were no encumbrances on life settlement contracts as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
	In prior years, the Company provided liquidity to persons or entities that owned life insurance policies by facilitating the sale of their policies to affiliates or third-party investors. In addition, the Company performed subservicing functions related to mortality tracking, monthly reporting, payment of premiums, and collection and distribution of insurance proceeds. The Company suspended facilitating the sale of life insurance policies and performing subservicing functions during the year ended December 31, 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company earned $0, $0.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively, for subservicing fees from these affiliates.

Fixed_Assets_and_Leasehold_Imp

Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements	Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements
	Fixed assets and leasehold improvements include the following as of:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Computer software and equipment	$	5,372		$	3,222
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3,323			2,964
	Leasehold improvements	1,033			985
	Software development costs and assets not put in service	6			485
	Total fixed assets at cost	9,734			7,656
	Less accumulated depreciation	(5,976		)	(4,544		)
	Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation	$	3,758		$	3,112
	During the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company completed an evaluation of an internal use software application project that had been undertaken to develop a new software application related to its structured settlement business. Based on its decision to discontinue the project, the Company determined that the $4.0 million of costs that had been capitalized in conjunction with the software development project were no longer recoverable and wrote them down to their fair value of zero. The $4.0 million is included in the loss on disposal/impairment of fixed assets within the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.
	Depreciation of fixed assets is included in depreciation and amortization in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, which includes amortization of assets recorded under capital leases, was $1.7 million, $2.2 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets subject to amortization include the following as of:
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
		Cost			Accumulated			Cost		Accumulated
					Amortization					Amortization
	Database	$	4,609		$	(4,011	)	$	4,609	$	(3,623	)
	Customer relationships	18,844			(14,114		)	18,844		(12,491		)
	Domain names	1,635			(327		)	1,585		(167		)
	Non-compete agreements	1,821			(1,821		)	1,821		(1,500		)
	Intangible assets subject to amortization	$	26,909		$	(20,273	)	$	26,859	$	(17,781	)
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of the Company’s unamortized trade name is $38.8 million.  As of December 31, 2014, estimated future amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,		Amortization Expense
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	1,663
	2016		1,256
	2017		1,127
	2018		1,127
	2019		646
	Thereafter		817
	Total		$	6,636
	Amortization of assets is included in depreciation and amortization in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $2.5 million, $3.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

Debt_Issuance_Costs

Debt Issuance Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Issuance Costs
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs
	Debt issuance costs capitalized and included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets consist of the following as of:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Debt issuance costs	$	44,023		$	43,694
	Less: accumulated amortization	(14,139		)	(6,418		)
	Unamortized debt issuance costs	$	29,884		$	37,276
	Amortization expense for debt issuance costs capitalized and recorded in other assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $7.7 million, $5.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and is included in interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	Debt issuance costs related to VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value are expensed as incurred and included in debt issuance expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, and were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Debt issuance costs related to securitizations	$	8,683		$	8,930		$	9,124

Operating_and_Capital_Leases

Operating and Capital Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Operating and Capital Leases	Operating and Capital Leases
	The Company has commitments under operating leases, principally for office space, with various expiration dates through 2022.  As of December 31, 2014, the following summarizes future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,		Operating Leases
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	1,764
	2016		1,775
	2017		1,727
	2018		1,770
	2019		1,815
	Thereafter		5,223
	Total		$	14,074
	Rent expense for office and equipment is included in general and administrative expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and was as follows for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Rent expense	$	1,695		$	3,152	$	2,007
	As of December 31, 2014 the Company has no future commitments for capital lease obligations.

VIE_Borrowings_Under_Revolving

VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings	VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
	VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings on the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following as of:
		Entity	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	$100 million variable funding note facility with interest payable monthly at 9.0%, collateralized by JGW-S III, LLC ("JGW-S III") structured settlements receivables, 2-year revolving period with 18 months amortization period thereafter upon notice by the issuer or the note holder with all principal and interest outstanding payable no later than October 15, 2048. JGW-S III is charged monthly an unused fee of 1.00% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	JGW-S III	$	—	$	7,535
	$50 million credit facility, interest payable monthly at the rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin (3.42% at December 31, 2014 and 3.42% as of December 31, 2013) maturing on October 2, 2016, collateralized by JGW IV, LLC ("JGW IV") structured settlements and annuity receivables. JGW IV is charged monthly an unused fee of 0.50% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	JGW IV	6		—
	$300 million multi-tranche and lender credit facility with interest payable monthly as follows: Tranche A rate comprises 3.0% and either the LIBOR or the Commercial Paper rate depending on the lender (3.17% and 3.26% at December 31, 2014 and 3.17% and 3.29% at December 31, 2013). Tranche B rate is 5.5% plus LIBOR (5.67% at December 31, 2014 and 5.67% at December 31, 2013). The facility matures on July 24, 2016 and is collateralized by JGW V, LLC ("JGW V") structured settlements and annuity receivables. JGW V is charged monthly an unused fee of 0.625% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	JGW V	—		10,985
	$300 million credit facility, interest payable monthly at 2.75% plus an applicable margin (2.92% at December 31, 2014 and 2.95% at December 31, 2013), maturing on November 15, 2016, collateralized by JGW VII, LLC ("JGW VII") structured settlements and annuity receivables. JGW VII is charged monthly an unused fee of 0.50% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	JGW VII	—		5,769
	$35 million multi class credit facility with interest payable monthly as follows: Class A rate comprises the lender's "prime rate" plus 1.00%, subject to a floor of 4.50% (4.50% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013). Class B rate comprises the Class A rate plus 1.00% (5.50% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013). The facility matures December 31, 2015 and is collateralized by certain pre-settlement receivables. Peach One is charged monthly an unused fee of 0.50% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	Peach One	19,333		16,985
	Total VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings		$	19,339	$	41,274
	Interest expense, including unused fees, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings was $9.0 million, $9.9 million and $9.4 million, respectively.
	The weighted average interest rate on outstanding VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 4.63% and 4.81%, respectively.

VIE_LongTerm_Debt

VIE Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VIE Long-Term Debt
VIE Long-Term Debt	VIE Long-Term Debt
	The VIE long-term debt consisted of the following as of:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	PLMT Permanent Facility	$	44,277		$	47,267
	Residual Term Facility	107,043			68,785
	Long-Term Pre-settlement Facility	8,884			12,435
	2012-A Facility	1,357			2,276
	LCSS Facility (2010-C)	12,838			12,880
	LCSS Facility (2010-D)	7,159			7,159
	Total VIE long-term debt	$	181,558		$	150,802
	PLMT Permanent Facility
	The Company has a $75.0 million floating rate asset backed loan with interest payable monthly at one-month LIBOR plus 1.25% which is currently in a runoff mode with the outstanding balance being reduced by periodic cash collections on the underlying lottery receivables. The loan matures on October 30, 2040.
	The debt agreement with the counterparty requires Peachtree Lottery Master Trust (“PLMT”)  to hedge each lottery receivable with a pay fixed and receive variable interest rate swap with the counterparty. The swaps are recorded at fair value in VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Residual Term Facility
	In September 2011 and August 2012, the Company issued term debt of $56.0 million and $14.0 million, respectively ("the Residual Term Facility"). The Residual Term Facility is collateralized by the cash flows from securitization residuals related to certain securitizations and by notes receivable that were fully repaid in June 2014. Initially, interest on the Residual Term Facility was payable at 8.0% until September 15, 2018 and 9.0% thereafter. The $56.0 million term debt and the $14.0 million were to mature on September 15, 2018 and September 15, 2019, respectively. Principal payments from collateral cash flows began on September 15, 2013 and were scheduled to continue until maturity. In addition, the $56.0 million term debt required minimum annual principal payments of $5.5 million beginning on September 15, 2015 and continuing until maturity. Moreover, the $14.0 million term debt required minimal annual principal payments of $2.0 million beginning on September 15, 2014 and continuing until maturity.
	In May 2014, the Company amended the terms of the Residual Term Facility to increase the principal balance from $70.0 million to $110.0 million, reduce the interest rate to 7.0% per annum, payable monthly, and eliminate the requirement of minimum annual principal payments. In connection with the amendment of the Residual Term Facility, the Company paid $3.1 million in amendment, legal and other fees,$2.4 million of which was capitalized and the remaining $0.7 million was expensed and included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. The Residual Term Facility matures on May 15, 2021.
	Long-Term Pre-settlement Facility
	In 2011, the Company issued three fixed rate notes totaling $45.1 million, of which, $8.9 million and $12.4 million principal amount remains outstanding as of and December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest accrues on the notes at a rate of 9.25% per annum with interest and principal payable monthly from the cash receipts of collateralized pre-settlement funding transactions. The notes mature on June 6, 2016.
	2012-A Facility
	In December 2012, the Company issued a series of notes collateralized by structured settlements. The proceeds to the Company from the issuance of the notes were $2.5 million and interest accrues on the notes at a fixed interest rate of 9.25%.  Interest and principal are payable monthly from cash receipts of collateralized structured settlement receivables. The notes mature on June 15, 2024.
	Long-term Debt for Life Contingent Structured Settlements (2010-C & 2010-D)
	Long-term Debt (2010-C)
	In November 2010, the Company issued a private asset class securitization note registered under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Rule 144A”). The 2010-C bond issuance of $12.9 million is collateralized by life-contingent structured settlements, accrues interest at 10% per annum and matures on March 15, 2039.
	The interest and, if available, principal payments are payable monthly from cash receipts of collateralized life-contingent structured settlements receivables.
	Long-term Debt (2010-D)
	In December 2010, the Company paid $0.2 million to purchase the membership interests of LCSS, LLC from JLL Partners. LCSS, LLC owns 100% of the membership interests of LCSS II, LLC which owns 100% of the membership interests of LCSS III. In November 2010, LCSS III issued $7.2 million long-term debt 2010-D collateralized by life-contingent structured settlements.   2010-D accrues interest at 10% per annum and matures on July 15, 2040.
	The interest and, if available, principal payments are payable monthly from cash receipts of collateralized life-contingent structured settlements receivables.
	As of December 31, 2014, estimated principal payments on VIE long-term debt for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,		Estimated Principal Payments
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	6,692
	2016		6,777
	2017		6,749
	2018		6,676
	2019		7,093
	Thereafter		147,809
	Total		$	181,796
	Excluded from the above table is a debt balance of $8.9 million as of December 31, 2014 which does not have specified due principal payments as the timing of those payments depend on collections of the underlying collateral pre-settlement funding transactions.
	Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to VIE long-term debt were $14.9 million, $14.7 million and $15.4 million, respectively.

VIE_Longterm_Debt_Issued_by_Se

VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value
VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value	VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value
	Securitization Debt
	The Company elected fair value treatment under ASC 825 to measure the securitization issuer debt and related finance receivables. The Company has determined that measurement of the securitization debt issued by SPEs at fair value better correlates with the value of the finance receivables held by SPEs, which are held to provide the cash flows for the note obligations. Debt issued by SPEs is non-recourse to other subsidiaries. Certain subsidiaries of the Company continue to receive fees for servicing the securitized assets which are eliminated in consolidation. In addition, the risk to the Company’s non-SPE subsidiaries from SPE losses is limited to cash reserve and residual interest amounts.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company completed three asset securitization transactions that were registered according to Rule 144A. The following table summarizes these securitization SPE transactions:
		2014-3		2014-2		2014-1
		(Bond proceeds in $ millions)
	Issue date	11/25/14		7/23/14		2/18/14
	Bond proceeds	$207.40		$227.40		$233.90
	Receivables securitized	2,169		3,744		4,128
	Deal discount rate	3.86%		3.95%		4.24%
	Retained interest %	5.50%		5.50%		6.00%
	Class allocation (Moody’s)
	Aaa	84.75%		84.00%		85.25%
	Baa2	9.75%		10.50%		8.75%
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed three asset securitization transactions that were registered according to Rule 144A. The following table summarizes these securitization SPE transactions:
		2013-3		2013-2		2013-1
		(Bond proceeds in $ millions)
	Issue date	10/18/13		7/30/13		3/20/13
	Bond proceeds	$212.60		$174.60		$216.50
	Receivables securitized	3,790		3,410		2,425
	Deal discount rate	4.37%		4.49%		3.65%
	Retained interest %	6.75%		6.75%		6.75%
	Class allocation (Moody’s)
	Aaa	85.25%		85.25%		85.25%
	Baa2	8.00%		8.00%		8.00%
	The following table summarizes notes issued by securitization trusts as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 for which the Company has elected the fair value option and are recorded as VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:
	Securitization VIE Issuer		Note(s)		Maturity		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2014		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2013				Stated	Fair Value as of December 31, 2014		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
					Date								Rate
							(Dollars in thousands)							(Dollars in thousands)
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2002-A		11/15/29		$	—	$	8,197			4.74%	$	—	$	8,657
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2003-A		11/15/33		18,144		21,830				4.86%	19,642		23,846
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2004-A A-1		9/15/45		32,628		40,734				Libor+0.35%	33,783		40,744
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2004-A A-2		9/15/45		19,286		20,010				5.54%	21,023		21,339
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2005-1 A-1		11/15/40		58,735		73,269				Libor+0.23%	60,895		71,972
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2005-1 A-2		11/15/46		36,794		37,858				5.58%	39,374		38,136
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2005-1 B		10/15/55		2,242		2,307				5.24%	2,343		2,275
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-1 A-1		3/15/41		15,571		20,976				Libor+0.20%	16,376		20,997
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-1 A-2		3/15/47		18,074		18,635				5.56%	19,847		19,335
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-2 A-1		6/15/41		18,859		23,621				Libor+0.20%	20,009		23,189
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-2 A-2		6/15/47		20,395		20,930				5.93%	22,484		21,481
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-3 A-1		9/15/41		21,361		25,902				Libor+0.20%	22,604		25,617
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-3 A-2		9/15/47		26,343		26,543				5.60%	28,861		26,766
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-4 A-1		12/15/41		19,719		23,842				Libor+0.20%	20,608		23,491
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-4 A-2		12/15/47		21,133		21,424				5.43%	22,907		20,997
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-1 A-1		3/15/42		32,994		38,248				Libor+0.20%	33,431		35,818
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-1 A-2		3/15/48		17,220		17,598				5.59%	17,681		16,843
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-2 A-1		6/15/35		37,592		41,544				Libor+0.21%	36,730		35,473
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-2 A-2		7/16/40		17,041		17,289				6.21%	16,806		16,520
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-3 A-1		10/15/48		59,378		64,936				6.15%	70,026		69,777
	321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC		2008-1 A		1/15/44		56,186		63,988				6.19%	66,265		75,044
	321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC		2008-1 B		1/15/46		3,235		3,235				8.37%	4,790		4,268
	321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC		2008-1 C		1/15/48		3,235		3,235				9.36%	4,971		4,163
	321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC		2008-1 D		1/15/50		3,529		3,529				10.81%	5,828		4,860
	321 Henderson Receivables IV, LLC		2008-2 A		11/15/37		70,210		76,855				6.27%	84,357		88,573
	321 Henderson Receivables IV, LLC		2008-2 B		3/15/40		6,194		6,194				8.63%	9,296		7,491
	321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC		2008-3 A-1		6/15/45		49,385		53,694				8.00%	66,074		68,155
	321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC		2008-3 A-2		6/15/45		6,104		6,637				8.00%	8,045		8,154
	321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC		2008-3 B		3/15/51		4,695		4,695				10.00%	6,642		5,342
	321 Henderson Receivables VI, LLC		2010-1 A-1		7/15/59		138,254		152,587				5.56%	159,918		173,907
	321 Henderson Receivables VI, LLC		2010-1 B		7/15/61		24,661		26,470				9.31%	32,595		33,559
	Securitization VIE Issuer		Note(s)		Maturity		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2014		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2013				Stated	Fair Value as of December 31, 2014		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
					Date								Rate
							(Dollars in thousands)							(Dollars in thousands)
	JG Wentworth XXI, LLC		2010-2 A		1/15/48		59,582		66,831				4.07%	64,313		71,443
JG Wentworth XXI, LLC		2010-2 B		1/15/50		8,506		8,914				7.45%	10,368		10,590
JG Wentworth XXII, LLC		2010-3 A		10/15/48		115,400		131,690				3.82%	123,222		139,382
JG Wentworth XXII, LLC		2010-3 B		10/15/50		16,770		17,009				6.85%	19,893		19,457
JG Wentworth XXIII, LLC		2011-1 A		10/15/56		176,119		193,099				4.89%	196,934		203,018
JG Wentworth XXIII, LLC		2011-1 B		10/15/58		21,212		21,212				7.68%	26,981		24,424
JGWPT XXIV, LLC		2011-2 A		1/15/63		147,406		157,977				5.13%	167,703		165,749
JGWPT XXIV, LLC		2011-2 B		1/15/65		15,580		15,580				8.54%	21,286		18,882
JGWPT XXV, LLC		2012-1 A		2/16/65		182,576		195,431				4.21%	197,497		195,181
JGWPT XXV, LLC		2012-1 B		2/15/67		20,564		20,564				7.14%	26,088		23,012
JGWPT XXVI, LLC		2012-2 A		10/15/59		128,310		136,962				3.84%	134,860		132,465
JGWPT XXVI, LLC		2012-2 B		10/17/61		13,985		13,985				6.77%	17,391		15,172
JGWPT XXVII, LLC		2012-3 A		9/15/65		164,533		176,599				3.22%	166,033		164,682
JGWPT XXVII, LLC		2012-3 B		9/15/67		17,181		17,181				6.17%	20,500		17,910
JGWPT XXVIII, LLC		2013-1 A		4/15/67		180,695		192,104				3.22%	181,767		177,316
JGWPT XXVIII, LLC		2013-1 B		4/15/69		18,589		18,589				4.94%	20,280		17,379
JGWPT XXIX, LLC		2013-2 A		3/15/62		150,541		156,815				4.21%	162,561		154,903
JGWPT XXIX, LLC		2013-2 B		3/17/64		14,985		14,985				5.68%	17,277		14,756
JGWPT XXX, LLC		2013-3 A		1/17/73		183,987		193,197				4.08%	196,867		190,531
JGWPT XXX, LLC		2013-3 B		1/15/75		18,248		18,248				5.54%	20,832		17,900
JGWPT XXXI, LLC		2014-1 A		3/15/63		208,739		—				3.96%	221,453		—
JGWPT XXXI, LLC		2014-1 B		3/15/65		21,776		—				4.94%	23,679		—
JGWPT XXXII, LLC		2014-2 A		1/17/73		201,649		—				3.61%	207,410		—
JGWPT XXXII, LLC		2014-2 B		1/15/75		25,284		—				4.48%	26,221		—
JGWPT XXXIII, LLC		2014-3 A		6/15/77		185,884		—				3.50%	187,783		—
JGWPT XXXIII, LLC		2014-3 B		6/15/79		21,408		—				4.40%	21,684		—
Structured Receivables Finance #1, LLC		2004-A A		5/15/28		—		2,895				4.06%	—		2,952
Structured Receivables Finance #1, LLC		2004-A B		5/15/28		7,196		7,832				7.50%	7,846		8,909
Structured Receivables Finance #2, LLC		2005-A A		5/15/25		13,108		18,142				5.05%	14,031		19,617
Structured Receivables Finance #2, LLC		2005-A B		5/15/25		9,141		10,030				6.95%	10,764		11,940
Peachtree Finance Company #2, LLC		2005-B A		4/15/48		15,979		21,676				4.71%	16,912		23,212
Peachtree Finance Company #2, LLC		2005-B B		4/15/48		5,471		5,933				6.21%	6,161		6,706
Structured Receivables Finance #3, LLC		2006-A A		1/15/30		30,496		36,858				5.55%	34,037		41,489
Structured Receivables Finance #3, LLC		2006-A B		1/15/30		9,294		10,224				6.82%	11,118		11,826
Structured Receivables Finance 2006-B, LLC		2006-B A		3/15/38		41,959		46,486				5.19%	47,413		52,276
Structured Receivables Finance 2006-B, LLC		2006-B B		3/15/38		7,922		8,425				6.30%	9,245		8,899
Structured Receivables Finance 2010-A, LLC		2010-A A		1/16/46		65,773		75,258				5.22%	74,239		84,777
Structured Receivables Finance 2010-A, LLC		2010-A B		1/16/46		11,567		12,355				7.61%	14,714		14,251
Structured Receivables Finance 2010-B, LLC		2010-B A		8/15/36		51,681		59,622				3.73%	54,968		62,977
Structured Receivables Finance 2010-B, LLC		2010-B B		8/15/36		13,932		14,000				7.97%	18,360		16,637
Total						$	3,462,225	$	3,063,520				$	3,774,902	$	3,177,409
In connection with its 2014-2 securitization, the Company repaid in September 2014 approximately $6.1 million of long term debt issued by 2002-A and recorded a gain on debt extinguishment of approximately $0.3 million.
Permanent financing facilities
The following table summarizes notes issued by permanent financing facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for which the Company has elected the fair value option and are recorded as VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets:
Securitization		Maturity		Note(s)		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2014		Stated		Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
VIE Issuer		Date						Rate
						(Dollars in thousands)				(Dollars in thousands)
JGW-S LC II		8/15/40		2011-A		$	56,114	12.63%		$	56,114
PSS		7/14/33		—		168,018		Libor + 1%		161,004
Crescit		6/15/39		—		29,823		8.10%		39,844
Total						$	253,955			$	256,962
Securitization		Maturity		Note(s)		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2013		Stated		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
VIE Issuer		Date						Rate
						(Dollars in thousands)				(Dollars in thousands)
JGW-S LC II		8/15/40		2011-A		$	39,598	12.70%		$	39,598
PSS		7/14/33		—		184,304		Libor + 1%		172,184
Crescit		6/15/39		—		33,012		8.10%		42,097
Total						$	256,914			$	253,879
In connection with its 2013-3 securitization, the Company repaid in October 2013 approximately $64.0 million of long term debt issued by Structured Receivables Finance #6, LLC and recorded a gain on debt extinguishment of approximately $22.1 million. As a result of the repayment of debt, the Company was required to pay approximately $3.4 million in various prepayment fees and approximately $4.5 million for hedge breakage costs that were included in gain on extinguishment of debt, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
On March 18, 2014, the Company amended the terms of its $50.0 million permanent financing facility related to the 2011-A note issued by JGW-S LC II, LLC to increase the maximum borrowing capacity to $100.0 million.
Future repayment of VIE long-term debt issued by securitization trusts and permanent financing facilities is dependent on the receipt of cash flows from the corresponding encumbered VIE finance receivables at fair market value (Note 6). As of December 31, 2014, estimated maturities for VIE long-term debt issued by securitization trusts and permanent financing facilities, at fair market value, for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
Year Ending December 31,		Estimated Maturities
		(Dollars in thousands)
2015		$	301,975
2016		290,784
2017		278,548
2018		257,567
2019		248,368
Thereafter		2,338,938
Total		$	3,716,180
Interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to VIE long-term debt issued by securitization trusts and permanent financing facilities, at fair market value, were $136.6 million, $120.4 million and $119.2 million, respectively.

Term_Loan_Payable

Term Loan Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Term Loan Payable	Term Loan Payable
	In connection with the Company’s merger with OAC and its subsidiaries on July 12, 2011 (the “OAC Merger”), the Company assumed OAC’s term loan payable in the amount of $176.5 million, with interest payable at Eurodollar base rate plus applicable and additional margins (8.75% as of December 31, 2012), which was scheduled to mature on November 21, 2013 (the “Term Loan”). Interest expense relating to the Term Loan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $0, $1.4 million and $14.5 million, respectively.
	On February 8, 2013, the Term Loan was refinanced with a new senior secured credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that consisted of a $425.0 million term loan (the “New Term Loan”) and a $20.0 million revolving commitment maturing in February 2019 and August 2017, respectively. Certain of the Company's subsidiaries are guarantors of the Credit Facility. Substantially all of the non-securitized and non-collateralized assets of certain of the Company's subsidiaries were pledged as security for the repayment of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. In connection with the issuance of the Credit Facility, the Company paid approximately $15.0 million in amendment, legal and other fees during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
	At each interest reset date, the Company has the option to elect that the New Term Loan be either a Eurodollar loan or a Base Rate loan.  If a Eurodollar loan, interest on the New Term Loan accrues at either Libor or 1.5% (whichever is greater) plus a spread of 7.5%. If a Base Rate loan, interest accrues at prime or 2.5% (whichever is greater) plus a spread of 6.5%. The revolving commitment has the same interest rate terms as the New Term Loan. In addition, the revolving commitment is subject to an unused fee of 0.5% per annum and provides for the issuance of letters of credit equal to $10.0 million, subject to customary terms and fees.
	The Credit Facility requires the Company, to the extent that as of the last day of any fiscal quarter outstanding balances on the revolving commitment exceed specific thresholds, to comply with a maximum total leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving commitment and, as a result, the maximum total leverage ratio requirement was not applicable. The Credit Facility also limits the Company and certain of its subsidiaries from engaging in certain activities, including mergers and acquisitions, incurrence of additional indebtedness, incurring liens, making investments, transacting with affiliates, disposing of assets, and various other activities. In addition, the Credit Facility limits, with certain exceptions, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries from making cash dividends and loans to the Company. As a result, approximately $79.9 million of the Company’s $253.6 million and $78.2 million of the Company's $173.4 million in stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was free of limitations on the payment of dividends.
	In conjunction with the refinancing of the Term Loan, JGW LLC  made a cash distribution to its members in the amount of $309.6 million as well as an asset distribution in the amount of $16.3 million to PGHI Corp during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The distribution assets were originally acquired by JGW LLC as part of the OAC Merger.
	On May 31, 2013, the Credit Facility was amended to provide for an additional term loan of $150.0 million on the same terms as the New Term Loan. In conjunction with this amendment, JGW LLC made a cash distribution to its members in the amount of $150.0 million and paid approximately $2.9 million in amendment, legal and other fees.
	As a result of the distributions by JGW LLC to its members described above, each outstanding preferred interest in JGW LLC was converted into one Common Interest on May 31, 2013 in accordance with the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of JGW LLC.
	On December 6, 2013, the Company repaid $123.0 million of its New Term Loan from the proceeds of its IPO and amended the terms of the Credit Facility. The amendment, among other things: (i) reduced the applicable margin on the initial term loans from 7.50% to 6.00% for Eurodollar loans and from 6.50% to 5.00% for Base Rate loans, and (ii) reduced the interest rate floor on the initial term loans from 1.50% to 1.00% for Eurodollars loans and from 2.50% to 2.00% for Base Rate loans. As of December 31, 2014, the New Term Loan’s interest rate was 7.0%. In connection with the repayment and amendment of the New Term Loan, the Company paid approximately $13.1 million in amendment, legal and other fees. Additionally, as a result of the Company’s repayment, the principal amount of the New Term Loan outstanding was $449.5 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013. There are no further principal payments due on the New Term Loan until its maturity in February 2019.
	Interest expense relating to the New Term loan for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $40.4 million and $46.6 million, respectively.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates related to borrowings on its revolving credit facilities. Hedge accounting has not been applied to any of the Company’s interest rate swaps.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company did not have any outstanding interest rate swaps related to its borrowings on revolving credit facilities. However, during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and in connection with its securitizations, the Company terminated $46.5 million, $112.9 million, and $179.7 million of interest rate swap notional value, respectively. The total gain (loss) on the termination of these interest rate swaps for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $(0.6) million, $0.2 million, and ($2.3) million, respectively. These gains (losses) were recorded in gain (loss) on swap terminations, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The unrealized gain for these swaps for all three of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $0 million.
	The Company also has interest-rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates related to its borrowings on certain long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts (Note 16).  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 8 outstanding swaps with total notional amounts of approximately $237.5 million. The Company pays fixed rates ranging from 4.50% to 5.77% and receives floating rates equal to 1-month LIBOR rate plus applicable margin.
	These interest rate swaps were designed to closely match the borrowings under the respective floating rate asset backed loans in amortization.  As of December 31, 2014, the term of these interest rate swaps range from approximately 8 to approximately 21 years. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the amount of unrealized gain recognized was $2.4 million, $24.5 million and $7.8 million, respectively. These gains were recorded in unrealized gains on VIE and other finance receivables, long-term debt and derivatives in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	Additionally, the Company has interest-rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates related to its borrowings under Peachtree Structured Settlements, LLC, a permanent financing VIE (“PSS”) (Note 16), and PLMT (Note 15).  As of December 31, 2014, the Company had 154 outstanding swaps with total notional amount of approximately $229.9 million.  The Company pays fixed rates ranging from 4.70% to 8.70% and receives floating rates equal to 1-month LIBOR rate plus applicable margin.
	The PSS and PLMT interest rate swaps were designed to closely match the borrowings under the respective floating rate asset backed loans in amortization. As of December 31, 2014, the term of the interest rate swaps for PSS and PLMT range from approximately 1 month to approximately 20 years.  For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 the amount of unrealized gain (loss) recognized was $(8.1) million, $26.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively. These gains (losses) included in unrealized gains on VIE and other finance receivables, long term debt and derivatives in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	The notional amounts and fair values of interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	Entity	Securitization	Notional as of December 31, 2014		Fair Market Value as of December 31, 2014			Notional as of December 31, 2013		Fair Market Value as of December 31, 2013
			(Dollars in thousands)
	321 Henderson I, LLC	2004-A A-1	$	32,628	$	(3,019	)	$	40,734	$	(3,745	)
	321 Henderson I, LLC	2005-1 A-1	58,735		(7,435		)	73,269		(8,559		)
	321 Henderson II, LLC	2006-1 A-1	15,571		(1,509		)	20,976		(2,137		)
	322 Henderson II, LLC	2006-2 A-1	18,859		(2,718		)	23,620		(3,202		)
	323 Henderson II, LLC	2006-3 A-1	21,361		(2,475		)	25,902		(3,023		)
	324 Henderson II, LLC	2006-4 A-1	19,719		(2,056		)	23,842		(2,643		)
	325 Henderson II, LLC	2007-1 A-2	32,994		(5,624		)	39,364		(5,159		)
	326 Henderson II, LLC	2007-2 A-3	37,592		(8,966		)	41,544		(8,015		)
	JGW V, LLC	—	—		—			10,985		16
	PSS	—	176,943		(31,807		)	192,444		(25,120		)
	PLMT	—	52,907		(10,097		)	56,942		(8,709		)
	Total		$	467,309	$	(75,706	)	$	549,622	$	(70,296	)

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Corporation is required to file federal and applicable state corporate income tax returns and recognizes income taxes on its pre-tax income, which to-date has consisted primarily of its share of JGW LLC’s pre-tax income. JGW LLC is organized as a limited liability company which is treated as a “flow-through” entity for income tax purposes and therefore is not subject to income taxes. As a result, the Company's consolidated financial statements do not reflect a benefit or provision for income taxes for JGW LLC for periods prior to the IPO or any benefit or provision for income taxes on the pre-tax income or loss attributable to the non-controlling interest in JGW LLC.
	The Company's provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, consists of the following:
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current:
	Federal	$	107			$	177			$	1
	State	10				35				—
		117				212				1
	Deferred:
	Federal	15,313				1,990				(195		)
	State	5,710				344				(33		)
		21,023				2,334				(228		)
	Income tax provision (benefit)	$	21,140			$	2,546			$	(227	)
	The difference between the Company's effective income tax rate and the United States statutory rate is reconciled below:
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Income passed through to Non-Corporate members	(18.9	)%		(35.1	)%		(35.2	)%
	Permanent Items	0.7	%		0.2	%		—
	State Income Tax	3.4	%		(0.1	)%		—
	Valuation Allowance	(2.0	)%		3.9	%		—
	Other	(0.3	)%		—			—
	Effective tax rate	17.9	%		3.9	%		(0.2	)%
	The Company’s overall effective tax rate is less than the statutory rate due primarily to the fact that a portion of JGW LLC’s income is allocated to the non-controlling interests. Accordingly, a portion of the Company’s earnings attributable to the non-controlling interests are not subject to corporate-level taxes.
	The increase in the Company’s overall effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the year ended December 31, 2013 was predominantly the result of the allocation of income from JGW LLC to the Corporation for all of 2014. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Corporation was only allocated taxable income for the period after the IPO. The Company’s share of JGW LLC’s income also increased as a result of Common Interestholders having exchanged their Common Interests for shares of Class A common stock during the year ended December 31, 2014. The Company’s effective rate increases as additional exchanges occur because the portion of JGW LLC’s income attributable to the Corporation increases which consequently increases taxable income. The effect of JGW LLC’s Common Interest exchanges is partially offset by the Corporation’s repurchases of its Class A Common stock. Anytime the Corporation repurchases shares of its Class A common stock, JGW LLC enters into an equivalent Common Interests transaction with the Corporation. The effect of these repurchases decreases the Corporation’s ownership in JGW LLC which accordingly, decreases the portion of JGW LLC’s income attributable to the Corporation.
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences that may exist between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes using the enacted tax rates for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. A summary of the components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities follows:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Swap liability	$	974			$	840
	Net operating loss carryforwards	46,856				5,523
	Total deferred tax assets	47,830				6,363
	Valuation allowance	(216		)		(2,553		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net	47,614				3,810
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Basis difference in partnership	78,842				2,538
	Lottery winnings	1,940				164
	Lottery fair market value adjustments	1,140				973
	Other	178				13
	Total deferred tax liabilities	82,100				3,688
	Deferred tax liabilities, net	$	(34,486	)		$	122
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company has federal and state income tax net operating loss carry forwards of $110.8 million and $110.8 million, respectively, which will expire at various dates from 2032 through 2034.
	Future realization of tax benefits depends on the expectation of taxable income within a period of time that the tax benefits will reverse. The Company assesses available positive and negative evidence to determine if it is more likely than not that it will be able to realize its deferred tax assets prior to expiration. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded valuation allowances in the amount of $0.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively, against the portion of its federal and state net operating losses associated with the Company that it has determined are not more likely than not of being realized. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company reduced the valuation allowance applied against its net operating loss carryforwards by $2.6 million based on future taxable income resulting from the Blocker Merger (Note 2).
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had no gross unrecognized tax benefits. The Company does not expect any material increase or decrease in its gross unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months.  If and when the Company does record unrecognized tax benefits in the future, any interest and penalties related to these unrecognized tax benefits will be recorded in the income tax expense line in the applicable statement of operations.
	The Company files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. In the normal course of business, the Company may be subject to examination by federal and certain state and local tax authorities. As of December 31, 2014, the Company and its subsidiaries’ U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 2011 through 2014 are open under the normal three-year statute of limitations and therefore subject to examination. State and local tax returns are generally subject to audit from 2011 through 2014. Currently, no tax authorities are auditing the Company on any income tax matters.

Installment_Obligations_Payabl

Installment Obligations Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Installment Obligations Payable
Installment Obligations Payable	Installment Obligations Payable
	The Company’s Asset Advantage® program generates income and losses from both the related trust accounts and the corresponding installment obligation for each trust account. Income or loss from the trust accounts will be offset in equal amount with income or loss from the installment obligations. Each obligation has an installment payment schedule agreed to by the obligee prior to the time of issuance of the obligation. An obligee may request an unscheduled installment payment, which must be agreed to by the Company, and if so agreed, the Company may generally charge a penalty of up to 20% of the unscheduled installment amount. Virtually all of the obligations are guaranteed by corporate guarantees issued by third party financial institutions to the extent of assets held in related trust accounts.
	The actual maturities of the obligations depend on, among other things, the obligees’ designated payment schedules, the performance of the obligees’ index choices and the extent to which the obligees have taken any unscheduled installment payments. As of December 31, 2014, estimated maturities for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	Estimated Maturities
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	14,515
	2016	16,752
	2017	14,003
	2018	11,591
	2019	8,759
	Thereafter	37,799
	Total	$	103,419

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	Refer to Note 2 for a description of the IPO and associated reorganization of the Company.
	The Corporations' authorized capital stock consists of 500,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $.00001 per share, 500,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $.00001 per share, 500,000,000 shares of Class C common stock, par value $.00001 per share, and 100,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock.
	As of December 31, 2014, there were 15,021,147 shares of Class A common stock issued and 14,420,392 shares outstanding. Additionally, there were 9,963,750 shares of Class B common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2014. There were no shares of Class C common stock issued or outstanding as of December 31, 2014.
	Class A Common Stock Repurchase Program
	On May 2, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the repurchase of an aggregate of $15.0 million of Class A common stock (the “Stock Repurchase Program”) under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Purchases under the Stock Repurchase Program may be made from time to time in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, accelerated stock repurchase programs, issuer self-tender offers or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The Stock Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of Class A common stock and the pace of repurchase activity will depend on factors such as levels of cash generation from operations, cash requirements for investment in the Company’s business, repayment of debt, current stock price, market conditions and other factors. The Stock Repurchase Program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time and has no set expiration date.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company repurchased 458,705 shares of Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $4.5 million, or $9.74 per share, pursuant to the Stock Repurchase Program. The repurchased shares are classified as treasury stock at cost on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
	Additionally, in connection the Blocker Merger (Note 2), the Company received 185,561 shares of the Company's Class A common stock, 47,440 of which was immediately canceled by the Company. The remaining 138,121 shares are classified as treasury stock at cost on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.
	Class A Common Stock
	Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to share ratably (based on the number of shares of Class A common stock held) if and when any dividend is declared by the Corporation's board of directors. Upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up, holders of Class A common stock are entitled to a pro rata distribution of any assets available for distribution to common stockholders, and do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights.
	Class B Common Stock
	Shares of Class B common stock will only be issued in the future to the extent that additional Common Interests are issued by JGW LLC, in which case the Corporation would issue a corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock.
	Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to ten votes for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of Class B common stock do not have any right to receive dividends and upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up and will only be entitled to receive an amount per share equal to the $0.00001 par value. Holders of Class B common stock do not have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of Class B common stock.
	Subject to the terms and conditions of the operating agreement of JGW LLC, each Common Interestholder has the right to exchange their Common Interests in JGW LLC together with the corresponding number of shares of Class B common stock, for shares of Class A common stock, or at the option of JGW LLC, cash equal to the market value of one share of Class A common stock.
	Class C Common Stock
	Holders of Class C common stock generally are not entitled to vote on any matters. Holders of Class C common stock are entitled to share ratably (based on the number of shares of Class C common stock held) if and when any dividend is declared by the Corporation's board of directors. Upon dissolution, liquidation or winding up, holders of Class C common stock will be entitled to a pro rata distribution of any assets available for distribution to common stockholders (except the de minimis par value of the Class B common stock), and do not have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of Class C common stock.
	Subject to the terms and conditions of the operating agreement of JGW LLC, PGHI Corp. and its permitted transferees have the right to exchange the non-voting Common Interests in JGW LLC they hold for shares of Class C common stock, or at the option of JGW LLC, cash equal to the market value of Class C common stock.
	Each share of Class C common stock may, at the option of the holder, be converted at any time into a share of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis.
	Preferred Stock
	The Corporation's certificate of incorporation provides that the board of directors has the authority, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue up to 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to fix the powers, rights, preferences, and privileges of each class or series of preferred stock, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, and the number of shares constituting any class or series, which may be greater than the rights of the holders of the common stock. No preferred stock had been issued or was outstanding as of December 31, 2014.
	Warrants Issued to PGHI Corp.
	In connection with the IPO and restructuring, the Class C Profits Interests of JGW LLC held by PGHI Corp. were canceled and holders received in-exchange warrants to purchase shares of Class A common stock. The warrants issued in respect of the Tranche C-1 profit interests entitle the holders thereof to purchase up to 483,217 shares of Class A common stock and have an exercise price of $35.78 per share. The warrants issued in respect of the Tranche C-2 profits interests also entitle the holders thereof to purchase up to 483,217 shares of Class A common stock and have an exercise price of $63.01 per share.  All of the warrants issued are currently exercisable, terminate on January 8, 2022, and may not be transferred. None of the warrants were exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	JGW LLC Operating Agreement
	Pursuant to the operating agreement of JGW LLC, the holders of JGW LLC Common Interests (other than the Corporation) have the right, subject to terms of the operating agreement as described therein, to exchange their Common Interests and an equal number of shares of Class B common stock for an equivalent number of shares of Class A common stock, or in the case of PGHI Corp., an equivalent number of shares of Class C common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 3,123,517 Common Interests in JGW LLC, in addition to an equal number of shares of Class B common stock, were exchanged for 3,123,517 shares of the Class A common stock pursuant to the operating agreement. An additional 715,916 Common Interests in JGW LLC and an equal number of shares of Class B common stock were exchanged for 715,916 shares of Class A common stock during the year ended December 31, 2014 in connection with the Blocker Merger (Note 2).
	Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income requires entities to report, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes, the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income:
	For the year ended December 31,	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item in the consolidated statement of operations
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities	$	2,098		Realized gain (loss) on notes receivable, at fair value
	2013	Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities	$	(1,862	)	Realized gain (loss) on notes receivable, at fair value
	In June 2014, a third party repaid its fixed rate note receivable held by the Company. As a result, the Company reclassified $2.1 million out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2014. The $1.9 million was also reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2013 as a result of the note receivable maturing during the period. Both notes receivables had been treated as debt securities, classified as available-for-sale, and carried at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 320,  Investments - Debt and Equity Securities. As a result of this classification, unrealized gains (losses) on the notes receivables that arose were reflected within accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity.

Noncontrolling_Interests

Non-controlling Interests	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Non-controlling Interests	Non-controlling Interests
	The Corporation consolidates the financial results of JGW LLC whereby it records a non-controlling interest for the economic interest in JGW LLC held by the Common Interestholders (see Note 1). Pursuant to an agreement between the Corporation and JGW LLC, any time the Corporation cancels, issues or repurchases shares of Class A common stock, JGW LLC cancels, issues or repurchases, as applicable, an equivalent number of Common Interests. In addition, any time Common Interestholders exchange their Common Interests for shares of Class A common stock, JGW LLC is required to transfer an equal number of Common Interests to the Corporation. Changes in the non-controlling and the Corporation’s interest in JGW LLC for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Total Common Interests Held By:
		The J.G. Wentworth Company		Non-controlling		Total
				Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	11,216,429		18,344,688		29,561,117
	Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.	8,796		—		8,796
	Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.	3,123,517		(3,123,517	)	—
	Common interests exchanged as a result of the Blocker Merger.	530,355		(715,916	)	(185,561	)
	Common interests repurchased related to Class A common stock repurchased.	(458,705	)	—		(458,705	)
	Common interests forfeited.	—		(180,882	)	(180,882	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	14,420,392		14,324,373		28,744,765
	The non-controlling interests include the Common Interestholders who were issued shares of Class B common stock in connection with the IPO as well as other Common Interestholders who may convert their Common Interests into 4,360,623 shares of Class C common stock.

Risks_and_Uncertainties

Risks and Uncertainties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Risks and Uncertainties	Risks and Uncertainties
	The Company’s finance receivables are primarily obligations of insurance companies. The exposure to credit risk with respect to these finance receivables is generally limited due to the large number of insurance companies of generally high credit quality comprising the receivable base, their dispersion across geographical areas, and possible availability of state insurance guarantee funds. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, three insurance companies and related subsidiaries, each with "investment grade" ratings, comprised approximately 34% and 33%, respectively, of the Company's gross finance receivables balance. The Company is also subject to numerous risks associated with structured settlements. These risks include, but are not limited to, restrictions on assignability of structured settlements, potential changes in the U.S. tax law related to taxation of structured settlements, diversion by a seller of scheduled payments to the Company, and other potential risks of regulation and/or legislation. A majority of states have regulated the business by passing statutes that govern the sale of structured settlement payments. Generally, the laws require a court approval to consummate a sale. The Company’s earnings are dependent upon the fair value of the finance receivables it purchases relative to the value it can obtain by financing these assets in securitization or other transactions. Accordingly, earnings are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding exposure to changes in the interest rate environment, competitive pressures affecting the ability to maintain sufficient effective purchase yields, and the ability to sell or securitize finance receivables at profitable levels in the future. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s structured settlement business accounted for 94%, 88% and 89% of total revenue, respectively.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Arrangements
	The Company had an arrangement (the “Arrangement”) with a counterparty for the sale of LCSS assets that met certain eligibility criteria which expired on June 30, 2012.  Pursuant to the Arrangement, the Company also had a borrowing agreement (the “Borrowing Agreement”) with the counterparty that gave the counterparty a borrowing base to draw on from the Company for the purchase of LCSS assets.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amount owed from the counterparty pursuant to this Borrowing Agreement is approximately $9.7 million and $9.1 million, respectively and is earning interest at an annual rate of 5.35% and is included in other receivables, net of allowance for losses in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (Note 8).
	The Arrangement also has put options, which expire on December 30, 2019 and 2020, that gives the counterparty the option to sell purchased LCSS assets back to the Company. The put options, if exercised by the counterparty, require the Company to purchase LCSS assets at a target internal rate of return ("IRR") of 3.5% above the original target IRR paid by the counterparty.
	Loss on Contingencies
	In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims. These proceedings and claims have not been finally resolved and the Company cannot make any assurances as to their ultimate disposition. It is in management’s opinion, based on the information currently available at this time, that the expected outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position, the results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

Sharebased_Compensation

Share-based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation	Share-based Compensation
	Under the Company’s 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights units may be granted to officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants of the Company. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 1.4 million shares and 2.6 million shares of unissued Class A common stock were available for granting under this plan, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2014, the Company had granted non-qualified stock options and performance-based restricted stock units to its employees and restricted stock shares to independent directors under the Plan. The Company recognizes compensation cost net of a forfeiture rate within the consolidated statement of operations for only those awards expected to vest. The Company estimates the forfeiture rate based on its expectations about future forfeitures.
	Stock Options
	Options were granted to purchase Class A common stock at exercise prices equal to the fair value market value on the date of grant, have a contractual term of ten years, and vest generally in equal annual installments over a five-year period following the date of grant, subject to the holder’s continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.
	The fair value of stock option awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions and weighted average fair values:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014				Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Weighted average fair value of grant	$	4.81			$	6.55
	Risk-free interest rate	1.91		%		1.87		%
	Expected volatility	41.6		%		45		%
	Expected life of options in years	6.5				6.5
	Expected dividend yield	—				—
	The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of the stock options on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $0.8 million and less than $0.1 million of share based compensation expense in connection with the stock options issued under the Plan, respectively.
	A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Shares			Weighted-			Weighted-	Aggregate
						Average			Average	Intrinsic
						Exercise Price			Remaining	Value (Dollars in
									Contractual	Millions)
									Term (In Years)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		264,047			$	14		9.87	$	0.9
	Granted		1,265,500			10.9
	Exercised		—			—
	Forfeited		(152,615	)		11.32
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014		1,376,932			$	11.44		9.44	$	0.1
	Outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		1,321,056			11.45			9.44	0.1
	Vested as of December 31, 2014		43,771			14			8.88	—
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, 43,771 shares of stock options vested with an aggregate grant date fair value of $0.3 million. The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pre-tax value of the difference between the closing price of Class A common stock on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price of the options, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options that would have been received by the option holders had all the option holders exercised their options on December 31, 2014. The intrinsic value of the Company’s stock options changes based on the closing price of Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2014, $6.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to the outstanding stock options is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 4.4 years.
	Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
	A summary of performance-based restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units			Weighted-Average  Grant-Date  Fair Value
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	—			$	—
	Granted	184,000			10.48
	Vested	—			—
	Forfeited	(53,750	)		10.2
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	130,250			$	10.6
	Outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	125,835			10.6
	Each performance-based unit will vest into 0 to 1.5 shares of Class A common stock depending to the degree to which the performance goals are met. Compensation expense resulting from these awards is recognized ratably from the date of the grant until the date the restrictions lapse and is based on the trading price of the Class A common stock on the date of grant and the probability of achievement of the specific performance-based goals. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company recognized $0.3 million of share-based compensation expense in connection with these performance-based units.
	The aggregate grant-date fair value of the performance-based restricted stock units granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.9 million. As of December 31, 2014, there was $1.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost relating to outstanding performance-based units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years. None of the performance-based restricted stock units were vested as of December 31, 2014.
	Restricted Stock
	A summary of restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Restricted			Weighted-Average  Grant-Date  Fair Value
		Stock Shares
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	3,929			$	14
	Granted	8,796			12.4
	Vested	(3,929	)		14
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	8,796			$	12.4
	Restricted stock granted to directors under the 2013 Incentive Plan cliff vest on the first anniversary after the grant date. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the trading price of the Class A common stock on the date of grant. The aggregate grant date fair value of the restricted stock granted for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost relating to outstanding restricted stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.3 years.
	The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of restricted stock on a straight-line basis over the one-year cliff vesting period. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million of share based compensation expense in connection with the restricted stock, respectively.
	J.G. Wentworth, LLC Class A Management Profit Interests and JGW LLC Class B Management Profit Interests
	JGW LLC Class B Management Profit Interests (“Class B Management Interests”)
	In 2011, JGW LLC adopted the JGW LLC 2011 Equity Compensation Plan (the “Compensation Plan”). The purpose of the Compensation Plan was to provide eligible participants, as defined in the Compensation Plan, with an opportunity to acquire equity interests of JGW LLC designated as common interests and to receive grants of equity interests of JGW LLC’s designated as Class B Management Interests subject to the terms and provisions of the Amended and Restated Limited liability Company Agreement of JGW LLC. The Class B Management Interests were subject to forfeiture restrictions that lapsed in equal 20% installments over a five-year period, subject to the recipient’s continued employment.
	The aggregate weighted average grant-date fair value of Class B Management Interests granted during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1.5 million and $2.6 million, respectively. The aggregate weighted average grant-date fair value of Class B Management Interests for which forfeiture restrictions lapsed during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
	On November 14, 2013 and in connection with the IPO and reorganization (Note 2), each Class B Management Interest was converted into newly issued JGW LLC Restricted Common Interests ("Restricted Common Interests") (with a corresponding equal number of shares of Class B common stock) in a manner that reflected the percentage of JGW LLC owned by the Class B Management Interest holders, and taking into account their current distribution entitlement and the fair value of JGW LLC at the time of the IPO based on the IPO offering price. A substantial amount of these converted interests remain subject to forfeiture and will only vest if the holder remains employed through the applicable period.
	The following table summarizes the conversion of Class B Management Interests into JGW LLC Restricted Common Interests on November 14, 2013 in connection with the IPO and reorganization:
		Outstanding at			Derived			Restricted
		November 14,			Conversion			Common
		2013			Factor			Interests at
								November 14,
								2013
	Tranche B-1	835,240			1.108223			925,632
	Tranche B-1a	217,500			0.426041			92,664
	Tranche B-2	653,500			—			—
	Tranche B-3	573,955			—			—
	Tranche B-4	495,000			—			—
	2,775,195			—			1,018,296
As of November 14, 2013, the B-2, B-3 and B-4 Management Interests had no value and were extinguished. As a result, JGW LLC recognized $0.4 million in additional stock compensation expense in 2013 which represented the previously unrecognized compensation expense associated with the Class B Management Interests that were extinguished.
J.G. Wentworth, LLC Class A Management Profit Interests (“Class A Management Interests”)
Prior to 2011, J.G. Wentworth, LLC had granted Class A Management Interests to certain employees that were similar in nature to the Class B Management Interests. The Class A Management Interests were subject to forfeiture restrictions that lapsed in 20% installments over a five year period, subject to the recipient’s continued employment.
No Class A Management Interests were issued in either 2012 or 2013. The aggregate weighted average grant-date fair value of Class A Management Interests for which forfeiture restrictions lapsed during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
Similar to the Class B Management Interests, each Class A Management Interest was converted on November 14, 2013 into newly issued JGW LLC Restricted Common Interests in a manner that reflected the percentage of JGW LLC that were owned by the restricted Common Interestholders, taking into account the fair value of JGW LLC at the time of the IPO and based on the IPO offering price.
Each Class A Management Interest was converted into newly issued JGW LLC Restricted Common Interests at the derived conversion factor of 72.0, which resulted in 660,276 Restricted Common Interests being issued and outstanding as of November 14, 2013.
Restricted Common Interests In JGW LLC
The following table summarizes the activity of Restricted Common Interests that were issued as a result of the conversion of Class A and Class B Management Interests for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	Vested and Unvested Restricted Common Interests			Weighted-Average  Grant-Date  Fair Value
Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	1,661,054			$	4.95
Granted	—			—
Converted into shares of Class A common stock	(397,058	)		4.75
Forfeited	(180,882	)		3.23
Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	1,083,114			$	5.32
Outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	1,081,992			5.31
Vested as of December 31, 2014	925,971			4.55
The aggregate grant-date fair value of the Restricted Common Interests in JGW LLC granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $0. The aggregate grant-date fair value of the Restricted Common Interests that vested and were converted into Class A common stock during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $1.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding Restricted Common Interests that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.1 years.
Total share based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 related to the former Class A and Class B Management Interests that were converted into Restricted Common Interests on November 13, 2013 was $1.2 million, $1.3 million, and $1.8 million, respectively.

Employee_Benefit_Plan

Employee Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plan	Employee Benefit Plan
	The Company maintains a Savings Plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Plan”). The Plan covers all employees who have attained 21 years of age and achieved three months of employment. Under the Plan, matching contributions are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, the matching contributions by the Company were 50% on the first 8% of compensation contributed on a per pay basis. Employee benefit plan expense for the year ended December 31, was included in compensation and benefits expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and was as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Employee benefit plan expense	$	520	$	505	$	525

Restructure_Expense

Restructure Expense	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructure Expense	Restructure Expense
	In April 2013, the Company announced its intention to close its Boynton Beach office. In connection with the announcement, the Company recorded a restructure charge of $3.6 million for primarily severance and related expense. The $3.6 million charge for the year ended December 31, 2013 was recorded in the following statement of operations line items: compensation and benefits, $2.9 million; and general and administrative, $0.7 million. The associated workforce reductions were substantially complete as of December 31, 2013.

Earnings_per_share

Earnings per share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share	Earnings per share
	Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) measures the performance of an entity over the reporting period. Diluted EPS measures the performance of an entity over the reporting period while giving effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period.
	In accordance with ASC 260 Earnings Per Share, all outstanding unvested share-based payments that contain rights to non- forfeitable dividends and participate in the undistributed earnings with the common stockholders are considered participating securities. The shares of Class B common stock do not share in the earnings of the Corporation and are therefore not considered participating securities. Accordingly, basic and diluted net earnings per share of Class B common stock have not been presented. Furthermore, EPS for the full year ended December 31, 2013 is not presented because the Corporation was not a public company until November 13, 2013.
	In connection with the IPO and restructuring, Class C Profit Interests of JGW LLC held by PGHI Corp. were exchanged for a total of 966,434 warrants to purchase shares of Class A common stock (Note 21). For the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period November 13, 2013 through December 31, 2013, these warrants were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because they were antidilutive under the treasury stock method.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014 and the period November 14, 2013 through December 31, 2013, 796,413 and 264,047 of weighted average stock options outstanding, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share because they were antidilutive under the treasury stock method. During the year ended December 31, 2014, 86,904 of weighted-average performance-based restricted stock units were antidilutive and, therefore excluded, from the computation of diluted earnings per common share. None of the performance-based restricted stock units were outstanding in 2013.
	As discussed in Note 2, the operating agreement of JGW LLC gives Common Interestholders the right (subject to the terms of the operating agreement as described therein) to exchange their Common Interests for shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis at fair value, subject to customary conversion rate adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends and reclassifications. The Company applies the “if-converted” method to the Common Interests and vested Restricted Common Interests in JGW LLC to determine the dilutive weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding.The Company applies the treasury stock method to the unvested Restricted Common Interests and the “if-converted” method on the resulting number of additional Common Interests to determine the dilutive weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding represented by these interests.
	In computing the dilutive effect that the exchange of Common Interests and Restricted Common Interests would have on EPS, the Company considered that net income available to holders of Class A common stock would increase due to the elimination of non-controlling interests (including any tax impact). Based on these calculations, the 15,790,111 weighted average Common Interests and vested Restricted Common Interests outstanding and the 568,606 weighted average unvested Restricted Common Interests outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2014 were antidilutive. For the period November 13, 2013 to December 31, 2013, 870,206 weighted average Common Interests and vested Restricted Common Interests outstanding and 807,993 weighted average unvested Restricted Common Interests were also antidilutive and excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share.
	The following table is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period of November 13, 2013 through December 31, 2013:
		For the year ended December 31, 2014		November 14, 2013
				through December
				31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic EPS - Net income (loss) attributable to holders of The J.G. Wentworth Company Class A common stock	$	31,211	$	(5,577	)
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	JGW LLC Common Interests and vested Restricted Common Interests	—		—
	JGW LLC unvested Restricted Common Interests	—		—
	Numerator for diluted EPS - Net income (loss) attributable to holders of The J.G. Wentworth Company Class A common stock	$	31,211	$	(5,577	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic EPS -Weighted average shares of Class A common stock	12,986,058		10,395,574
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—		—
	Warrants	—		—
	Restricted common stock and performance-based restricted stock units	2,723		—
	JGW LLC Common Interests and vested Restricted Common Interests	—		—
	JGW LLC unvested Restricted Common Interests	—		—
	Dilutive potential common shares	2,723		—
	Denominator for diluted EPS - Adjusted weighted average shares of Class A common stock	12,988,781		10,395,574
	Basic income (loss) per share of Class A common stock	$	2.4	$	(0.54	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share of Class A common stock	$	2.4	$	(0.54	)

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	On March 6, 2015, the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire WestStar Mortgage, Inc. ("WestStar"), a residential mortgage company specializing in conforming mortgage lending ("WestStar Acquisition"), for $54 million that will be paid through a combination of cash and through the issuance of the Corporation's Class A common stock with a minimum of 75% of the consideration payable in cash. The WestStar Acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2015.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented. All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature.
	The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The most significant balance sheet accounts that could be affected by such estimates are variable interest entity (“VIE”) and other finance receivables, at fair market value, VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value, VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value, intangible assets and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences could be material.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation, its wholly- owned subsidiaries, including those entities that are considered VIEs, and where the Company has been determined to be the primary beneficiary in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810, Consolidation (“ASC 810”). Excluded from the consolidated financial statements of the Company are those entities that are considered VIEs and where the Company has been deemed not to be the primary beneficiary according to ASC 810.
Fair Value Measurements	ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“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 hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The three levels are defined as follows:
	•	Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices in markets that are not active or 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, reflecting the entity’s own assumptions about assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
	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 (Note 5). Fair value is a market based measure considered from the perspective of a market participant who holds the assets or owes the liabilities rather than an entity specific measure. Therefore, even when market assumptions are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are set to reflect those that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities at the measurement date. The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The Company also evaluates various factors to determine whether certain transactions are orderly and may make adjustments to transactions or quoted prices when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have decreased significantly.
	The above conditions could cause certain assets and liabilities to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2/Level 3 or Level 2 to Level 3. The inputs or methodology used for valuing the assets or liabilities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with the assets and liabilities.
Transfers of Financial Assets	Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the following conditions have been satisfied: (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company; (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity, the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets or through an agreement that permits the transferee to require the transferor to repurchase the transferred financial assets that is so favorable to the transferee that it is probable that the transferee will require the transferor to repurchase them. Transfers that do not meet the criteria to be accounted for as sales are accounted for as secured borrowings.
	The amendments to ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing (“ASC 860”), eliminated the concept of a qualified special purpose entity, changed the requirements for derecognizing financial assets, and required additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets, including securitization transactions and continuing involvement with transferred financial assets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	The Company considers all cash accounts, which are not subject to withdrawal restrictions or penalties, and all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an initial maturity of three-months or less to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash and Investments	Restricted cash balances represent the use of trust or escrow accounts to secure the cash assets managed by the Company, certificates of deposit supporting letters of credit, customer purchase holdbacks, collateral collections and split payment collections. The Company acts as servicer and/or subservicer for structured settlements and annuities, lottery winnings, life settlements, and pre-settlements. Trust accounts are established for collections with payments being made from the restricted cash accounts to the lenders and other appropriate parties on a monthly basis in accordance with the applicable loan agreements or indentures. At certain times, the Company has cash balances in excess of FDIC insurance limits of $250,000 for interest-bearing accounts, which potentially subject the Company to market and credit risks. The Company has not experienced any losses to date as a result of these risks.
	Restricted investments in the amounts of $1.1 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, include certificates of deposit which are pledged to meet certain state requirements in order to conduct business in certain states. The certificates of deposit are carried at face value inclusive of interest, which approximates fair value as such instruments are renewed annually.
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value	The Company has elected to fair value newly originated guaranteed structured settlements in accordance with ASC 810. The Company acquires receivables associated with structured settlement payments from individuals in exchange for cash (purchase price).  These receivables are carried at fair value. Additionally, as a result of the Company including lottery winning finance receivables beginning with its 2013-1 asset securitization (Note 16), the Company also elected to fair value newly originated lottery winnings effective January 1, 2013.
	Unearned income is determined as the amount the fair value exceeds the cost basis of the receivables. Unearned income on structured settlements is recognized as interest income using the effective interest method over the life of the related structured settlements. Changes in fair value are recorded in unrealized gains on VIE and other finance receivables, long-term debt and derivatives in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
	The Company, through its subsidiaries, sells finance receivables to Special Purpose Entities (“SPE”), as defined in ASC 860. An SPE issues notes secured by undivided interests in the receivables. Payments due on these notes generally correspond to receipts from the receivables in terms of the timing of payments due. The Company retains a retained interest in the SPEs and is deemed to have control over these SPEs due to its servicing or subservicing role and therefore consolidates these SPEs
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses	VIE and other finance receivables carried at amortized cost include primarily pre-settlement funding transactions, Life Contingent Structured Settlements, lottery winnings, and attorney cost financing, which are reported at the amount outstanding, adjusted for deferred fees and costs and allowance for losses. Interest income on fees earned on pre-settlement funding transactions is recognized over their respective terms using the effective interest method based on principal amounts outstanding. The Company’s policy is to discontinue the recognition of interest income on finance receivables not fair valued once it has been determined that collection of future interest or fees are unlikely.
	Fees charged upon the origination of finance receivables and certain direct origination costs, including personnel, travel, postage, legal fees and other associated costs, are deferred and the net amount is amortized using the effective interest method over the estimated life of the related receivables.
Allowance for Losses on Receivables	On an ongoing basis the Company reviews the ability to collect all amounts owed on VIE and other finance receivables carried at amortized cost.
	The Company reduces the carrying value of finance receivables by the amount of projected losses. The Company’s determination of the adequacy of the projected losses is based upon an evaluation of the finance receivables collateral, the financial strength of the related insurance company that issued the structured settlement, current economic conditions, historical loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolios and other relevant factors. The Company will charge-off the defaulted payment balances at the time it determines them to be uncollectible. Because the projected losses are dependent on general and other economic conditions beyond the Company’s control, it is reasonably possible that the losses projected could differ materially from the currently reported amount in the near term.
	The Company suspends recognizing interest income on receivables when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all payments according to the contractual terms of the underlying agreements. Management considers all information available in assessing collectability. Collectability is measured on a receivable-by-receivable basis by either the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective rate, the observable market price for the receivable or the fair value of the collateral if the receivable is collateral dependent. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous receivables, such as pre-settlement funding transactions, are collectively assessed for collectability.
	Payments received on past due receivables and finance receivables the Company has suspended recognizing interest income on are applied first to principal and then to accrued interest. Additionally, the Company generally does not resume recognition of interest income once it has been suspended.
Life Settlement Contracts	The Company’s life settlement contracts are accounted for using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, life settlement contracts are remeasured at fair value at each reporting period and changes in fair value are recognized in earnings (Note 5). The Company’s life settlement contracts are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and any gains or losses are included in other revenue in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Marketable Securities	Assets acquired through the Company’s installment sale transaction structure are invested in a diverse portfolio of marketable debt and equity securities. Marketable securities are carried using the fair value method in accordance with ASC 820 with realized and unrealized gains and losses included in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities, net in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations (Note 5).  Fair value is generally based on quoted market prices.  Management has classified these investments as Level 1 assets in the valuation hierarchy of fair value measurements. Marketable securities are held for resale in anticipation of fluctuations in market prices.
	Interest on debt securities is recognized in interest income as earned and dividend income on marketable equity securities is recognized in interest income on the ex-dividend date.
Share-Based Compensation	The Company applies ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions, based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued, be included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company has determined that these share-based payment transactions represent equity awards under ASC 718 and therefore measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for share based compensation on the grant-date fair value of the award, and recognizes the cost over the period the employee is required to provide services for the award. For all grants of stock options, the fair value at the grant date is calculated using option pricing models based on the value of the issuing entities shares at the award date. Compensation expense for performance-based restricted stock units is recognized ratably from the date of the grant until the date the restrictions lapse and is based on the trading price of the Class A common stock on the date of grant and the probability of achievement of the specific performance-based goals. Share-based compensation is included in compensation and benefits expense within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements	Fixed assets and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation or amortization and are comprised primarily of computer equipment, office furniture, and software licensed from third parties. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the individual assets. For leasehold improvements, amortization is computed over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the improvements or the lease term.
Notes Receivable, at Fair Market Value	Notes receivable represented fixed rate obligations of a third party collateralized by retained interests from certain securitizations sponsored by the Company. Under the agreements, the obligor had the right to redeem the notes at fair value. The notes receivable were treated as debt securities, classified as available-for-sale, and carried at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. Unrealized gains and losses on notes receivable arising during the period were reflected within accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss) in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) and consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ equity (Note 21). The notes receivable were fully repaid in June of 2014. As of December 31, 2013, the amortized cost and fair value of the notes receivable was $6.2 million and $5.6 million, respectively.
	The notes receivable were analyzed on an annual basis for other than temporary impairment.
Note Receivable due from affiliate	Note receivable due from affiliate represented a $5.0 million secured note the Company executed in August 2012 with PGHI. The note accrued interest in arrears at a rate of 13.75% per annum and was paid quarterly.  The note was secured by PGHI’s interest in the Company, and was scheduled to mature in August 2015. The note, including accrued interest, was fully repaid in February 2013. For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, of interest income on the note receivable which is included in interest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Intangible Assets	Identifiable intangible assets consist of the Company's databases, customer relationships, and domain names. The Company's non-compete agreements were fully amortized during 2014. The Company’s databases are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 10 years. Customer relationships are amortized over useful lives of 8 to 15 years. Domain names are amortized over their estimated useful lives of 10 years. As of December 31, 2014, the weighted average remaining useful lives of the databases, customer relationships and domain names are 5, 5 and 8 years, respectively. In addition, such identifiable intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset’s carrying value may not be fully recoverable. An impairment loss, generally calculated as the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying value of an asset, is recognized if the sum of the estimated undiscounted cash flows relating to the asset is less than the corresponding carrying value. Intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives, which in the Company’s case includes a trade name, are not amortized and are subject to annual impairment tests. Impairment exists if the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill	Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with the 2011 acquisition of Orchard Acquisition Company, LLC ("OAC"). Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is subject to annual impairment tests whereby impairment is recognized if the estimated fair value of the Company is less than its net book value. Such loss is calculated as the difference between the estimated implied fair value of goodwill and its carrying amount.
Income Taxes	JGW LLC and the majority of its subsidiaries operate in the U.S. as non-tax paying entities, and are treated as disregarded entities for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes and generally as corporate entities in non-U.S. jurisdictions. In addition, certain of JGW LLC's wholly owned subsidiaries are operating as corporations within the U.S. and subject to U.S. federal and state tax. As non-tax paying entities, the majority of JGW LLC's net income or loss is attributable to its members and included in their tax returns. The current and deferred income tax provision (benefit) relates to both the income (loss) attributable to the Corporation from JGW LLC and to the tax-paying subsidiaries of JGW LLC.
	Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method of accounting. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of the differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, using currently enacted tax rates. The effect on deferred assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period when the change is enacted. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
	The Company analyzes its tax filing positions in all of the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as for all open tax years in these jurisdictions. If, based on this analysis, the Company determines that uncertainties in tax positions exist, a reserve will be established. The Company will recognize accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective taxing authorities. Significant judgment is required in determining tax expense and evaluating tax positions, including evaluating uncertainties under U.S. GAAP. The Company reviews its tax positions periodically and adjusts its tax balances as new information becomes available.
Segment Reporting	The Company reports operating segments in accordance with ASC 280 Segment Reporting ("ASC 280"). Operating segments are components of an entity for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance. ASC 280 requires that a public entity report a measure of segment profit or loss, certain specific revenue and expense items, segment assets, and information on the way that the Company identified its operating segments. The Company primarily operates in the structured settlement industry and has no other reportable segments. The other revenue generating activities of the Company, including annuities, lottery, and pre-settlement funding are performed at the Company's headquarters in conjunction with or similar to structured settlements.
Other Revenue Recognition	Servicing, broker, and other fees in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations primarily include broker fees and subservicing fees earned from servicing life settlement contracts for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Broker fee income is recognized when the contract between the purchasing counterparty and the seller is closed for the sale of lottery winnings receivables.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt issuance costs related to liabilities for which the Company has elected the fair value option are expensed when incurred. Debt issuance costs related to liabilities for which the Company has not elected the fair value option are capitalized and amortized over the expected term of the borrowing or debt issuance. Capitalized amounts are included in other assets or netted against the Company's long-term debt in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and amortization of such costs is included in interest expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations over the life of the debt facility.
Advertising Expenses	The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. The costs are included in advertising expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Derivative Financial Instruments	The Company holds derivative instruments that do not qualify as hedging instruments as defined by ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"). The objective for holding these instruments is to offset variability in forecasted cash flows associated with interest rate fluctuations. Derivatives are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in unrealized gains on VIE and other finance receivables, long-term debt and derivatives in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted ASU No. 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 requires, unless certain conditions exists, an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. This adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not materially impact the Company’s financial statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of fair value of assets and liabilities	The following table sets forth the Company’s assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of:
		Quoted Prices in Active				Significant Other				Significant				Total at
		Markets for Identical Assets				Observable Inputs				Unobservable Inputs				Fair Value
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(Dollars in thousands)
	31-Dec-14
	Assets
	Marketable Securities:
	Equity securities
	US large cap	$	41,246			$	—			$	—			$	41,246
	US mid cap	8,192				—				—				8,192
	US small cap	7,586				—				—				7,586
	International	14,123				—				—				14,123
	Other equity	1,051				—				—				1,051
	Total equity securities	$	72,198			$	—			$	—			$	72,198
	Fixed income securities:
	US fixed income	16,699				—				—				16,699
	International fixed income	3,526				—				—				3,526
	Other fixed income	27				—				—				27
	Total fixed income securities	20,252				—				—				20,252
	Other securities:
	Cash & cash equivalents	6,629				—				—				6,629
	Alternative investments	1,829				—				—				1,829
	Annuities	2,511				—				—				2,511
	Total other securities	10,969				—				—				10,969
	Total marketable securities	103,419				—				—				103,419
	VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value	—				—				4,523,835				4,523,835
	Life settlements contracts, at fair market value (1)	—				—				—				—
	Total Assets	$	103,419			$	—			$	4,523,835			$	4,627,254
	Liabilities
	VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	—				—				4,031,864				4,031,864
	VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	—				75,706				—				75,706
	Total Liabilities	$	—			$	75,706			$	4,031,864			$	4,107,570
		Quoted Prices in Active				Significant Other				Significant				Total at
		Markets for Identical Assets				Observable Inputs				Unobservable Inputs				Fair Value
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(Dollars in thousands)
	31-Dec-13
	Assets
	Marketable Securities:
	Equity securities
	US large cap	$	41,821			$	—			$	—			$	41,821
	US mid cap	9,769				—				—				9,769
	US small cap	10,212				—				—				10,212
	International	19,938				—				—				19,938
	Other equity	936				—				—				936
	Total equity securities	$	82,676			$	—			$	—			$	82,676
	Fixed income securities:
	US fixed income	26,713				—				—				26,713
	International fixed income	4,089				—				—				4,089
	Other fixed income	29				—				—				29
	Total fixed income securities	30,831				—				—				30,831
	Other securities:
	Cash & cash equivalents	5,534				—				—				5,534
	Alternative investments	705				—				—				705
	Annuities	2,208				—				—				2,208
	Total other securities	8,447				—				—				8,447
	Total marketable securities	121,954				—				—				121,954
	VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value	—				—				3,870,649				3,870,649
	Notes receivable, at fair market value	—				—				5,610				5,610
	Life settlements contracts, at fair market value (1)	—				—				—				—
	Total Assets	$	121,954			$	—			$	3,876,259			$	3,998,213
	Liabilities
	VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	—				—				3,431,283				3,431,283
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	—				70,296				—				70,296
Total Liabilities	$	—			$	70,296			$	3,431,283			$	3,501,579
(1) Included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet
Schedule of the Company's quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements	The following table sets forth the Company’s quantitative information about its Level 3 fair value measurements as of :
			Fair Value (Dollars in thousands)				Valuation Technique		Unobservable  Input		Range (Weighted Average)
	31-Dec-14
	Assets
	VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value		$	4,523,835			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		2.55% - 12.60% (3.43%)
	Life settlement contracts, at fair market value		—				Model actuarial pricing		Life expectancy Discount rate		45 to 344 months (219) 18.00% (18.00%)
	Total Assets		$	4,523,835
	Liabilities
	VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value		4,031,864				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		0.74% - 12.32% (3.16%)
	Total Liabilities		$	4,031,864
			Fair Value (Dollars in thousands)				Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input		Range (Weighted Average)
	31-Dec-13
	Assets
	VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value		$	3,870,649			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		2.79% - 13.69% (4.33%)
	Notes receivable, at fair market value		5,610				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		7.85% (7.85%)
	Life settlement contracts, at fair market value		—				Model actuarial pricing		Life expectancy Discount rate		14 to 250 months (148)
											18.50% (18.50%)
	Total Assets		$	3,876,259
	Liabilities
	VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value		3,431,283				Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		0.73% - 12.70% (3.94%)
	Total Liabilities		$	3,431,283
Schedule of changes in assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	The changes in assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
			VIE and other				Life settlement				Notes receivable, at				Total
			finance receivables,				contracts, at fair				fair market value
			at fair market value				market value
			(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	3,870,649			$	—			$	5,610			$	3,876,259
	Total gains (losses):
	Included in earnings / losses		551,756				(116		)		2,098				553,738
	Included in other comprehensive gain		—				—				(1,615		)		(1,615		)
	Purchases of finance receivables		420,886				—				—				420,886
	Life insurance premiums paid		—				116				—				116
	Interest accreted		163,758				—				—				163,758
	Payments received		(483,214		)		—				(6,093		)		(489,307		)
	Maturities		—				—				—				—
	Asset distribution		—				—				—				—
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		—				—				—				—
	Balance as of December 31, 2014		$	4,523,835			$	—			$	—			$	4,523,835
	The amount of net gains (losses) for the period included in revenues attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held as of:
	31-Dec-14		$	551,756			$	(116	)		$	—			$	551,640
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	3,615,188			$	1,724			$	8,074			$	3,624,986
	Total gains (losses):
	Included in earnings / losses		164,823				(22		)		(1,862		)		162,939
	Included in other comprehensive gain		—				—				1,891				1,891
	Purchases of finance receivables		388,401				—				—				388,401
	Life insurance premiums paid		—				241				—				241
	Interest accreted		147,063				—				—				147,063
	Payments received		(435,211		)		—				(2,493		)		(437,704		)
	Maturities		—				(51		)		—				(51		)
	Asset distribution		(9,615		)		(1,892		)		—				(11,507		)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3		—				—				—				—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	3,870,649			$	—			$	5,610			$	3,876,259
	The amount of net gains (losses) for the period included in revenues attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held as of:
	31-Dec-13		$	164,823			$	(20	)		$	—			$	164,803
Schedule of changes in liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)	The changes in liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		VIE long-term debt issued
		by securitizations and
		permanent financing
		trusts, at fair market value
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	3,431,283
	Net (gains) losses:
	Included in earnings / losses	245,085
	Issuances	685,436
	Interest accreted	(40,000		)
	Repayments	(289,940		)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	4,031,864
	The amount of net (gains) losses for the period included in revenues attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to long-term debt still held as of:
	31-Dec-14	$	245,332
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	3,229,591
	Net (gains) losses:
	Included in earnings / losses	(58,968		)
	Issuances	624,252
	Interest accreted	(46,425		)
	Repayments	(317,167		)
	Transfers in and/or out of Level 3	—
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	3,431,283
	The amount of net (gains) losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to long- term debt still held as of:
	31-Dec-13	$	(34,475	)
Schedule of realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations	Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 are reported in the following revenue categories:
		VIE and other finance				Life settlement
		receivables and long-				contracts
		term debt
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Net gains (losses) in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014	$	306,671			$	(116	)
	Unrealized gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2014 relating to assets still held as of December 31, 2014	$	306,424			$	(116	)
	Net gains (losses) in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2013	$	223,791			$	(22	)
	Unrealized gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2013 relating to assets still held as of December 31, 2013	$	199,298			$	(20	)
	Net gains (losses) in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2012	$	261,835			$	(1,757	)
	Unrealized gains (losses) for the year ended December 31, 2012 relating to assets still held as of December 31, 2012	$	261,244			$	(1,370	)
Schedule of estimated fair values of financial instruments	The Company discloses fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized at fair value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. As such, the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows as of:
		31-Dec-14								31-Dec-13
		(Dollars in thousands)
		Estimated				Carrying				Estimated				Carrying
		Fair				Amount				Fair				Amount
		Value								Value
	Financial assets
	Marketable securities	$	103,419			$	103,419			$	121,954			$	121,954
	VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value	4,523,835				4,523,835				3,870,649				3,870,649
	VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses (1)	123,765				131,292				126,502				132,992
	Notes receivable, at fair market value	—				—				5,610				5,610
	Other receivables, net of allowance for losses (1)	14,165				14,165				13,529				13,529
	Financial liabilities
	VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	75,706				75,706				70,296				70,296
	VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings (1)	21,415				19,339				42,275				41,274
	VIE long-term debt (1)	176,635				181,558				147,112				150,802
	VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	4,031,864				4,031,864				3,431,283				3,431,283
	Installment obligations payable (1)	103,419				103,419				121,954				121,954
	Term loan payable (1)	433,904				437,183				434,184				434,184
	(1)These represent financial instruments not recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.  Such financial instruments would be classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab2

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of VIE and other finance receivables for which the fair value option was elected	The Company has elected to fair value newly originated guaranteed structured settlements in accordance with ASC 810.  Additionally, as a result of the Company including lottery winning finance receivables in its 2013-1 asset securitization, the Company also elected to fair value newly originated lottery winnings effective January 1, 2013. VIE and other finance receivables for which the fair value option was elected consist of the following as of:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Maturity value	$	6,492,863		$	5,917,596
	Unearned income	(1,969,028		)	(2,046,947		)
	Net carrying amount	$	4,523,835		$	3,870,649
Schedule of encumbrances on VIE and other finance receivables, at fair value	Encumbrances on VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value are as follows:
	Encumbrance		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
			(Dollars in thousands)
	VIE securitization debt (2)		$	4,357,456		$	3,742,218
	$250 million credit facility (1)		—			—
	$100 million credit facility (1)		2			11,073
	$50 million credit facility (1)		—			—
	$300 million credit facility (1)		—			16,681
	$300 million credit facility (1)		—			7,568
	$100 million permanent financing related to 2011-A (2)		64,575			41,164
	Total VIE finance receivables, at fair value		4,422,033			3,818,704
	Not encumbered		101,802			51,945
	Total VIE and other finance receivables, at fair value		$	4,523,835		$	3,870,649
	(1) See Note 14
	(2) See Note 16
Schedule of servicing fee	The Company is engaged to service certain finance receivables it sells to third parties. Servicing fee revenue related to those receivables are included in servicing, broker, and other fees in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, and for the years ended December 31, were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Servicing fees	$	914		$	948		$	1,051
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Schedule of expected cash flows of receivables based on maturity value	As of December 31, 2014, the expected cash flows of VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value based on maturity value for the next five years and thereafter were as follows:
	Year ended December 31,		Expected cash flows
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	492,968
	2016		478,018
	2017		452,471
	2018		420,244
	2019		403,629
	Thereafter		4,245,533
	Total		$	6,492,863

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab3

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Schedule of VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses	VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses consist of the following as of:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Structured settlements and annuities	$	76,253		$	75,894
	Less: unearned income	(49,270		)	(49,751		)
		26,983			26,143
	Lottery winnings	81,169			87,495
	Less: unearned income	(24,389		)	(28,442		)
		56,780			59,053
	Pre-settlement funding transactions	57,886			56,309
	Less: deferred revenue	(1,563		)	(2,240		)
		56,323			54,069
	Attorney cost financing	1,334			2,069
	Less: deferred revenue	—			—
		1,334			2,069
	VIE and other finance receivables, gross	141,420			141,334
	Less: allowance for losses	(10,128		)	(8,342		)
	VIE and other finance receivables, net	$	131,292		$	132,992
Schedule of encumbrances on VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses	Encumbrances on VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses are as follows:
	Encumbrance		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
			(Dollars in thousands)
	VIE securitization debt (2)		$	74,973		$	78,575
	$35 million pre-settlement credit facility (1)		30,423			25,047
	$45.1 million long-term pre-settlement facility (2)		6,453			11,680
	$2.5 million long-term facility (2)		1,640			2,524
	Total VIE finance receivables, net of allowances		113,489			117,826
	Not encumbered		17,803			15,166
	Total VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowances		$	131,292		$	132,992
	(1) See Note 14
	(2) See Note 15
Schedule of activity in the allowance for losses for VIE and other finance receivables	Activity in the allowance for losses for VIE and other finance receivables are as follows:
		Structured			Lottery			Pre-settlement			Attorney cost			Total
		settlements and						funding			financing
		annuities						transactions
		(Dollars in thousands)
	For the year ended December 31, 2014
	Allowance for losses:
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(48	)	$	—		$	(8,011	)	$	(283	)	$	(8,342	)
	Provision for loss	(31		)	(3		)	(4,772		)	—			(4,806		)
	Charge-offs	128			—			2,997			—			3,125
	Recoveries	(105		)	—			—			—			(105		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(56	)	$	(3	)	$	(9,786	)	$	(283	)	$	(10,128	)
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	(56	)	$	(3	)	$	(2,886	)	$	—		$	(2,945	)
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	—			—			(6,900		)	(283		)	(7,183		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	(56	)	$	(3	)	$	(9,786	)	$	(283	)	$	(10,128	)
	VIE and other finance receivables, net:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	26,927		$	56,777		$	3,204		$	1,051		$	87,959
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	—			—			43,333			—			43,333
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	26,927		$	56,777		$	46,537		$	1,051		$	131,292
	For the year ended December 31, 2013
	Allowance for losses:
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	(181	)	$	(6	)	$	(4,194	)	$	(269	)	$	(4,650	)
	Provision for loss	(86		)	99			(5,694		)	(14		)	(5,695		)
	Charge-offs	225			38			1,877			—			2,140
	Recoveries	(6		)	(131		)	—			—			(137		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(48	)	$	—		$	(8,011	)	$	(283	)	$	(8,342	)
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	(48	)	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	(48	)
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	—			—			(8,011		)	(283		)	(8,294		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	(48	)	$	—		$	(8,011	)	$	(283	)	$	(8,342	)
	VIE and other finance receivables, net:
	Individually evaluated for impairment	$	26,095		$	59,053		$	4,283		$	—		$	89,431
	Collectively evaluated for impairment	—			—			41,777			1,784			43,561
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	26,095		$	59,053		$	46,060		$	1,784		$	132,992
Schedule of gross pre-settlement funding transactions based on their year of origination	The following table presents gross finance receivables related to pre-settlement funding transactions based on their year of origination as of:
	Year of Origination		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2009		$	2,618		$	4,578
	2010		4,251			5,740
	2011		6,938			10,915
	2012		10,687			17,527
	2013		11,335			17,549
	2014		22,057			—
	Total		$	57,886		$	56,309
Schedule of portfolio delinquency status excluding presettlment funding transactions and attorney cost financing	The following table presents portfolio delinquency status excluding pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing as of:
		30-59			60-89			Greater			Total			Current			VIE and Other		VIE and Other
		Days			Days			than			Past Due						Finance		Finance
		Past Due			Past Due			90 Days									Receivables,		Receivables, net
																	net		> 90 days
																			accruing
		(Dollars in thousands)
	31-Dec-14
	Structured settlements and annuities	$	6		$	12		$	208		$	226		$	26,701		$	26,927	$	—
	Lottery winnings	2			6			120			128			56,649			$	56,777	—
	Total	$	8		$	18		$	328		$	354		$	83,350		$	83,704	$	—
	31-Dec-13
	Structured settlements and annuities	$	4		$	1		$	62		$	67		$	26,028		$	26,095	$	—
	Lottery winnings	—			—			18			18			59,035			59,053		—
	Total	$	4		$	1		$	80		$	85		$	85,063		$	85,148	$	—
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net | Structured settlements, annuities and lottery winnings
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Schedule of expected cash flows of receivables based on maturity value	As of December 31, 2014, the expected cash flows of structured settlements, annuities and lottery winnings based on maturity value for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,		Expected cash flows
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	16,500
	2016		11,669
	2017		10,757
	2018		10,379
	2019		10,336
	Thereafter		97,781
	Total		$	157,422

Other_Receivables_net_of_Allow1

Other Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of other receivables	Other receivables include the following as of:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Advances receivable	$	2,406		$	3,146
	Notes receivable	8,038			7,317
	Tax withholding receivables on lottery winnings	1,209			1,992
	Due from affiliates	376			271
	Other	2,340			1,046
	Other receivables, gross	14,369			13,772
	Less allowance for losses	(204		)	(243		)
	Other Receivables, net of allowances	$	14,165		$	13,529
Schedule of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for other receivables	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for other receivables for the following years ended was as follows:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Beginning balance	$	(243	)	$	(276	)
	Reversal of provision for losses	39			8
	Recoveries	—			—
	Other	—			25
	Ending balance	$	(204	)	$	(243	)

Life_Settlement_Contracts_at_F1

Life Settlement Contracts, at Fair Market Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Life Settlement Contracts, Fair Value Method [Abstract]
Schedule of information about life settlement contracts included in other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheets, based on estimated remaining life expectancy for each of the next five succeeding years and in the aggregate	Information about life settlement contracts, all of which are reported at fair value as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and are included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets based on estimated remaining life expectancy, for each of the next five years and thereafter and in the aggregate, as of December 31, 2014, are as follows:
	Year ended December 31,	Number of		Carrying Value			Face Value
		Contracts
				(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	—		$	—		$	—
	2016	—		—			—
	2017	—		—			—
	2018	1		—			500
	2019	—		—			—
	Thereafter	26		—			8,044
	Total	27		$	—		$	8,544
Schedule of key assumptions in measuring the fair value of life settlement contracts	Key assumptions in measuring the fair value of life settlement contracts were as follows:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
	Discount rate	18	%		18.5	%
	Life expectancies range (months)	45 to 344			14 to 250
	Average life expectancy (months)	219			148
Schedule of anticipated amount of life insurance premiums to be paid by the company	As of December 31, 2014, the anticipated amount of life insurance premiums to be paid by the Company for the next 5 years are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	Premium Payments
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	173
	2016	152
	2017	163
	2018	177
	2019	196
	Total	$	861

Fixed_Assets_and_Leasehold_Imp1

Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of fixed assets and leasehold improvements	Fixed assets and leasehold improvements include the following as of:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Computer software and equipment	$	5,372		$	3,222
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment	3,323			2,964
	Leasehold improvements	1,033			985
	Software development costs and assets not put in service	6			485
	Total fixed assets at cost	9,734			7,656
	Less accumulated depreciation	(5,976		)	(4,544		)
	Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation	$	3,758		$	3,112

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Summary of intangible assets subject to amortization	Intangible assets subject to amortization include the following as of:
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
		Cost			Accumulated			Cost		Accumulated
					Amortization					Amortization
	Database	$	4,609		$	(4,011	)	$	4,609	$	(3,623	)
	Customer relationships	18,844			(14,114		)	18,844		(12,491		)
	Domain names	1,635			(327		)	1,585		(167		)
	Non-compete agreements	1,821			(1,821		)	1,821		(1,500		)
	Intangible assets subject to amortization	$	26,909		$	(20,273	)	$	26,859	$	(17,781	)
Schedule of estimated future amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the next five years	As of December 31, 2014, estimated future amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,		Amortization Expense
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	1,663
	2016		1,256
	2017		1,127
	2018		1,127
	2019		646
	Thereafter		817
	Total		$	6,636

Debt_Issuance_Costs_Tables

Debt Issuance Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Issuance Costs
Schedule of debt issuance costs included in other assets	Debt issuance costs capitalized and included in other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets consist of the following as of:
		31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Debt issuance costs	$	44,023		$	43,694
	Less: accumulated amortization	(14,139		)	(6,418		)
	Unamortized debt issuance costs	$	29,884		$	37,276
Schedule of debt issuance costs included in debt issuance expense	Debt issuance costs related to VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value are expensed as incurred and included in debt issuance expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, and were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Debt issuance costs related to securitizations	$	8,683		$	8,930		$	9,124

Operating_and_Capital_Leases_T

Operating and Capital Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Summary of future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases	As of December 31, 2014, the following summarizes future minimum lease payments due under non-cancelable operating leases for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,		Operating Leases
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	1,764
	2016		1,775
	2017		1,727
	2018		1,770
	2019		1,815
	Thereafter		5,223
	Total		$	14,074
Schedule of rent expense for office and equipment	Rent expense for office and equipment is included in general and administrative expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and was as follows for the years ended December 31:
		2014			2013		2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Rent expense	$	1,695		$	3,152	$	2,007

VIE_Borrowings_Under_Revolving1

VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Schedule of VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings on the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following as of:
		Entity	December 31, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	$100 million variable funding note facility with interest payable monthly at 9.0%, collateralized by JGW-S III, LLC ("JGW-S III") structured settlements receivables, 2-year revolving period with 18 months amortization period thereafter upon notice by the issuer or the note holder with all principal and interest outstanding payable no later than October 15, 2048. JGW-S III is charged monthly an unused fee of 1.00% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	JGW-S III	$	—	$	7,535
	$50 million credit facility, interest payable monthly at the rate of LIBOR plus an applicable margin (3.42% at December 31, 2014 and 3.42% as of December 31, 2013) maturing on October 2, 2016, collateralized by JGW IV, LLC ("JGW IV") structured settlements and annuity receivables. JGW IV is charged monthly an unused fee of 0.50% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	JGW IV	6		—
	$300 million multi-tranche and lender credit facility with interest payable monthly as follows: Tranche A rate comprises 3.0% and either the LIBOR or the Commercial Paper rate depending on the lender (3.17% and 3.26% at December 31, 2014 and 3.17% and 3.29% at December 31, 2013). Tranche B rate is 5.5% plus LIBOR (5.67% at December 31, 2014 and 5.67% at December 31, 2013). The facility matures on July 24, 2016 and is collateralized by JGW V, LLC ("JGW V") structured settlements and annuity receivables. JGW V is charged monthly an unused fee of 0.625% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	JGW V	—		10,985
	$300 million credit facility, interest payable monthly at 2.75% plus an applicable margin (2.92% at December 31, 2014 and 2.95% at December 31, 2013), maturing on November 15, 2016, collateralized by JGW VII, LLC ("JGW VII") structured settlements and annuity receivables. JGW VII is charged monthly an unused fee of 0.50% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	JGW VII	—		5,769
	$35 million multi class credit facility with interest payable monthly as follows: Class A rate comprises the lender's "prime rate" plus 1.00%, subject to a floor of 4.50% (4.50% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013). Class B rate comprises the Class A rate plus 1.00% (5.50% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013). The facility matures December 31, 2015 and is collateralized by certain pre-settlement receivables. Peach One is charged monthly an unused fee of 0.50% per annum for the undrawn balance of its line of credit.	Peach One	19,333		16,985
	Total VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings		$	19,339	$	41,274

VIE_LongTerm_Debt_Tables

VIE Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of VIE long-term debt	The VIE long-term debt consisted of the following as of:
		December 31, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	PLMT Permanent Facility	$	44,277		$	47,267
	Residual Term Facility	107,043			68,785
	Long-Term Pre-settlement Facility	8,884			12,435
	2012-A Facility	1,357			2,276
	LCSS Facility (2010-C)	12,838			12,880
	LCSS Facility (2010-D)	7,159			7,159
	Total VIE long-term debt	$	181,558		$	150,802
VIE long-term debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of estimated principal payments of borrowings	As of December 31, 2014, estimated principal payments on VIE long-term debt for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,		Estimated Principal Payments
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	6,692
	2016		6,777
	2017		6,749
	2018		6,676
	2019		7,093
	Thereafter		147,809
	Total		$	181,796

VIE_Longterm_Debt_Issued_by_Se1

VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of securitization SPE transactions	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company completed three asset securitization transactions that were registered according to Rule 144A. The following table summarizes these securitization SPE transactions:
		2014-3		2014-2		2014-1
		(Bond proceeds in $ millions)
	Issue date	11/25/14		7/23/14		2/18/14
	Bond proceeds	$207.40		$227.40		$233.90
	Receivables securitized	2,169		3,744		4,128
	Deal discount rate	3.86%		3.95%		4.24%
	Retained interest %	5.50%		5.50%		6.00%
	Class allocation (Moody’s)
	Aaa	84.75%		84.00%		85.25%
	Baa2	9.75%		10.50%		8.75%
	During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed three asset securitization transactions that were registered according to Rule 144A. The following table summarizes these securitization SPE transactions:
		2013-3		2013-2		2013-1
		(Bond proceeds in $ millions)
	Issue date	10/18/13		7/30/13		3/20/13
	Bond proceeds	$212.60		$174.60		$216.50
	Receivables securitized	3,790		3,410		2,425
	Deal discount rate	4.37%		4.49%		3.65%
	Retained interest %	6.75%		6.75%		6.75%
	Class allocation (Moody’s)
	Aaa	85.25%		85.25%		85.25%
	Baa2	8.00%		8.00%		8.00%
VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts
Schedule of estimated maturities of borrowings	As of December 31, 2014, estimated maturities for VIE long-term debt issued by securitization trusts and permanent financing facilities, at fair market value, for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ending December 31,		Estimated Maturities
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2015		$	301,975
	2016		290,784
	2017		278,548
	2018		257,567
	2019		248,368
	Thereafter		2,338,938
	Total		$	3,716,180
Securitization trusts
Summary of notes issued	The following table summarizes notes issued by securitization trusts as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 for which the Company has elected the fair value option and are recorded as VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets:
	Securitization VIE Issuer		Note(s)		Maturity		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2014		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2013				Stated	Fair Value as of December 31, 2014		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
					Date								Rate
							(Dollars in thousands)							(Dollars in thousands)
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2002-A		11/15/29		$	—	$	8,197			4.74%	$	—	$	8,657
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2003-A		11/15/33		18,144		21,830				4.86%	19,642		23,846
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2004-A A-1		9/15/45		32,628		40,734				Libor+0.35%	33,783		40,744
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2004-A A-2		9/15/45		19,286		20,010				5.54%	21,023		21,339
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2005-1 A-1		11/15/40		58,735		73,269				Libor+0.23%	60,895		71,972
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2005-1 A-2		11/15/46		36,794		37,858				5.58%	39,374		38,136
	321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC		2005-1 B		10/15/55		2,242		2,307				5.24%	2,343		2,275
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-1 A-1		3/15/41		15,571		20,976				Libor+0.20%	16,376		20,997
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-1 A-2		3/15/47		18,074		18,635				5.56%	19,847		19,335
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-2 A-1		6/15/41		18,859		23,621				Libor+0.20%	20,009		23,189
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-2 A-2		6/15/47		20,395		20,930				5.93%	22,484		21,481
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-3 A-1		9/15/41		21,361		25,902				Libor+0.20%	22,604		25,617
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-3 A-2		9/15/47		26,343		26,543				5.60%	28,861		26,766
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-4 A-1		12/15/41		19,719		23,842				Libor+0.20%	20,608		23,491
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2006-4 A-2		12/15/47		21,133		21,424				5.43%	22,907		20,997
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-1 A-1		3/15/42		32,994		38,248				Libor+0.20%	33,431		35,818
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-1 A-2		3/15/48		17,220		17,598				5.59%	17,681		16,843
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-2 A-1		6/15/35		37,592		41,544				Libor+0.21%	36,730		35,473
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-2 A-2		7/16/40		17,041		17,289				6.21%	16,806		16,520
	321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC		2007-3 A-1		10/15/48		59,378		64,936				6.15%	70,026		69,777
	321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC		2008-1 A		1/15/44		56,186		63,988				6.19%	66,265		75,044
	321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC		2008-1 B		1/15/46		3,235		3,235				8.37%	4,790		4,268
	321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC		2008-1 C		1/15/48		3,235		3,235				9.36%	4,971		4,163
	321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC		2008-1 D		1/15/50		3,529		3,529				10.81%	5,828		4,860
	321 Henderson Receivables IV, LLC		2008-2 A		11/15/37		70,210		76,855				6.27%	84,357		88,573
	321 Henderson Receivables IV, LLC		2008-2 B		3/15/40		6,194		6,194				8.63%	9,296		7,491
	321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC		2008-3 A-1		6/15/45		49,385		53,694				8.00%	66,074		68,155
	321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC		2008-3 A-2		6/15/45		6,104		6,637				8.00%	8,045		8,154
	321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC		2008-3 B		3/15/51		4,695		4,695				10.00%	6,642		5,342
	321 Henderson Receivables VI, LLC		2010-1 A-1		7/15/59		138,254		152,587				5.56%	159,918		173,907
	321 Henderson Receivables VI, LLC		2010-1 B		7/15/61		24,661		26,470				9.31%	32,595		33,559
	Securitization VIE Issuer		Note(s)		Maturity		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2014		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2013				Stated	Fair Value as of December 31, 2014		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
					Date								Rate
							(Dollars in thousands)							(Dollars in thousands)
	JG Wentworth XXI, LLC		2010-2 A		1/15/48		59,582		66,831				4.07%	64,313		71,443
	JG Wentworth XXI, LLC		2010-2 B		1/15/50		8,506		8,914				7.45%	10,368		10,590
	JG Wentworth XXII, LLC		2010-3 A		10/15/48		115,400		131,690				3.82%	123,222		139,382
	JG Wentworth XXII, LLC		2010-3 B		10/15/50		16,770		17,009				6.85%	19,893		19,457
	JG Wentworth XXIII, LLC		2011-1 A		10/15/56		176,119		193,099				4.89%	196,934		203,018
	JG Wentworth XXIII, LLC		2011-1 B		10/15/58		21,212		21,212				7.68%	26,981		24,424
	JGWPT XXIV, LLC		2011-2 A		1/15/63		147,406		157,977				5.13%	167,703		165,749
	JGWPT XXIV, LLC		2011-2 B		1/15/65		15,580		15,580				8.54%	21,286		18,882
	JGWPT XXV, LLC		2012-1 A		2/16/65		182,576		195,431				4.21%	197,497		195,181
	JGWPT XXV, LLC		2012-1 B		2/15/67		20,564		20,564				7.14%	26,088		23,012
	JGWPT XXVI, LLC		2012-2 A		10/15/59		128,310		136,962				3.84%	134,860		132,465
	JGWPT XXVI, LLC		2012-2 B		10/17/61		13,985		13,985				6.77%	17,391		15,172
	JGWPT XXVII, LLC		2012-3 A		9/15/65		164,533		176,599				3.22%	166,033		164,682
	JGWPT XXVII, LLC		2012-3 B		9/15/67		17,181		17,181				6.17%	20,500		17,910
	JGWPT XXVIII, LLC		2013-1 A		4/15/67		180,695		192,104				3.22%	181,767		177,316
	JGWPT XXVIII, LLC		2013-1 B		4/15/69		18,589		18,589				4.94%	20,280		17,379
	JGWPT XXIX, LLC		2013-2 A		3/15/62		150,541		156,815				4.21%	162,561		154,903
	JGWPT XXIX, LLC		2013-2 B		3/17/64		14,985		14,985				5.68%	17,277		14,756
	JGWPT XXX, LLC		2013-3 A		1/17/73		183,987		193,197				4.08%	196,867		190,531
	JGWPT XXX, LLC		2013-3 B		1/15/75		18,248		18,248				5.54%	20,832		17,900
	JGWPT XXXI, LLC		2014-1 A		3/15/63		208,739		—				3.96%	221,453		—
	JGWPT XXXI, LLC		2014-1 B		3/15/65		21,776		—				4.94%	23,679		—
	JGWPT XXXII, LLC		2014-2 A		1/17/73		201,649		—				3.61%	207,410		—
	JGWPT XXXII, LLC		2014-2 B		1/15/75		25,284		—				4.48%	26,221		—
	JGWPT XXXIII, LLC		2014-3 A		6/15/77		185,884		—				3.50%	187,783		—
	JGWPT XXXIII, LLC		2014-3 B		6/15/79		21,408		—				4.40%	21,684		—
Structured Receivables Finance #1, LLC		2004-A A		5/15/28		—		2,895				4.06%	—		2,952
Structured Receivables Finance #1, LLC		2004-A B		5/15/28		7,196		7,832				7.50%	7,846		8,909
Structured Receivables Finance #2, LLC		2005-A A		5/15/25		13,108		18,142				5.05%	14,031		19,617
Structured Receivables Finance #2, LLC		2005-A B		5/15/25		9,141		10,030				6.95%	10,764		11,940
Peachtree Finance Company #2, LLC		2005-B A		4/15/48		15,979		21,676				4.71%	16,912		23,212
Peachtree Finance Company #2, LLC		2005-B B		4/15/48		5,471		5,933				6.21%	6,161		6,706
Structured Receivables Finance #3, LLC		2006-A A		1/15/30		30,496		36,858				5.55%	34,037		41,489
Structured Receivables Finance #3, LLC		2006-A B		1/15/30		9,294		10,224				6.82%	11,118		11,826
Structured Receivables Finance 2006-B, LLC		2006-B A		3/15/38		41,959		46,486				5.19%	47,413		52,276
Structured Receivables Finance 2006-B, LLC		2006-B B		3/15/38		7,922		8,425				6.30%	9,245		8,899
Structured Receivables Finance 2010-A, LLC		2010-A A		1/16/46		65,773		75,258				5.22%	74,239		84,777
Structured Receivables Finance 2010-A, LLC		2010-A B		1/16/46		11,567		12,355				7.61%	14,714		14,251
Structured Receivables Finance 2010-B, LLC		2010-B A		8/15/36		51,681		59,622				3.73%	54,968		62,977
Structured Receivables Finance 2010-B, LLC		2010-B B		8/15/36		13,932		14,000				7.97%	18,360		16,637
Total						$	3,462,225	$	3,063,520				$	3,774,902	$	3,177,409
Permanent financing VIEs
Summary of notes issued	The following table summarizes notes issued by permanent financing facilities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for which the Company has elected the fair value option and are recorded as VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value on the consolidated balance sheets:
	Securitization		Maturity		Note(s)		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2014		Stated		Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
	VIE Issuer		Date						Rate
							(Dollars in thousands)				(Dollars in thousands)
	JGW-S LC II		8/15/40		2011-A		$	56,114	12.63%		$	56,114
	PSS		7/14/33		—		168,018		Libor + 1%		161,004
	Crescit		6/15/39		—		29,823		8.10%		39,844
	Total						$	253,955			$	256,962
	Securitization		Maturity		Note(s)		Outstanding Principal as of December 31, 2013		Stated		Fair Value as of December 31, 2013
	VIE Issuer		Date						Rate
							(Dollars in thousands)				(Dollars in thousands)
	JGW-S LC II		8/15/40		2011-A		$	39,598	12.70%		$	39,598
	PSS		7/14/33		—		184,304		Libor + 1%		172,184
	Crescit		6/15/39		—		33,012		8.10%		42,097
	Total						$	256,914			$	253,879

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of notional amounts and fair values of the Company's interest rate swaps	The notional amounts and fair values of interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	Entity	Securitization	Notional as of December 31, 2014		Fair Market Value as of December 31, 2014			Notional as of December 31, 2013		Fair Market Value as of December 31, 2013
			(Dollars in thousands)
	321 Henderson I, LLC	2004-A A-1	$	32,628	$	(3,019	)	$	40,734	$	(3,745	)
	321 Henderson I, LLC	2005-1 A-1	58,735		(7,435		)	73,269		(8,559		)
	321 Henderson II, LLC	2006-1 A-1	15,571		(1,509		)	20,976		(2,137		)
	322 Henderson II, LLC	2006-2 A-1	18,859		(2,718		)	23,620		(3,202		)
	323 Henderson II, LLC	2006-3 A-1	21,361		(2,475		)	25,902		(3,023		)
	324 Henderson II, LLC	2006-4 A-1	19,719		(2,056		)	23,842		(2,643		)
	325 Henderson II, LLC	2007-1 A-2	32,994		(5,624		)	39,364		(5,159		)
	326 Henderson II, LLC	2007-2 A-3	37,592		(8,966		)	41,544		(8,015		)
	JGW V, LLC	—	—		—			10,985		16
	PSS	—	176,943		(31,807		)	192,444		(25,120		)
	PLMT	—	52,907		(10,097		)	56,942		(8,709		)
	Total		$	467,309	$	(75,706	)	$	549,622	$	(70,296	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of provision (benefit) for income taxes	The Company's provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, consists of the following:
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Current:
	Federal	$	107			$	177			$	1
	State	10				35				—
		117				212				1
	Deferred:
	Federal	15,313				1,990				(195		)
	State	5,710				344				(33		)
		21,023				2,334				(228		)
	Income tax provision (benefit)	$	21,140			$	2,546			$	(227	)
Schedule of reconciliation of difference between effective income tax rate and the United States statutory rate	The difference between the Company's effective income tax rate and the United States statutory rate is reconciled below:
		For the year ended December 31,
		2014			2013			2012
	Federal	35	%		35	%		35	%
	Income passed through to Non-Corporate members	(18.9	)%		(35.1	)%		(35.2	)%
	Permanent Items	0.7	%		0.2	%		—
	State Income Tax	3.4	%		(0.1	)%		—
	Valuation Allowance	(2.0	)%		3.9	%		—
	Other	(0.3	)%		—			—
	Effective tax rate	17.9	%		3.9	%		(0.2	)%
Summary of the components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities	A summary of the components of deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities follows:
		December 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Swap liability	$	974			$	840
	Net operating loss carryforwards	46,856				5,523
	Total deferred tax assets	47,830				6,363
	Valuation allowance	(216		)		(2,553		)
	Total deferred tax assets, net	47,614				3,810
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Basis difference in partnership	78,842				2,538
	Lottery winnings	1,940				164
	Lottery fair market value adjustments	1,140				973
	Other	178				13
	Total deferred tax liabilities	82,100				3,688
	Deferred tax liabilities, net	$	(34,486	)		$	122

Installment_Obligations_Payabl1

Installment Obligations Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Installment Obligations Payable
Schedule of estimated maturities for the next five years and thereafter	The actual maturities of the obligations depend on, among other things, the obligees’ designated payment schedules, the performance of the obligees’ index choices and the extent to which the obligees have taken any unscheduled installment payments. As of December 31, 2014, estimated maturities for the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,	Estimated Maturities
		(Dollars in thousands)
	2015	$	14,515
	2016	16,752
	2017	14,003
	2018	11,591
	2019	8,759
	Thereafter	37,799
	Total	$	103,419

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded the following reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income:
	For the year ended December 31,	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item in the consolidated statement of operations
			(Dollars in thousands)
	2014	Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities	$	2,098		Realized gain (loss) on notes receivable, at fair value
	2013	Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities	$	(1,862	)	Realized gain (loss) on notes receivable, at fair value

Noncontrolling_Interests_Table

Non-controlling Interests (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the non-controlling and JGWPT Holdings Inc.'s interests in Holdings LLC	Changes in the non-controlling and the Corporation’s interest in JGW LLC for the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Total Common Interests Held By:
		The J.G. Wentworth Company		Non-controlling		Total
				Interests
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	11,216,429		18,344,688		29,561,117
	Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.	8,796		—		8,796
	Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.	3,123,517		(3,123,517	)	—
	Common interests exchanged as a result of the Blocker Merger.	530,355		(715,916	)	(185,561	)
	Common interests repurchased related to Class A common stock repurchased.	(458,705	)	—		(458,705	)
	Common interests forfeited.	—		(180,882	)	(180,882	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	14,420,392		14,324,373		28,744,765

Sharebased_Compensation_Tables

Share-based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based compensation
Schedule of assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model for options granted	The fair value of stock option awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions and weighted average fair values:
		Year Ended December 31, 2014				Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Weighted average fair value of grant	$	4.81			$	6.55
	Risk-free interest rate	1.91		%		1.87		%
	Expected volatility	41.6		%		45		%
	Expected life of options in years	6.5				6.5
	Expected dividend yield	—				—
Summary of stock option activity	A summary of stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
			Shares			Weighted-			Weighted-	Aggregate
						Average			Average	Intrinsic
						Exercise Price			Remaining	Value (Dollars in
									Contractual	Millions)
									Term (In Years)
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013		264,047			$	14		9.87	$	0.9
	Granted		1,265,500			10.9
	Exercised		—			—
	Forfeited		(152,615	)		11.32
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014		1,376,932			$	11.44		9.44	$	0.1
	Outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014		1,321,056			11.45			9.44	0.1
	Vested as of December 31, 2014		43,771			14			8.88	—
Summary of restricted stock activity	A summary of restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Restricted			Weighted-Average  Grant-Date  Fair Value
		Stock Shares
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	3,929			$	14
	Granted	8,796			12.4
	Vested	(3,929	)		14
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	8,796			$	12.4
	The following table summarizes the activity of Restricted Common Interests that were issued as a result of the conversion of Class A and Class B Management Interests for the year ended December 31, 2014:
		Vested and Unvested Restricted Common Interests			Weighted-Average  Grant-Date  Fair Value
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	1,661,054			$	4.95
	Granted	—			—
	Converted into shares of Class A common stock	(397,058	)		4.75
	Forfeited	(180,882	)		3.23
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	1,083,114			$	5.32
	Outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	1,081,992			5.31
	Vested as of December 31, 2014	925,971			4.55
Performance Shares
Share-based compensation
Summary of stock option activity	A summary of performance-based restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
		Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units			Weighted-Average  Grant-Date  Fair Value
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2013	—			$	—
	Granted	184,000			10.48
	Vested	—			—
	Forfeited	(53,750	)		10.2
	Outstanding as of December 31, 2014	130,250			$	10.6
	Outstanding, vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2014	125,835			10.6
Class B management interests
Share-based compensation
Summary of the conversion of management interest to restricted common interests	The following table summarizes the conversion of Class B Management Interests into JGW LLC Restricted Common Interests on November 14, 2013 in connection with the IPO and reorganization:
		Outstanding at			Derived			Restricted
		November 14,			Conversion			Common
		2013			Factor			Interests at
								November 14,
								2013
	Tranche B-1	835,240			1.108223			925,632
	Tranche B-1a	217,500			0.426041			92,664
	Tranche B-2	653,500			—			—
	Tranche B-3	573,955			—			—
	Tranche B-4	495,000			—			—
		2,775,195			—			1,018,296

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Tables

Employee Benefit Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of employee benefit plan expense	Employee benefit plan expense for the year ended December 31, was included in compensation and benefits expense in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and was as follows:
		2014		2013		2012
				(Dollars in thousands)
	Employee benefit plan expense	$	520	$	505	$	525

Earnings_per_share_Tables

Earnings per share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of computation of loss per common share attributable to JGWPT Holdings Inc.	The following table is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations for the year ended December 31, 2014 and for the period of November 13, 2013 through December 31, 2013:
		For the year ended December 31, 2014		November 14, 2013
				through December
				31, 2013
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
	Numerator:
	Numerator for basic EPS - Net income (loss) attributable to holders of The J.G. Wentworth Company Class A common stock	$	31,211	$	(5,577	)
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	JGW LLC Common Interests and vested Restricted Common Interests	—		—
	JGW LLC unvested Restricted Common Interests	—		—
	Numerator for diluted EPS - Net income (loss) attributable to holders of The J.G. Wentworth Company Class A common stock	$	31,211	$	(5,577	)
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic EPS -Weighted average shares of Class A common stock	12,986,058		10,395,574
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock options	—		—
	Warrants	—		—
	Restricted common stock and performance-based restricted stock units	2,723		—
	JGW LLC Common Interests and vested Restricted Common Interests	—		—
	JGW LLC unvested Restricted Common Interests	—		—
	Dilutive potential common shares	2,723		—
	Denominator for diluted EPS - Adjusted weighted average shares of Class A common stock	12,988,781		10,395,574
	Basic income (loss) per share of Class A common stock	$	2.4	$	(0.54	)
	Diluted income (loss) per share of Class A common stock	$	2.4	$	(0.54	)

Background_and_Basis_of_Presen1

Background and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Income Tax Expense Benefit Attributable to Parent	$20,000,000	$700,000
Total tax provision	$21,140,000	$2,546,000	($227,000)
Merger Sub
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	50.20%	37.90%
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	49.80%	62.10%
Ownership Percentage Of Weighted Average Economic Interests	44.30%	37.90%
Ownership Percentage of Weighted Average Economic Interests by Noncontrolling Owners	55.70%	62.10%

Business_Changes_and_Developme1

Business Changes and Developments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 14, 2013	Oct. 07, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Changes and Developments.
Net proceeds from initial public offering	$0	$141,280,000	$0
Business combination, consideration received	-2,136,000	0	0
Transactions under common control, assumption of contingent future tax obligation	13,599,000	0	0
Tax Receivable Agreement
Business Changes and Developments.
Cash savings in income tax to be paid to common interest holders (as a percent)				85.00%
Merger Sub
Business Changes and Developments.
Ownership interest (as a percent)	50.20%	37.90%				50.20%
Business combination, consideration received					2,100,000
The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC
Business Changes and Developments.
Number of common interests acquired				11,212,500
Ownership interest (as a percent)				37.90%
The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC | Tax Receivable Agreement | Minimum
Business Changes and Developments.
Common interest holders ownership percentage (as a percent)				1.00%
Common Stock | Merger Sub | JLLJGW Distribution LLC
Business Changes and Developments.
Transactions under control, number of equity interests received						715,916
Class A Common Stock
Business Changes and Developments.
Shares issued in initial public offering				11,212,500
Net proceeds from initial public offering				141,300,000
Par value per share	$0.00	$0.01				0.00001
Share exchange ratio	1
Class A Common Stock | The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC
Business Changes and Developments.
Share exchange ratio				1
Class A Common Stock | Underwriter's overallotment option
Business Changes and Developments.
Shares issued in initial public offering				1,462,500
Class A Common Stock | Merger Sub
Business Changes and Developments.
Equity interests received					185,561
Class A Common Stock | Merger Sub | JLL Fund V AIF II, L.P
Business Changes and Developments.
Transactions under common control, equity interest issued or issuable, number of shares					715,916
Transactions under common control, equity interests canceled						47,440
Class A Common Stock | The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC
Business Changes and Developments.
Shares issued pursuant to merger				1
Class B Common Stock
Business Changes and Developments.
Par value per share	$0.00	$0.01				0.00001
Class B Common Stock | Merger Sub | JLLJGW Distribution LLC
Business Changes and Developments.
Transactions under control, number of equity interests received						715,916
Class C Common Stock
Business Changes and Developments.
Par value per share	$0.00	$0.01				0.00001
Class C Common Stock | PGHI Corp
Business Changes and Developments.
Shares issued pursuant to merger				1
Class C Common Stock | PGHI Corp | The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC
Business Changes and Developments.
Share exchange ratio				1
Future Tax Obligation | Merger Sub
Business Changes and Developments.
Transactions under common control, assumption of contingent future tax obligation						13,600,000
Transactions under common control, present value of future obligation assumed					$4,400,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restricted Cash and Investments
FDIC insured amount	$250,000
Restricted investments	$1,100,000	$1,400,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum
Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful lives	P3Y
Maximum
Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements
Estimated useful lives	P10Y

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Details 4) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Impairment expense recognized	$0		$0		$0
Fair value and amortized costs of notes receivable
Amortized Cost			6,200,000
Fair Market Value	$0	[1]	$5,610,000	[1]
[1]	Pledged as collateral to credit and long-term debt facilities. See Note 6 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value" and Note 7 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of allowances for losses".

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Details 5) (PGHI Corp, Execution of note receivable, USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 31, 2012
PGHI Corp | Execution of note receivable
Note Receivable due from affiliate
Note receivable due from affiliate				$5,000,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	13.75%
Interest income recognized		$100,000	$200,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Details 6) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible assets
Impairment of intangible assets	$0	$0	$0
Impairment expense recognized	0	0	0
Goodwill
Impairment of goodwill	$0	$0	$0
Database
Intangible assets
Estimated useful life	10 years
Database | Weighted average
Intangible assets
Estimated useful life	5 years
Customer relationships | Minimum
Intangible assets
Estimated useful life	8 years
Customer relationships | Maximum
Intangible assets
Estimated useful life	15 years
Customer relationships | Weighted average
Intangible assets
Estimated useful life	5 years
Domain names
Intangible assets
Estimated useful life	10 years
Domain names | Weighted average
Intangible assets
Estimated useful life	8 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements (Details 7) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Notes receivable, at fair market value expected to mature in 2018	$0	[1]	$5,610	[1]
[1]	Pledged as collateral to credit and long-term debt facilities. See Note 6 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value" and Note 7 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of allowances for losses".

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Variable Interest Entities
Minimum expected life of consolidated VIEs	20 years

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value
Maximum recovery period of other receivables	3 months
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	72,198		82,676
Total fixed income securities	20,252		30,831
Total other securities	10,969		8,447
Total marketable securities	103,419		121,954
VIE and other finance receivables at fair market value	4,523,835		3,870,649
Notes receivable at fair market value	0	[1]	5,610	[1]
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value	8,544		0
Total Assets	4,627,254		3,998,213
Liabilities
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	4,031,864		3,431,283
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	75,706		70,296
Total Liabilities	4,107,570		3,501,579
VIE and other finance receivables
Assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value
Discount rate for discounting residual cash flows (as a percent)	5.97%		7.85%
Weighted average life	20 years
Loss assumption (as a percent)	0.25%
US large cap
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	41,246		41,821
US mid cap
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	8,192		9,769
US small cap
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	7,586		10,212
International
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	14,123		19,938
Other equity
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	1,051		936
US fixed income
Marketable securities:
Total fixed income securities	16,699		26,713
International fixed income
Marketable securities:
Total fixed income securities	3,526		4,089
Other fixed income
Marketable securities:
Total fixed income securities	27		29
Cash & cash equivalents
Marketable securities:
Total other securities	6,629		5,534
Alternative investments
Marketable securities:
Total other securities	1,829		705
Annuities
Marketable securities:
Total other securities	2,511		2,208
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	72,198		82,676
Total fixed income securities	20,252		30,831
Total other securities	10,969		8,447
Total marketable securities	103,419		121,954
Total Assets	103,419		121,954
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | US large cap
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	41,246		41,821
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | US mid cap
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	8,192		9,769
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | US small cap
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	7,586		10,212
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | International
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	14,123		19,938
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Other equity
Marketable securities:
Total equity securities	1,051		936
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | US fixed income
Marketable securities:
Total fixed income securities	16,699		26,713
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | International fixed income
Marketable securities:
Total fixed income securities	3,526		4,089
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Other fixed income
Marketable securities:
Total fixed income securities	27		29
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Cash & cash equivalents
Marketable securities:
Total other securities	6,629		5,534
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Alternative investments
Marketable securities:
Total other securities	1,829		705
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets Level 1 | Annuities
Marketable securities:
Total other securities	2,511		2,208
Significant Other Observable Inputs Level 2
Liabilities
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	75,706		70,296
Total Liabilities	75,706		70,296
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3
Marketable securities:
VIE and other finance receivables at fair market value	4,523,835		3,870,649
Notes receivable at fair market value			5,610
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value			0
Total Assets	4,523,835		3,876,259
Liabilities
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	4,031,864		3,431,283
Total Liabilities	4,031,864		3,431,283
Significant Unobservable Inputs Level 3 | VIE and other finance receivables
Marketable securities:
Total Assets	4,523,835		3,870,649
[1]	Pledged as collateral to credit and long-term debt facilities. See Note 6 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value" and Note 7 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of allowances for losses".

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quantitative information about fair value measurements
Fair Value of Assets	4,627,254	3,998,213
Fair Value of Liabilities	4,107,570	3,501,579
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	18.00%	18.50%
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value | Minimum
Unobservable Input
Life expectancy	45 months	14 months
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value | Maximum
Unobservable Input
Life expectancy	344 months	250 months
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value | Weighted average
Unobservable Input
Life expectancy	219 months	148 months
Level 3
Quantitative information about fair value measurements
Fair Value of Assets	4,523,835	3,876,259
Fair Value of Liabilities	4,031,864	3,431,283
Level 3 | VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts
Quantitative information about fair value measurements
Fair Value of Liabilities	4,031,864	3,431,283
Level 3 | VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts | Discounted cash flow | Minimum
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	0.74%	0.73%
Level 3 | VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts | Discounted cash flow | Maximum
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	12.32%	12.70%
Level 3 | VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts | Discounted cash flow | Weighted average
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.16%	3.94%
Level 3 | VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Quantitative information about fair value measurements
Fair Value of Assets	4,523,835	3,870,649
Level 3 | VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value | Discounted cash flow | Minimum
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.55%	2.79%
Level 3 | VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value | Discounted cash flow | Maximum
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	12.60%	13.69%
Level 3 | VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value | Discounted cash flow | Weighted average
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.43%	4.33%
Level 3 | Notes receivable, at fair market value
Quantitative information about fair value measurements
Fair Value of Assets		5,610
Level 3 | Notes receivable, at fair market value | Discounted cash flow
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)		7.85%
Level 3 | Notes receivable, at fair market value | Discounted cash flow | Weighted average
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)		7.85%
Level 3 | Life settlement contracts, at fair market value
Quantitative information about fair value measurements
Fair Value of Assets		0
Level 3 | Life settlement contracts, at fair market value | Discounted cash flow
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	18.00%	18.50%
Level 3 | Life settlement contracts, at fair market value | Discounted cash flow | Weighted average
Unobservable Input
Discount rate (as a percent)	18.00%	18.50%

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail2

Fair Value Measurements (Details 3) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in assets
Balance at the beginning of the period	$3,876,259	$3,624,986
Total gains (losses) included in earnings / losses	553,738	162,939
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive gain	-1,615	1,891
Purchases	420,886	388,401
Premiums paid	116	241
Interest accreted	163,758	147,063
Payments received	-489,307	-437,704
Maturities		-51
Asset distribution		-11,507
Balance at the end of the period	4,523,835	3,876,259
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the end of the period	551,640	164,803
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Changes in assets
Balance at the beginning of the period	3,870,649	3,615,188
Total gains (losses) included in earnings / losses	551,756	164,823
Purchases	420,886	388,401
Interest accreted	163,758	147,063
Payments received	-483,214	-435,211
Asset distribution		-9,615
Balance at the end of the period	4,523,835	3,870,649
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the end of the period	551,756	164,823
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value
Changes in assets
Balance at the beginning of the period	0	1,724
Total gains (losses) included in earnings / losses	-116	-22
Premiums paid	116	241
Maturities		-51
Asset distribution		-1,892
Balance at the end of the period	0	0
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the end of the period	-116	-20
Notes receivable, at fair market value
Changes in assets
Balance at the beginning of the period	5,610	8,074
Total gains (losses) included in earnings / losses	2,098	-1,862
Total gains (losses) included in other comprehensive gain	-1,615	1,891
Payments received	-6,093	-2,493
Balance at the end of the period	0	5,610
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the end of the period	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail3

Fair Value Measurements (Details 4) (VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts
Changes in liabilities
Balance at the beginning of the period	$3,431,283	$3,229,591
Total (gains) losses included in earnings / losses	245,085	-58,968
Issuances	685,436	624,252
Interest accreted	-40,000	-46,425
Repayments	-289,940	-317,167
Balance at the end of the period	4,031,864	3,431,283
Amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to long-term debt still held at the end of the period	$245,332	($34,475)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail4

Fair Value Measurements (Details 5) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
VIE and other finance receivables and long-term debt
Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings
Gains (losses) included in earnings	$306,671	$223,791	$261,835
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held	306,424	199,298	261,244
Life settlement contracts income
Realized and unrealized gains and losses included in earnings
Gains (losses) included in earnings	-116	-22	-1,757
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets still held	($116)	($20)	($1,370)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail5

Fair Value Measurements (Details 6) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financial assets
Marketable securities	$103,419		$121,954
VIE and other finance receivables at fair market value	4,523,835		3,870,649
Notes receivable at fair market value	0	[1]	5,610	[1]
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses	14,165		13,529
Financial liabilities
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	75,706		70,296
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	19,339		41,274
VIE long-term debt	181,558		150,802
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	4,031,864		3,431,283
Installment obligations payable	103,419		121,954
Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets
Marketable securities	103,419		121,954
VIE and other finance receivables at fair market value	4,523,835		3,870,649
VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses	123,765		126,502
Notes receivable at fair market value	0		5,610
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses	14,165		13,529
Financial liabilities
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	75,706		70,296
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	21,415		42,275
VIE long-term debt	176,635		147,112
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	4,031,864		3,431,283
Installment obligations payable	103,419		121,954
Term loan payable	433,904		434,184
Carrying Amount
Financial assets
Marketable securities	103,419		121,954
VIE and other finance receivables at fair market value	4,523,835		3,870,649
VIE and other finance receivables, net of allowance for losses	131,292		132,992
Notes receivable at fair market value	0		5,610
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses	14,165		13,529
Financial liabilities
VIE derivative liabilities, at fair market value	75,706		70,296
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	19,339		41,274
VIE long-term debt	181,558		150,802
VIE long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts, at fair market value	4,031,864		3,431,283
Installment obligations payable	103,419		121,954
Term loan payable	$437,183		$434,184
[1]	Pledged as collateral to credit and long-term debt facilities. See Note 6 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value" and Note 7 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of allowances for losses".

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab4

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Maturity value	$6,492,863,000		$5,917,596,000
Unearned income	-1,969,028,000		-2,046,947,000
Total VIE and other finance receivables at fair value	4,523,835,000		3,870,649,000
Total VIE finance receivables at fair value	4,422,033,000	[1]	3,818,704,000	[1]
Not encumbered	101,802,000		51,945,000
Expected cash flows
Total	6,492,863,000		5,917,596,000
Servicing fees	914,000		948,000		1,051,000
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Maturity value	6,492,863,000
Expected cash flows
2015	492,968,000
2016	478,018,000
2017	452,471,000
2018	420,244,000
2019	403,629,000
Thereafter	4,245,533,000
Total	6,492,863,000
VIE securitization debt
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Total VIE finance receivables at fair value	4,357,456,000		3,742,218,000
Variable funding note facility
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Total VIE finance receivables at fair value	2,000		11,073,000
Expected cash flows
Maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000		100,000,000
Multi-tranche and lender credit facility
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Total VIE finance receivables at fair value	0		16,681,000
Expected cash flows
Maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000		300,000,000
Permanent financing related to 2011-A
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Total VIE finance receivables at fair value	64,575,000		41,164,000
Expected cash flows
Face amount of debt	100,000,000		100,000,000
JGW II | Credit facility
Expected cash flows
Maximum borrowing capacity	250,000,000		250,000,000
JGW VII, LLC | Credit facility
VIE and other finance receivables, at fair market value
Total VIE finance receivables at fair value	0		7,568,000
VIE | Multi-tranche and lender credit facility | JGW VII, LLC
Expected cash flows
Maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000		300,000,000
VIE | Credit facility | JGW IV
Expected cash flows
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000		50,000,000
VIE | Credit facility | JGW VII, LLC
Expected cash flows
Maximum borrowing capacity	$300,000,000		$300,000,000
[1]	Pledged as collateral to credit and long-term debt facilities. See Note 6 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, at Fair Market Value" and Note 7 "VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of allowances for losses".

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab5

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details) (VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Finance receivables, gross	$141,420	$141,334
Less: allowance for losses	-10,128	-8,342	-4,650
Finance receivables, net	131,292	132,992
Structured settlements and annuities
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Finance receivable before unearned income or deferred revenue	76,253	75,894
Less: unearned income or deferred revenue	-49,270	-49,751
Finance receivables, gross	26,983	26,143
Less: allowance for losses	-56	-48	-181
Finance receivables, net	26,927	26,095
Lottery winnings
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Finance receivable before unearned income or deferred revenue	81,169	87,495
Less: unearned income or deferred revenue	-24,389	-28,442
Finance receivables, gross	56,780	59,053
Less: allowance for losses	-3	0	-6
Finance receivables, net	56,777	59,053
Pre-settlement funding transactions
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Finance receivable before unearned income or deferred revenue	57,886	56,309
Less: unearned income or deferred revenue	-1,563	-2,240
Finance receivables, gross	56,323	54,069
Less: allowance for losses	-9,786	-8,011	-4,194
Finance receivables, net	46,537	46,060
Attorney cost financing
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Finance receivable before unearned income or deferred revenue	1,334	2,069
Less: unearned income or deferred revenue	0	0
Finance receivables, gross	1,334	2,069
Less: allowance for losses	-283	-283	-269
Finance receivables, net	$1,051	$1,784

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab6

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Expected cash flows
Total	$6,492,863,000	$5,917,596,000
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net
Encumbrances on financing receivable
Total VIE finance receivables, net of allowances	113,489,000	117,826,000
Not encumbered	17,803,000	15,166,000
Finance receivables, net	131,292,000	132,992,000
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net | Structured settlements, annuities and lottery winnings
Expected cash flows
2015	16,500,000
2016	11,669,000
2017	10,757,000
2018	10,379,000
2019	10,336,000
Thereafter	97,781,000
Total	157,422,000
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net | VIE securitization debt
Encumbrances on financing receivable
Total VIE finance receivables, net of allowances	74,973,000	78,575,000
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net | $45.1 million long-term pre-settlement facility
Encumbrances on financing receivable
Total VIE finance receivables, net of allowances	6,453,000	11,680,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	45,100,000	45,100,000
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net | $2.4 Long-term facility
Encumbrances on financing receivable
Total VIE finance receivables, net of allowances	1,640,000	2,524,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	2,500,000	2,400,000
Pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing | Structured settlements, annuities and lottery winnings
Expected cash flows
Receivable which do not have specified maturity dates	59,200,000	58,400,000
Peach One | Credit facility
Encumbrances on financing receivable
Maximum borrowing capacity	35,000,000	35,000,000
Peach One | VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net | Credit facility
Encumbrances on financing receivable
Total VIE finance receivables, net of allowances	$30,423,000	$25,047,000

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab7

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 3) (VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Activity in the allowance for losses
Balance at beginning of year	($8,342,000)	($4,650,000)
Provision for loss	-4,806,000	-5,695,000
Charge-offs	3,125,000	2,140,000
Recoveries	-105,000	-137,000
Balance at end of year	-10,128,000	-8,342,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	-2,945,000	-48,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	-7,183,000	-8,294,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	87,959,000	89,431,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	43,333,000	43,561,000
Finance receivables, net	131,292,000	132,992,000
Structured settlements and annuities
Activity in the allowance for losses
Balance at beginning of year	-48,000	-181,000
Provision for loss	-31,000	-86,000
Charge-offs	128,000	225,000
Recoveries	-105,000	-6,000
Balance at end of year	-56,000	-48,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	-56,000	-48,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	26,927,000	26,095,000
Finance receivables, net	26,927,000	26,095,000
Lottery
Activity in the allowance for losses
Balance at beginning of year	0	-6,000
Provision for loss	-3,000	99,000
Charge-offs	0	38,000
Recoveries	0	-131,000
Balance at end of year	-3,000	0
Individually evaluated for impairment	-3,000	0
Individually evaluated for impairment	56,777,000	59,053,000
Finance receivables, net	56,777,000	59,053,000
Pre-settlement funding transactions
Activity in the allowance for losses
Balance at beginning of year	-8,011,000	-4,194,000
Provision for loss	-4,772,000	-5,694,000
Charge-offs	2,997,000	1,877,000
Recoveries		0
Balance at end of year	-9,786,000	-8,011,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	-2,886,000	0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	-6,900,000	-8,011,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	3,204,000	4,283,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	43,333,000	41,777,000
Finance receivables, net	46,537,000	46,060,000
Impaired financing receivable	14,000,000	11,500,000
Attorney cost financing
Activity in the allowance for losses
Balance at beginning of year	-283,000	-269,000
Provision for loss	0	-14,000
Charge-offs		0
Balance at end of year	-283,000	-283,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	-283,000	-283,000
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,051,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	0	1,784,000
Finance receivables, net	1,051,000	1,784,000
Impaired financing receivable	$600,000	$800,000
Pre-settlement funding transactions and attorney cost financing
Activity in the allowance for losses
Financing Receivable Minimum Term of Receivable	1 year

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab8

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 4) (VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Reserve for financing receivable	$10,128	$8,342	$4,650
Pre-settlement funding transactions
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Gross financing receivable	57,886	56,309
Reserve for financing receivable	9,786	8,011	4,194
Pre-settlement funding transactions | 2009
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Gross financing receivable	2,618	4,578
Pre-settlement funding transactions | 2010
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Gross financing receivable	4,251	5,740
Pre-settlement funding transactions | 2011
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Gross financing receivable	6,938	10,915
Pre-settlement funding transactions | 2012
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Gross financing receivable	10,687	17,527
Pre-settlement funding transactions | 2013
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Gross financing receivable	11,335	17,549
Pre-settlement funding transactions | 2014
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Gross financing receivable	22,057	0
Attorney cost financing
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Gross financing receivable	1,334	2,069
Reserve for financing receivable	$283	$283	$269

VIE_and_Other_Finance_Receivab9

VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details 5) (VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	$8	$4
60-89 Days Past Due	18	1
Greater than 90 Days	328	80
Total Past Due	354	85
Current	83,350	85,063
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net	83,704	85,148
Structured settlements and annuities
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	6	4
60-89 Days Past Due	12	1
Greater than 90 Days	208	62
Total Past Due	226	67
Current	26,701	26,028
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net	26,927	26,095
Lottery winnings
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
30-59 Days Past Due	2
60-89 Days Past Due	6
Greater than 90 Days	120	18
Total Past Due	128	18
Current	56,649	59,035
VIE and Other Finance Receivables, net	$56,777	$59,053

Other_Receivables_net_of_Allow2

Other Receivables, net of Allowance for Losses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other receivables, net of allowance for losses
Advances receivable	$2,406	$3,146
Notes receivable	8,038	7,317
Tax withholding receivables on lottery winnings	1,209	1,992
Due from affiliates	376	271
Other	2,340	1,046
Other receivables, gross	14,369	13,772
Less allowance for losses	-204	-243
Other receivables, net of allowance	14,165	13,529
Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Provision for losses on finance and other receivables	4,806	5,695	3,805
Other receivables
Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts
Beginning balance	-243	-276
Provision for losses on finance and other receivables	39	8
Recoveries		0
Other	0	25
Ending balance	($204)	($243)

Life_Settlement_Contracts_at_F2

Life Settlement Contracts, at Fair Market Value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	contract
Number of Contracts
Year ending 2015	0
Year ending 2016	0
Year ending 2017	0
Year ending 2018	1
Year ending 2019	0
Thereafter	26
Total	27
Face Value
Year ending 2015	$0
Year ending 2016	0
Year ending 2017	0
Year ending 2018	0
Year ending 2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total	0
Carrying Value
Year ending 2015	0
Year ending 2016	0
Year ending 2017	0
Year ending 2018	500
Year ending 2019	0
Thereafter	8,044
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value	$8,544	$0

Life_Settlement_Contracts_at_F3

Life Settlement Contracts, at Fair Market Value (Details 2) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Anticipated amount of life insurance premiums to be paid
2015	$173,000
2016	152,000
2017	163,000
2018	177,000
2019	196,000
Total	861,000
Amount of fair market value losses	-116,000	-33,000	-1,522,000
Encumbrances on life settlement contracts	0	0	0
Contractually Specified Servicing Fees, Late Fees, and Ancillary Fees Earned in Exchange for Servicing Financial Assets	$0	$900,000	$1,800,000
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value
Key assumptions in measuring the fair value
Discount rate (as a percent)	18.00%	18.50%
Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Expected Term	219 months	148 months
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value | Minimum
Key assumptions in measuring the fair value
Life expectancies	45 months	14 months
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value | Maximum
Key assumptions in measuring the fair value
Life expectancies	344 months	250 months
Life settlement contracts, at fair market value | Weighted average
Key assumptions in measuring the fair value
Life expectancies	219 months	148 months

Fixed_Assets_and_Leasehold_Imp2

Fixed Assets and Leasehold Improvements (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Fixed assets and leasehold improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	$9,734,000	$7,656,000		$7,656,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	-5,976,000	-4,544,000		-4,544,000
Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation	3,758,000	3,112,000		3,112,000
Loss on disposal/impairment of fixed assets	-69,000	-4,200,000	-300,000
Depreciation expense including amortization of assets under capital lease	1,676,000	2,179,000	1,644,000
Computer software and equipment
Fixed assets and leasehold improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	5,372,000	3,222,000		3,222,000
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Fixed assets and leasehold improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	3,323,000	2,964,000		2,964,000
Leasehold improvements
Fixed assets and leasehold improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	1,033,000	985,000		985,000
Software development costs and assets not put in service
Fixed assets and leasehold improvements
Equipment and leasehold improvements, gross	6,000	485,000		485,000
Capitalized cost of software development project				4,000,000
Fair value of software development project	0
Loss on disposal/impairment of fixed assets				$4,000,000

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Cost	$26,909,000	$26,859,000
Accumulated Amortization	-20,273,000	-17,781,000
Estimated future amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the next five years
2015	1,663,000
2016	1,256,000
2017	1,127,000
2018	1,127,000
2019	646,000
Thereafter	817,000
Total	6,636,000
Amortization of intangibles	2,492,000	3,524,000	4,741,000
Unamortized trade name | OAC Merger
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Carrying value of unamortized intangible assets	38,800,000	38,800,000
Database/IT system
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Cost	4,609,000	4,609,000
Accumulated Amortization	-4,011,000	-3,623,000
Customer relationships
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Cost	18,844,000	18,844,000
Accumulated Amortization	-14,114,000	-12,491,000
Domain names
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Cost	1,635,000	1,585,000
Accumulated Amortization	-327,000	-167,000
Non-compete agreements
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Cost	1,821,000	1,821,000
Accumulated Amortization	($1,821,000)	($1,500,000)

Debt_Issuance_Costs_Details

Debt Issuance Costs (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt issuance costs included in other assets
Debt issuance costs	$44,023	$43,694
Less: accumulated amortization	-14,139	-6,418
Unamortized debt issuance costs	29,884	37,276
Amortization expense for capitalized debt issuance cost	7,901	5,740	1,444
Debt issuance costs related to securitizations	8,683	8,930	9,124
Securitization trusts
Debt issuance costs included in other assets
Debt issuance costs related to securitizations	8,683	8,930	9,124
Interest Expense
Debt issuance costs included in other assets
Amortization expense for capitalized debt issuance cost	$7,700	$5,740	$1,444

Operating_and_Capital_Leases_D

Operating and Capital Leases (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases
2015	$1,764
2016	1,775
2017	1,727
2018	1,770
2019	1,815
Thereafter	5,223
Total	14,074
Rent expense	1,695	3,152	2,007
Future commitments for capital lease obligations	$0

VIE_Borrowings_Under_Revolving2

VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	$19,339,000	$41,274,000
JGW-S III | Variable funding note facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	0	7,535,000
JGW IV | Credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	6,000	0
JGW V, LLC | Multi-tranche and lender credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	0	10,985,000
JGW VII, LLC | Credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	0	5,769,000
Peach One | Credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
VIE borrowings under revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings	19,333,000	16,985,000
VIE | Revolving credit facilities and other similar borrowings
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Interest expense related to borrowings	9,000,000	9,900,000	9,400,000
Weighted average interest rate on outstanding borrowings (as a percent)	4.63%	4.81%
VIE | JGW-S III | Variable funding note facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Maximum borrowing capacity	100,000,000	100,000,000
Interest payable monthly (as a percent)	9.00%	9.00%
Revolving period	2 years	2 years
Amortization period	18 months	18 months
Monthly unused fee (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
VIE | JGW IV | Credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000,000	50,000,000
Monthly unused fee (as a percent)	0.50%	0.50%
Variable interest rate basis	LIBOR	LIBOR
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	3.42%	3.42%
VIE | JGW V, LLC | Multi-tranche and lender credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000	300,000,000
Monthly unused fee (as a percent)	0.63%	0.63%
VIE | JGW V, LLC | Multi-tranche and lender credit facility | Tranche A | LIBOR
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Variable interest rate basis	LIBOR	LIBOR
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.17%	3.17%
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%
VIE | JGW V, LLC | Multi-tranche and lender credit facility | Tranche A | Commercial Paper rate
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Variable interest rate basis	Commercial Paper rate	Commercial Paper rate
Interest rate (as a percent)	3.26%	3.29%
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	3.00%	3.00%
VIE | JGW V, LLC | Multi-tranche and lender credit facility | Tranche B | LIBOR
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Variable interest rate basis	LIBOR	LIBOR
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.67%	5.67%
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	5.50%	5.50%
VIE | JGW VII, LLC | Credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000	300,000,000
Variable interest rate payable monthly (as a percent)	2.75%	2.75%
Monthly unused fee (as a percent)	0.50%	0.50%
Interest rate (as a percent)	2.92%	2.95%
VIE | JGW VII, LLC | Multi-tranche and lender credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Maximum borrowing capacity	300,000,000	300,000,000
VIE | Peach One | Credit facility
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Maximum borrowing capacity	$35,000,000	$35,000,000
Monthly unused fee (as a percent)	0.50%	0.50%
Variable interest rate basis	prime rate	prime rate
Class A Rate | VIE | Peach One | Credit facility | Prime Rate
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Interest rate floor (as a percent)	4.50%	4.50%
Interest rate (as a percent)	4.50%	4.50%
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
Class B Rate | VIE | Peach One | Credit facility | Prime Rate
VIE Borrowings Under Revolving Credit Facilities and Other Similar Borrowings
Interest rate floor (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.50%	5.50%

VIE_LongTerm_Debt_Details

VIE Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	31-May-14	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	1-May-14	Nov. 30, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
VIE long-term debt	$181,558,000	$150,802,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs	2,438,000	33,518,000	6,297,000
Debt issuance	8,683,000	8,930,000	9,124,000
VIE long-term debt
Estimated principal payments on borrowings
2015	6,692,000
2016	6,777,000
2017	6,749,000
2018	6,676,000
2019	7,093,000
Thereafter	147,809,000
Total	181,796,000
Long-term debt which does not have specified due principal payments	8,900,000
Interest expense related to borrowings	14,900,000	14,700,000	15,400,000
PLMT Permanent Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
VIE long-term debt	44,277,000	47,267,000
Residual Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
VIE long-term debt	107,043,000	68,785,000
Payments of Debt Issuance Costs				3,100,000
Debt issuance				700,000
Deferred finance costs				2,400,000
Long-Term Presettlement Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
VIE long-term debt	8,884,000	12,435,000
2012-A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
VIE long-term debt	1,357,000	2,276,000
LCSS Facility (2010-C)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
VIE long-term debt	12,838,000	12,880,000
LCSS Facility (2010-D)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
VIE long-term debt	7,159,000	7,159,000
VIE | LCSS II | LCSS, LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership percentage					100.00%
VIE | LCSS III | LCSS II
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ownership percentage					100.00%
VIE | LCSS, LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Payment to purchase membership interest					200,000
VIE | PLMT Permanent Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	75,000,000
Variable interest rate basis	one-month LIBOR
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	1.25%
VIE | Residual Term Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	110,000,000								70,000,000
Interest rate until September 15, 2014 (as a percent)	8.00%
Interest rate after September 15, 2014 (as a percent)	9.00%
Interest rate (as a percent)	7.00%
VIE | Term debt maturing on September 15, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt						56,000,000
VIE | Term debt maturing on September 15, 2018 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual principal payments required						5,500,000
VIE | Term debt maturing on September 15, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt							14,000,000
VIE | Term debt maturing on September 15, 2019 | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Annual principal payments required							2,000,000
VIE | Long-Term Presettlement Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt	45,100,000
Interest rate (as a percent)	9.25%
Number of fixed rate notes issued			3
VIE | 2012-A Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate (as a percent)	9.25%
Proceeds from notes								2,500,000
VIE | LCSS Facility (2010-C)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt										12,900,000
Interest rate (as a percent)										10.00%
VIE | LCSS Facility (2010-D) | LCSS III
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Face amount of debt										$7,200,000
Interest rate (as a percent)										10.00%

VIE_Longterm_Debt_Issued_by_Se2

VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended						1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 25, 2014	Jul. 23, 2014	Feb. 18, 2014	Oct. 18, 2013	Jul. 30, 2013	Mar. 20, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Mar. 18, 2014	Mar. 17, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair Value	$4,031,864,000	$3,431,283,000
Gain on debt extinguishment	270,000	14,217,000	0
VIE
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of asset securitization transactions completed	3	3
VIE | 2014-3
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bond proceeds				207,400,000
Receivables securitized				2,169,000
Deal discount rate (as a percent)				3.86%
Retained interest %				5.50%
VIE | 2014-3 | Aaa
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)				84.75%
VIE | 2014-3 | Baa2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)				9.75%
VIE | 2014-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bond proceeds					227,400,000
Receivables securitized					3,744,000
Deal discount rate (as a percent)					3.95%
Retained interest %					5.50%
VIE | 2014-2 | Aaa
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)					84.00%
VIE | 2014-2 | Baa2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)					10.50%
VIE | 2014-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bond proceeds						233,900,000
Receivables securitized						4,128,000
Deal discount rate (as a percent)						4.24%
Retained interest %						6.00%
VIE | 2014-1 | Aaa
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)						85.25%
VIE | 2014-1 | Baa2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)						8.75%
VIE | 2013-3
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bond proceeds							212,600,000
Receivables securitized							3,790,000
Deal discount rate (as a percent)							4.37%
Retained interest %							6.75%
VIE | 2013-3 | Aaa
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)							85.25%
VIE | 2013-3 | Baa2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)							8.00%
VIE | 2013-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bond proceeds								174,600,000
Receivables securitized								3,410,000
Deal discount rate (as a percent)								4.49%
Retained interest %								6.75%
VIE | 2013-2 | Aaa
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)								85.25%
VIE | 2013-2 | Baa2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)								8.00%
VIE | 2013-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bond proceeds									216,500,000
Receivables securitized									2,425,000
Deal discount rate (as a percent)									3.65%
Retained interest %									6.75%
VIE | 2013-1 | Aaa
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)									85.25%
VIE | 2013-1 | Baa2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Class allocation (as a percent)									8.00%
VIE | 2002-A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long term debt										6,100,000
Gain on debt extinguishment										300,000
VIE | Securitization trusts
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	3,462,225,000	3,063,520,000
Fair Value	3,774,902,000	3,177,409,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2002-A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	0	8,197,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.74%	4.74%
Fair Value	0	8,657,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2003-A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	18,144,000	21,830,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.86%	4.86%
Fair Value	19,642,000	23,846,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2004-A A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	32,628,000	40,734,000
Fair Value	33,783,000	40,744,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2004-A A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	0.35%	0.35%
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2004-A A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	19,286,000	20,010,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.54%	5.54%
Fair Value	21,023,000	21,339,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2005-1 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	58,735,000	73,269,000
Fair Value	60,895,000	71,972,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2005-1 A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	0.23%	0.23%
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2005-1 A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	36,794,000	37,858,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.58%	5.58%
Fair Value	39,374,000	38,136,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables I, LLC | 2005-1 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	2,242,000	2,307,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.24%	5.24%
Fair Value	2,343,000	2,275,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-1 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	15,571,000	20,976,000
Fair Value	16,376,000	20,997,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-1 A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	0.20%	0.20%
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-1 A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	18,074,000	18,635,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.56%	5.56%
Fair Value	19,847,000	19,335,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-2 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	18,859,000	23,621,000
Fair Value	20,009,000	23,189,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-2 A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	0.20%	0.20%
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-2 A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	20,395,000	20,930,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.93%	5.93%
Fair Value	22,484,000	21,481,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-3 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	21,361,000	25,902,000
Fair Value	22,604,000	25,617,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-3 A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	0.20%	0.20%
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-3 A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	26,343,000	26,543,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.60%	5.60%
Fair Value	28,861,000	26,766,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-4 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	19,719,000	23,842,000
Fair Value	20,608,000	23,491,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-4 A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	0.20%	0.20%
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2006-4 A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	21,133,000	21,424,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.43%	5.43%
Fair Value	22,907,000	20,997,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2007-1 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	32,994,000	38,248,000
Fair Value	33,431,000	35,818,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2007-1 A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	0.20%	0.20%
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2007-1 A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	17,220,000	17,598,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.59%	5.59%
Fair Value	17,681,000	16,843,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2007-2 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	37,592,000	41,544,000
Fair Value	36,730,000	35,473,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2007-2 A-1 | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	0.21%	0.21%
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2007-2 A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	17,041,000	17,289,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.21%	6.21%
Fair Value	16,806,000	16,520,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables II, LLC | 2007-3 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	59,378,000	64,936,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.15%	6.15%
Fair Value	70,026,000	69,777,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC | 2008-1 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	56,186,000	63,988,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.19%	6.19%
Fair Value	66,265,000	75,044,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC | 2008-1 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	3,235,000	3,235,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	8.37%	8.37%
Fair Value	4,790,000	4,268,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC | 2008-1 C
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	3,235,000	3,235,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	9.36%	9.36%
Fair Value	4,971,000	4,163,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables III, LLC | 2008-1 D
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	3,529,000	3,529,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	10.81%	10.81%
Fair Value	5,828,000	4,860,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables IV, LLC | 2008-2 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	70,210,000	76,855,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.27%	6.27%
Fair Value	84,357,000	88,573,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables IV, LLC | 2008-2 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	6,194,000	6,194,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	8.63%	8.63%
Fair Value	9,296,000	7,491,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC | 2008-3 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	49,385,000	53,694,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	8.00%	8.00%
Fair Value	66,074,000	68,155,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC | 2008-3 A-2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	6,104,000	6,637,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	8.00%	8.00%
Fair Value	8,045,000	8,154,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables V, LLC | 2008-3 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	4,695,000	4,695,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	10.00%	10.00%
Fair Value	6,642,000	5,342,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables VI, LLC | 2010-1 A-1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	138,254,000	152,587,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.56%	5.56%
Fair Value	159,918,000	173,907,000
VIE | 321 Henderson Receivables VI, LLC | 2010-1 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	24,661,000	26,470,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	9.31%	9.31%
Fair Value	32,595,000	33,559,000
VIE | JG Wentworth XXI, LLC | 2010-2 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	59,582,000	66,831,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.07%	4.07%
Fair Value	64,313,000	71,443,000
VIE | JG Wentworth XXI, LLC | 2010-2 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	8,506,000	8,914,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	7.45%	7.45%
Fair Value	10,368,000	10,590,000
VIE | JG Wentworth XXII, LLC | 2010-3 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	115,400,000	131,690,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	3.82%	3.82%
Fair Value	123,222,000	139,382,000
VIE | JG Wentworth XXII, LLC | 2010-3 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	16,770,000	17,009,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.85%	6.85%
Fair Value	19,893,000	19,457,000
VIE | JG Wentworth XXIII, LLC | 2011-1 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	176,119,000	193,099,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.89%	4.89%
Fair Value	196,934,000	203,018,000
VIE | JG Wentworth XXIII, LLC | 2011-1 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	21,212,000	21,212,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	7.68%	7.68%
Fair Value	26,981,000	24,424,000
VIE | JGWPT XXIV, LLC | 2011-2 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	147,406,000	157,977,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.13%	5.13%
Fair Value	167,703,000	165,749,000
VIE | JGWPT XXIV, LLC | 2011-2 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	15,580,000	15,580,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	8.54%	8.54%
Fair Value	21,286,000	18,882,000
VIE | JGWPT XXV, LLC | 2012-1 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	182,576,000	195,431,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.21%	4.21%
Fair Value	197,497,000	195,181,000
VIE | JGWPT XXV, LLC | 2012-1 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	20,564,000	20,564,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	7.14%	7.14%
Fair Value	26,088,000	23,012,000
VIE | JGWPT XXVI, LLC | 2012-2 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	128,310,000	136,962,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	3.84%	3.84%
Fair Value	134,860,000	132,465,000
VIE | JGWPT XXVI, LLC | 2012-2 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	13,985,000	13,985,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.77%	6.77%
Fair Value	17,391,000	15,172,000
VIE | JGWPT XXVII, LLC | 2012-3 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	164,533,000	176,599,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	3.22%	3.22%
Fair Value	166,033,000	164,682,000
VIE | JGWPT XXVII, LLC | 2012-3 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	17,181,000	17,181,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.17%	6.17%
Fair Value	20,500,000	17,910,000
VIE | JGWPT XXVIII, LLC | 2013-1 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	180,695,000	192,104,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	3.22%	3.22%
Fair Value	181,767,000	177,316,000
VIE | JGWPT XXVIII, LLC | 2013-1 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	18,589,000	18,589,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.94%	4.94%
Fair Value	20,280,000	17,379,000
VIE | JGWPT XXIX, LLC | 2013-2 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	150,541,000	156,815,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.21%	4.21%
Fair Value	162,561,000	154,903,000
VIE | JGWPT XXIX, LLC | 2013-2 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	14,985,000	14,985,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.68%	5.68%
Fair Value	17,277,000	14,756,000
VIE | JGWPT XXX, LLC | 2013-3 A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	183,987,000	193,197,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.08%	4.08%
Fair Value	196,867,000	190,531,000
VIE | JGWPT XXX, LLC | 2013-3 B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	18,248,000	18,248,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.54%	5.54%
Fair Value	20,832,000	17,900,000
VIE | JGWPT XXXI, LLC | Securitization Transaction 2014-1 A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	208,739,000	0
Stated Rate (as a percent)	3.96%
Fair Value	221,453,000	0
VIE | JGWPT XXXI, LLC | Securitization Transaction 2014-1B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	21,776,000	0
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.94%
Fair Value	23,679,000	0
VIE | JGWPT XXXII, LLC | Securitization Transaction 2014-2A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	201,649,000	0
Stated Rate (as a percent)	3.61%
Fair Value	207,410,000	0
VIE | JGWPT XXXII, LLC | Securitization Transaction 2014-2B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	25,284,000	0
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.48%
Fair Value	26,221,000	0
VIE | JGWPT XXXIII, LLC | Securitization Transaction 2014-3A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	185,884,000	0
Stated Rate (as a percent)	3.50%
Fair Value	187,783,000	0
VIE | JGWPT XXXIII, LLC | Securitization Transaction 2014-3B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	21,408,000	0
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.40%
Fair Value	21,684,000	0
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance No. 1, LLC | 2004-A A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	0	2,895,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.06%	4.06%
Fair Value	0	2,952,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance No. 1, LLC | 2004-A B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	7,196,000	7,832,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	7.50%	7.50%
Fair Value	7,846,000	8,909,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance No. 2, LLC | 2005-A A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	13,108,000	18,142,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.05%	5.05%
Fair Value	14,031,000	19,617,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance No. 2, LLC | 2005-A B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	9,141,000	10,030,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.95%	6.95%
Fair Value	10,764,000	11,940,000
VIE | Peachtree Finance Company No. 2, LLC | 2005-B A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	15,979,000	21,676,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	4.71%	4.71%
Fair Value	16,912,000	23,212,000
VIE | Peachtree Finance Company No. 2, LLC | 2005-B B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	5,471,000	5,933,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.21%	6.21%
Fair Value	6,161,000	6,706,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance No. 3, LLC | 2006-A A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	30,496,000	36,858,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.55%	5.55%
Fair Value	34,037,000	41,489,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance No. 3, LLC | 2006-A B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	9,294,000	10,224,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.82%	6.82%
Fair Value	11,118,000	11,826,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance 2006-B, LLC | 2006-B A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	41,959,000	46,486,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.19%	5.19%
Fair Value	47,413,000	52,276,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance 2006-B, LLC | 2006-B B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	7,922,000	8,425,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	6.30%	6.30%
Fair Value	9,245,000	8,899,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance 2010-A, LLC | 2010-A A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	65,773,000	75,258,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	5.22%	5.22%
Fair Value	74,239,000	84,777,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance 2010-A, LLC | 2010-A B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	11,567,000	12,355,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	7.61%	7.61%
Fair Value	14,714,000	14,251,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance 2010-B, LLC | 2010-B A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	51,681,000	59,622,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	3.73%	3.73%
Fair Value	54,968,000	62,977,000
VIE | Structured Receivables Finance 2010-B, LLC | 2010-B B
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	13,932,000	14,000,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	7.97%	7.97%
Fair Value	18,360,000	16,637,000
VIE | Permanent financing VIEs
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	253,955,000	256,914,000
Fair Value	256,962,000	253,879,000
VIE | JGW-S LC II | 2011-A
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	56,114,000	39,598,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	12.63%	12.70%
Fair Value	56,114,000	39,598,000
Maximum borrowing capacity												100,000,000	50,000,000
VIE | PSS
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	168,018,000	184,304,000
Fair Value	161,004,000	172,184,000
VIE | PSS | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate basis	Libor	Libor
Margin added to variable interest rate basis (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
VIE | Crescit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Principal	29,823,000	33,012,000
Stated Rate (as a percent)	8.10%	8.10%
Fair Value	39,844,000	42,097,000
VIE | SRF6
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayment of long term debt											64,000,000
Gain on debt extinguishment											22,100,000
Prepayment fees											3,400,000
Hedge breakage costs											$4,500,000

VIE_Longterm_Debt_Issued_by_Se3

VIE Long-term Debt Issued by Securitization and Permanent Financing trusts, at Fair Market Value (Details 2) (VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
VIE long-term debt issued by securitizations and permanent financing trusts
Estimated maturities of borrowings
2015	$301,975,000
2016	290,784,000
2017	278,548,000
2018	257,567,000
2019	248,368,000
Thereafter	2,338,938,000
Outstanding Principal	3,716,180,000
Interest expense related to borrowings	$136,600,000	$120,400,000	$119,200,000

Term_Loan_Payable_Details

Term Loan Payable (Details) (USD $)

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Feb. 08, 2013

31-May-13

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 06, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

31-May-13

Jul. 12, 2011

Nov. 14, 2013

Nov. 13, 2013

Dec. 31, 2011

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Term loan payable

$437,183,000

$434,184,000

Member's capital free of limitations on payment of dividends

79,900,000

78,200,000

Stockholders Equity and Members Capital

253,635,000

173,382,000

442,818,000

167,321,000

45,339,000

342,983,000

Cash distribution

309,600,000

150,000,000

Term Loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Interest expense

0

1,400,000

14,500,000

New term loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Face amount of debt

425,000,000

Interest rate (as a percent)

7.00%

Interest expense

40,400,000

46,600,000

Amendment, legal and other fees

13,100,000

15,000,000

Term loan payable

449,500,000

449,500,000

Principal payment at closing

123,000,000

123,000,000

New term loan | Eurodollar

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Variable rate basis

Libor

Interest rate floor (as a percent)

1.50%

1.00%

1.00%

Margin on variable rate (as a percent)

7.50%

6.00%

New term loan | Base rate

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Variable rate basis

prime

Interest rate floor (as a percent)

2.50%

2.00%

2.00%

Margin on variable rate (as a percent)

6.50%

5.00%

Credit Facility

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum borrowing capacity

20,000,000

Amendment, legal and other fees

2,900,000

Unused fee (as a percent)

0.50%

Outstanding borrowings

0

Letters of credit

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Maximum borrowing capacity

10,000,000

Additional term loan issued May 2013

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Face amount of debt

150,000,000

150,000,000

The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Cash distribution

309,600,000

150,000,000

Number of common interest shares issued for preferred interest

1

1

OAC Merger | Term Loan

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Face amount of debt

176,500,000

OAC Merger | Term Loan | Eurodollar

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Variable rate basis

Eurodollar base rate

Interest rate (as a percent)

8.75%

OAC Merger | PGHI Corp

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Cash distribution

$16,300,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Derivative financial instruments
Gain (loss) on swap terminations, net	($628,000)	$200,000	($2,326,000)
Unrealized gain	-5,619,000	51,157,000	8,952,000
Notional	467,309,000	549,622,000
Fair Market Value	-75,706,000	-70,296,000
Interest Rate Swaps | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Terminated notional value	46,500,000	112,900,000	179,700,000
Gain (loss) on swap terminations, net	-600,000	200,000	-2,300,000
Unrealized gain	0	0	0
Interest Rate Swaps | Long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Unrealized gain	2,400,000	24,500,000	7,800,000
Number of outstanding derivatives	8
Notional	237,500,000
Interest Rate Swaps | Long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts | Hedge accounting has not been applied | Minimum
Derivative financial instruments
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	4.50%
Term of contract	8 years
Interest Rate Swaps | Long-term debt issued by securitization and permanent financing trusts | Hedge accounting has not been applied | Maximum
Derivative financial instruments
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	5.77%
Term of contract	21 years
Interest Rate Swaps | Borrowings under PSS and PLMT | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Unrealized gain	-8,100,000	26,600,000	1,100,000
Number of outstanding derivatives	154
Notional	229,900,000
Interest Rate Swaps | Borrowings under PSS and PLMT | Hedge accounting has not been applied | Minimum
Derivative financial instruments
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	4.70%
Term of contract	1 month
Interest Rate Swaps | Borrowings under PSS and PLMT | Hedge accounting has not been applied | Maximum
Derivative financial instruments
Fixed interest rate (as a percent)	8.70%
Term of contract	20 years
321 Henderson I | Interest Rate Swaps | 2004-A A-1 | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	32,628,000	40,734,000
Fair Market Value	-3,019,000	-3,745,000
321 Henderson I | Interest Rate Swaps | 2005-1 A-1 | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	58,735,000	73,269,000
Fair Market Value	-7,435,000	-8,559,000
321 Henderson II | Interest Rate Swaps | 2006-1 A-1 | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	15,571,000	20,976,000
Fair Market Value	-1,509,000	-2,137,000
322 Henderson II | Interest Rate Swaps | 2006-2 A-1 | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	18,859,000	23,620,000
Fair Market Value	-2,718,000	-3,202,000
323 Henderson II | Interest Rate Swaps | 2006-3 A-1 | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	21,361,000	25,902,000
Fair Market Value	-2,475,000	-3,023,000
324 Henderson II | Interest Rate Swaps | 2006-4 A-1 | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	19,719,000	23,842,000
Fair Market Value	-2,056,000	-2,643,000
325 Henderson II | Interest Rate Swaps | 2007-1 A-2 | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	32,994,000	39,364,000
Fair Market Value	-5,624,000	-5,159,000
326 Henderson II | Interest Rate Swaps | 2007-2 A-3 | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	37,592,000	41,544,000
Fair Market Value	-8,966,000	-8,015,000
JGW V, LLC | Interest Rate Swaps | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	0	10,985,000
Fair Market Value	0	16,000
PSS | Interest Rate Swaps | Hedge accounting has not been applied | VIE
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	176,943,000	192,444,000
Fair Market Value	-31,807,000	-25,120,000
PLMT | Interest Rate Swaps | Hedge accounting has not been applied
Derivative financial instruments
Notional	52,907,000	56,942,000
Fair Market Value	($10,097,000)	($8,709,000)

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$107,000	$177,000	$1,000
State	10,000	35,000	0
Total	117,000	212,000	1,000
Deferred:
Federal	15,313,000	1,990,000	-195,000
State	5,710,000	344,000	-33,000
Deferred income taxes	21,023,000	2,334,000	-228,000
Income tax provision (benefit)	21,140,000	2,546,000	-227,000
Reconciliation of difference between effective income tax rate and the United States statutory rate
Federal	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Income passed through to Non-Corporate members	-18.90%	-35.10%	-35.20%
Permanent items	0.70%	0.20%	0.00%
State income tax	3.40%	-0.10%	0.00%
Valuation allowance	-2.00%	3.90%	0.00%
Other	-0.30%	0.00%	0.00%
Effective income tax rate	17.90%	3.90%	-0.20%
Deferred tax assets:
Swap liability	974,000	840,000
Net operating loss carryforwards	46,856,000	5,523,000
Total deferred tax assets	47,830,000	6,363,000
Valuation allowance	-216,000	-2,553,000
Total deferred tax assets, net	47,614,000	3,810,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Basis difference in partnership	78,842,000	2,538,000
Lottery winnings	1,940,000	164,000
Lottery fair market value adjustments	1,140,000	973,000
Other	178,000	13,000
Total deferred tax liabilities	82,100,000	3,688,000
Deferred tax assets, net	-34,486,000	122,000
Valuation allowance	-216,000	-2,553,000
Gross unrecognized tax benefits	0	0
Deferred Tax Asset, Operating Loss Carryforward [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities:
Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount	$2,600,000

Income_Taxes_Details_2

Income Taxes (Details 2) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Federal
Income Taxes
Net operating loss carryforwards	$110.80
State
Income Taxes
Net operating loss carryforwards	$110.80

Installment_Obligations_Payabl2

Installment Obligations Payable (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Installment Obligations Payable
Maximum penalty as percentage of unscheduled installment amount	20.00%
Estimated maturities for the next five years and thereafter
2015	$14,515
2016	16,752
2017	14,003
2018	11,591
2019	8,759
Thereafter	37,799
Total	$103,419	$121,954

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	2-May-14
Stockholders' Equity
Stock repurchased, value	$4,466,000
Treasury stock, shares	600,755	600,755	3,929
Tranche C-1 profit interests | PGHI Corp
Stockholders' Equity
Exercise price of warrants issued (in dollars per share)	$35.78	35.78
Tranche C-1 profit interests | PGHI Corp | Maximum
Stockholders' Equity
Number of shares entitled by warrants (in shares)	483,217	483,217
Tranche C-2 profits interests | PGHI Corp
Stockholders' Equity
Exercise price of warrants issued (in dollars per share)	$63.01	63.01
Tranche C-2 profits interests | PGHI Corp | Maximum
Stockholders' Equity
Number of shares entitled by warrants (in shares)	483,217	483,217
Preferred Stock
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, authorized shares	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	0.00001	0.01
Common stock, shares issued	15,021,147	15,021,147	11,220,358
Common stock, shares outstanding	14,420,392	14,420,392	11,216,429
Stock repurchase program, amount authorized				15,000,000
Stock repurchased, shares	458,705
Stock repurchased, value	$4,500,000
Share repurchase price	$9.74
Number of votes per share of common stock held	1	1
Conversion ratio of common stock	1
Shares converted during period	3,123,517
Class B Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	0.00001	0.01
Common stock, shares issued	9,963,750	9,963,750	14,001,583
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,963,750	9,963,750	13,984,065
Number of votes per share of common stock held	10	10
Class C Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock, authorized shares	500,000,000	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	0.00001	0.01
Common stock, shares issued	0	0	0
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0	0
Number of shares entitled by warrants (in shares)	4,360,623	4,360,623
Merger Sub
Stockholders' Equity
Shares converted	715,916
Merger Sub | Class A Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity
Treasury stock, shares	138,121	138,121
Shares converted during period	715,916
Merger Sub | Class A Common Stock | JLL Fund V AIF II, L.P
Stockholders' Equity
Stock repurchased, shares		47,440
JG Wentworth Company LLC [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Shares converted	3,123,517

Stockholders_Equity_Accumulate

Stockholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member], Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross realized gain (loss)	$2,098	($1,862)

Noncontrolling_Interests_Detai

Non-controlling Interests (Details) (USD $)	2 Months Ended	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 13, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.	$284,000	$1,168,000	$2,384,000	$2,393,000
Common interests repurchased related to Class A common stock repurchased.			-4,466,000
Non-controlling Interests
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.			-23,418,000
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.	176,000		1,324,000
Common interests repurchased related to Class A common stock repurchased.			-2,541,000
The J.G. Wentworth Company
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2013			29,561,117
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.			8,796
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.			0
Common interests exchanged as a result of the Blocker Merger.			-185,561
Common interests repurchased related to Class A common stock repurchased.			-458,705
Common interests forfeited.			-180,882
Balance as of December 31, 2014			28,744,765
The J.G. Wentworth Company | JGWPT Holding Inc.
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2013			11,216,429
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.			8,796
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.			3,123,517
Common interests exchanged as a result of the Blocker Merger.			530,355
Common interests repurchased related to Class A common stock repurchased.			-458,705
Common interests forfeited.			0
Balance as of December 31, 2014			14,420,392
The J.G. Wentworth Company | Non-controlling Interests
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2013			18,344,688
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.			0
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the exchange of units for shares of Class A common stock.			-3,123,517
Common interests exchanged as a result of the Blocker Merger.			-715,916
Common interests repurchased related to Class A common stock repurchased.			0
Common interests forfeited.			-180,882
Balance as of December 31, 2014			$14,324,373
Class C Common Stock
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward]
Number of shares entitled by warrants (in shares)			4,360,623

Risks_and_Uncertainties_Detail

Risks and Uncertainties (Details) (Credit risk)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Finance receivables
Risks and uncertainties
Number of insurance companies and related subsidiaries, rated A or better	3	3
Percentage of risks	34.00%	33.00%
Structured settlement business
Risks and uncertainties
Percentage of risks	94.00%	88.00%	89.00%

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (Counterparty under agreement to purchase LCSS assets, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Arrangement
Commitments and contingencies
Percentage of target IRR above original target IRR paid by counterparty	3.50%
Borrowing Agreement
Commitments and contingencies
Amount owed by counterparty	$9.70	$9.10
Annual rate of interest for counterparty borrowing (as a percent)	5.35%

Sharebased_Compensation_Detail

Share-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 14, 2013
Shares
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	264,047
Granted (in shares)	1,265,500
Exercised (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	-152,615
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,376,932	264,047	264,047
Outstanding and expected to vest (in shares)	1,321,056
Vested at the end of the period	43,771
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$14
Granted (in dollars per share)	$10.90
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$11.32
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$11.44	$14	$14
Outstanding and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	$11.45
Vested (in dollars per share)	$14
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at the beginning of the period	9 years 5 months 10 days	9 years 10 months 12 days
Outstanding at the end of the period	9 years 5 months 10 days	9 years 10 months 12 days
Outstanding and expected to vest	9 years 5 months 10 days
Vested at the end of the period	8 years 10 months 16 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at the end of the period	$0.10	$0.90	$0.90
Outstanding and expected to vest	$0.10
Restricted Common Interests
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,661,054
Granted (in shares)	0
Converted into shares of Class A common stock (in shares)	-397,058
Forfeited (in shares)	-180,882
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,083,114
Outstanding, vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	1,081,992
Vested at the end of the period	925,971
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$4.95
Granted (in dollars per share)	$0
Converted into shares of Class A common stock (in dollars per share)	$4.75
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$3.23
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$5.32
Outstanding, vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	$5.31
Vested at the end of the period	$4.55
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,083,114
Class B management interests
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				2,775,195
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				2,775,195
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				2,775,195
Conversion of Class B Management Interests Into Restricted Common Interests [Member]
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				1,018,296
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				1,018,296
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				1,018,296
Performance Shares
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	0
Granted (in shares)	184,000
Awards vested (in shares)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	-53,750
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	130,250
Outstanding, vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	125,835
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$0
Granted (in dollars per share)	$10.48
Vested (in dollars per share)	$0
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$10.20
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$10.60
Outstanding, vested and expected to vest at the end of the period	$10.60
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	130,250
Stock options
Assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model for options granted
Weighted average fair value of grant (in dollars per share)	$4.81	$6.55
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.91%	1.87%
Expected volatility (as a percent)	41.60%	45.00%
Expected life of options in years	6 years 6 months	6 years 6 months
Restricted stock
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	3,929
Granted (in shares)	8,796
Awards vested (in shares)			0
Forfeited (in shares)	-3,929
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	8,796	3,929	3,929
Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$14
Granted (in dollars per share)	$12.40
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$14
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$12.40	$14	$14
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	8,796	3,929	3,929
Tranche B1 [Member] | Class B management interests
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				835,240
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				835,240
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				835,240
Derived conversion factor				1.108223
Tranche B1 [Member] | Conversion of Class B Management Interests Into Restricted Common Interests [Member]
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				925,632
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				925,632
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				925,632
Tranche B 1a [Member] | Class B management interests
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				217,500
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				217,500
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				217,500
Derived conversion factor				0.426041
Tranche B 1a [Member] | Conversion of Class B Management Interests Into Restricted Common Interests [Member]
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				92,664
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				92,664
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				92,664
Tranche B2 [Member] | Class B management interests
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				653,500
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				653,500
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				653,500
Tranche B3 [Member] | Class B management interests
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				573,955
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				573,955
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				573,955
Tranche B4 [Member] | Class B management interests
Awards granted, exercised, forfeited, and outstanding
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)				495,000
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				495,000
Additional disclosure
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)				495,000

Sharebased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-based Compensation - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Nov. 14, 2013
Share-based compensation
Vested at the end of the period	43,771
Vested options grant date fair value	$300,000
The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC
Share-based compensation
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.	8,796
Stock options
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense	800,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	6,200,000
Weighted average period for recognizing unrecognized compensation expense	4 years 4 months 11 days
Performance Shares
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense	300,000
Weighted average period for recognizing unrecognized compensation expense	2 years 0 months 1 day
Aggregate grant date fair value	1,900,000
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,100,000
Awards vested (in shares)	0
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	0
Aggregate grant-date fair value	$10.48
Restricted stock
Share-based compensation
Award vesting period	1 year
Share-based compensation expense			100,000
Weighted average period for recognizing unrecognized compensation expense	3 months 11 days
Unrecognized compensation cost	100,000
Awards vested (in shares)		0
Aggregate weighted average grant-date fair value	100,000		100,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	100,000
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	3,929
Aggregate grant-date fair value	$12.40
Class B management interests
Share-based compensation
Period over which forfeiture restrictions lapsed	5 years
Aggregate weighted average grant-date fair value			1,500,000	2,600,000
Percentage of installments for lapsed of forfeiture restrictions (as a percent)	20.00%
Aggregate weighted average grant-date fair value for which forfeiture restrictions lapsed			500,000	400,000
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)					2,775,195
Class B management interests | The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense	400,000
Class A Management Interests
Share-based compensation
Aggregate weighted average grant-date fair value for which forfeiture restrictions lapsed			900,000	1,000,000
Awards issued (in shares)			0	0
Restricted Common Interest converted into newly issued restricted common interests
Share-based compensation
Awards issued (in shares)					660,276
Derived conversion factor					72
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)					660,276
Restricted Common Interests
Share-based compensation
Period over which forfeiture restrictions lapsed	5 years
Share-based compensation expense	1,200,000		1,300,000	1,800,000
Weighted average period for recognizing unrecognized compensation expense	3 years 1 month 11 days
Unrecognized compensation cost	1,300,000
Percentage of installments for lapsed of forfeiture restrictions (as a percent)	20.00%
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	1,661,054
Aggregate grant-date fair value	$0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Fair Value	1,500,000
Common interests acquired by The J.G. Wentworth Company as a result of the issuance of restricted common stock.	1,900,000
Class A Common Stock
Share-based compensation
Shares available for grant	1,400,000	2,600,000	2,600,000
Class A Common Stock | Stock options
Share-based compensation
Period over which forfeiture restrictions lapsed	10 years
Award vesting period	5 years
Maximum | Stock options
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense			100,000
Maximum | Performance Shares
Share-based compensation
Performance unit, conversion ratio	1.5
Maximum | Restricted stock
Share-based compensation
Share-based compensation expense	$100,000
Minimum | Performance Shares
Share-based compensation
Performance unit, conversion ratio	0

Employee_Benefit_Plan_Details

Employee Benefit Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum age of employees under the Plan	21 years
Minimum period of employment under the Plan	3 months
Matching contributions by the Company (as a percent)	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Compensation contribution on matching contributions by the Company (as a percent)	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Employee benefit plan expense	$520	$505	$525

Restructure_Expense_Details

Restructure Expense (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructure Expense
Restructure expense	$3.60	$3.60
Compensation and benefits
Restructure Expense
Restructure expense		2.9
General and administrative expense
Restructure Expense
Restructure expense		$0.70

Earnings_per_share_Details

Earnings per share (Details) (USD $)	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	14 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 14, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 13, 2013
Class A Common Stock
Basic loss per share computation:
Net loss attributable to holders of JGWPT Holdings Inc.	($5,577)	$31,211
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted	($5,577)	$31,211
Weighted average shares	10,395,574	12,986,058
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Restricted Common Stock and Performace Based Restricted Stock Units		2,723
Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment		2,723
Dilutive weighted average shares	10,395,574	12,988,781
Diluted loss per share computation:
Basic loss per share of JGWPT Holdings Inc. (in dollars per share)	($0.54)	$2.40
Diluted loss per share (in dollars per share)	($0.54)	$2.40
Conversion ratio of common stock		1
Class A Common Stock | The J.G. Wentworth Company, LLC
Diluted loss per share computation:
Conversion ratio of common stock			1
Class C Profits Interests | Class A Common Stock | PGHI Corp
Diluted loss per share computation:
Number of shares entitled by warrants (in shares)					966,434
Stock options | Class A Common Stock
Diluted loss per share computation:
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		796,413		264,047
Restricted Common Interests | Class A Common Stock
Diluted loss per share computation:
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount		86,904
Common Interest and Vested Restricted Common Interest
Diluted loss per share computation:
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	870,206	15,790,111
Unvested Restricted Common Interest
Diluted loss per share computation:
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	807,993	568,606

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS_Details

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) (Subsequent Event, WestStar Mortgage, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 06, 2015
Subsequent Event | WestStar Mortgage
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$54
Business Combination, Minimum Cash Consideration For Acquisition, Percent	75.00%