Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues [Abstract] Revenues: Brokerage Commissions Revenue Commissions Principal Transactions Revenue Principal transactions Principal Transactions Revenue, Total Investment Banking Revenue Investment banking Other Income Other Other Revenues, Excluding Interest and Dividends Total revenues Total revenues Operating Expenses [Abstract] Operating expenses: Labor and Related Expense Compensation and benefits Labor and Related Expense, Total Share-Based Compensation Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation, Total Floor Brokerage, Exchange and Clearance Fees Brokerage and clearing fees Floor Brokerage, Exchange and Clearance Fees, Total Professional Fees Professional services Occupancy, Net Occupancy and equipment Communications and Information Technology Communication and technology Communications and Information Technology, Total Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction, Total Travel and Entertainment Expense Travel and entertainment Legal Services and Litigation Settlement Expense Legal services and litigation settlement expense The net proceeds or assets obtained in excess of (less than) the net carrying amount of assets recorded, or assets distributed and liabilities assumed less than (in excess of) estimated litigation liability extinguished, in settlement of a litigation matter. Represents (for other than an insurance entity in its normal claims settlement process), the amount of income (expense) recognized in the period to settle pending or threatened litigation and insurance claims and also fee charged for services from lawyers. Cost Of Underwriting Capital Cost of underwriting capital This element represents a sum total of expenses incurred directly related to underwriting deals, such as cost of borrowing to be able to underwrite offerings as required by FINRA rules. Other Expenses Other Other Operating Expenses Total operating expenses Total operating expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating loss Operating loss Other Nonoperating Income Other income Interest Income, Deposits With Financial Institutions Interest income Interest Expense Interest expense Interest expense Interest expense, net Interest expense, net Amortization Of Financing Costs Amortization of debt discount and debt issuance costs Amortization of debt discount Amortization of debt discount Gains (Losses) On Extinguishment Of Debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt Loss on early extinguishment of debt Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (expense) benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Income tax (expense) benefit Income tax benefit Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Attributable To Parent Loss from continuing operations Loss from continuing operations Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, Net Of Tax, Attributable To Parent Income from discontinued operations Income from discontinued operations Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Parent Net loss Net loss Net loss Dividends, Preferred Stock Dividends, Preferred Stock, Total Preferred stock cash dividend Net Income (Loss) Available To Common Stockholders, Basic Net loss attributable to common shareholders Net loss attributable to common shareholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic and diluted net loss per share: Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Basic and Diluted Share Loss from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Basic and Diluted Share Income from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted Net loss Net loss (in dollars per share) Net Income (Loss) Attributable To Common Shareholders, Basic and Diluted Net loss attributable to common shareholders (in dollars per share) The amount of net income or loss attributable to common shareholders for the period per each share of common stock basic and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the reporting period and each share of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding. Weighted Avergage Number Of Shares Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Weighted average number of common shares: Weighted Avergage Number Of Shares Basic And Diluted. Weighted Avergage Number Of Shares Basic and Diluted Basic and diluted (in shares) The average number of shares issued and outstanding that are used in calculating common stock basic and diluted EPS, determined based on the timing of issuance of shares in the period and each share of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding. Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class Of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class Of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Convertible Preferred Stock Series A [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Series B [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Series C [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Series D [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock Series E [Member] Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents, At Carrying Value, Including Discontinued Operations Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Securities Owned By Brokers and Dealers [Abstract] Securities owned: Securities Owned By Brokers and Dealers. Financial Instruments, Owned, Corporate Equities, At Fair Value Marketable, at fair value Broker Dealer, Securities Owned Not Readily Marketable, At Estimated Fair Value Non-marketable, at estimated fair value Broker Dealer, Securities Owned Not Readily Marketable, at Estimated Fair Value, Total Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted cash Due From Correspondent Brokers Due from clearing broker Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Total Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other assets Prepaid expenses and other assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Equipment and fixtures, net Assets Total assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Accounts Payable Accounts payable Commissions and Bonus Payable Commissions and bonus payable Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred for sales and trading commissions and incentive compensation awarded to employees and directors or earned by them based on the terms of one or more relevant arrangements. Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses and other Accrued Liabilities, Total Deferred Rent Credit Deferred rent Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Total Deferred Revenue, Beginning Balance Deferred Revenue, Ending Balance Capital Lease Obligations Capital lease obligation Notes Payable Notes payable Notes Payable, Related Parties Notes payable to related parties Notes payable to related parties Liabilities Total liabilities Total liabilities Stockholders Equity Attributable To Parent [Abstract] Shareholders' equity: Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Convertible preferred stock Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Total Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 300,000,000 shares authorized; 6,183,815 and 2,384,499 shares issued and 6,154,379 and 2,355,063 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued, Total Common Stock, Value, Issued, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Value, Issued, Ending Balance Common Stock Payable Common stock payable The amount of common stock payable as of the reporting balance sheet. Additional Paid-In Capital Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Total Additional Paid in Capital, Beginning Balance Additional Paid in Capital, Ending Balance Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock Treasury Stock, Value, Beginning Balance Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance Treasury stock Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated deficit Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Beginning Balance Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Ending Balance Stockholders Equity Attributable To Parent Total shareholders' equity Balance Balance Liabilities and Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Balance Sheet Parenthetical. Preferred Stock, Par Or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock , shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock , shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Value Preferred stock, liquidation preference The aggregate amount of liquidation preference (or restrictions) of convertible preferred stock that has a preference in involuntary liquidation considerably in excess of the par or stated value of the shares. The liquidation preference is the difference between the preference in liquidation and the par or stated values of the share. Common Stock, Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Beginning Balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Payable [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Shares, Outstanding Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Balance (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock (in shares) Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Warrant Issued In Connection With Preferred Stock Issuance of warrants in connection with Series E Convertible Preferred Stock Increase in additional paid in capital due to warrants issued during the period in connection with Series E Convertible Preferred Stock. Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion Of Convertible Securities, Net Of Adjustments Conversion of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities, Net of Adjustments, Total Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion Of Convertible Securities Conversion of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock to common (in shares) Common Stock Payable For Legal Settlement Value Common stock payable for legal settlement Equity impact of common stock payable during the period. Common Stock Payable For Legal Settlement Shares Common stock payable for legal settlement (in shares) Number of stock payable during the period. Stock Issued During Period Value Issued For Services Issuance of equity for legal settlement Value of stock issued in lieu of cash for services contributed to the entity. Stock Issued During Period Shares Issued For Services Issuance of equity for legal settlement (in shares) Number of shares issued in lieu of cash for services contributed to the entity. Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Exercise of common stock options Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Exercises In Period Exercise of common stock options (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures Issuance of restricted common stock, net of cancellations Issuance of restricted common stock, net of cancellations Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeited Issuance of restricted common stock, net of cancellations (in shares) Return Of Common Stock Issued In Connection With Debt Value Return of common stock issued in connection with debt Value of common stock returned during period in connection with debt. Return of common stock issued in connection with debt Return Of Common Stock Issued In Connection With Debt Shares Return of common stock issued in connection with debt (in shares) Number of common shares returned during period in connection with debt. Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Warrant Issued To Board Issuance of warrants to board member Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Warrant Issued In Connection With Issuance Of Debt Issuance of warrants in connection with issuance of debt Increase in additional paid in capital due to warrants issued during the period in connection with issuance of debt. Issuance Of Common Stock In Connection With Issuance Of Debt Value Issuance of common stock in connection with issuance of debt Value of stock issued during the period in connection with issuance of debt. Issuance Of Common Stock In Connection With Issuance Of Debt Shares Issuance of common stock in connection with issuance of debt (in shares) Number of shares issued during the period in connection with issuance of debt. Stock Issued During Period Value In Connection With Debt Conversion Issuance of common stock in connection with debt conversion Value of stock issued during period in connection with debt conversion. Stock Issued During Period Shares In Connection With Debt Conversion Issuance of common stock in connection with debt conversion (in shares) Number of shares issued during period in connection with debt conversion. Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Warrant Issued In Connection With Debt Conversion Issuance of warrants in connection with debt conversion Increase in additional paid in capital due to warrants issued during the period in connection with debt conversion. Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Share-Based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition, Total Stock Issued For Extinguishment Of Debt Issuance of equity for extinguishment of debt The value of stock issued for extinguishment of debt in noncash financing activities. Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract] Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income (Loss) To Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Other Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization Non Cash Legal Settlement Expense Noncash legal settlement and professional fees Legal settlement expenses and professional fees included in net income that result in no cash outflows or inflows in the period and are not separately disclosed. Gain (Loss) On Sale Of Other Assets (Gain) loss on disposal of equipment and fixtures (Gain) loss on disposal of equipment and fixtures Provision For Doubtful Accounts Provision for uncollectible accounts receivable Cash Less Exercise Of Options Cashless exercise Represents that accounts converting options into stock that requires no initial cash payment to cover the strike price. Cashless Exercise Securities Received For Services Securities received for services Value of equity securities received as compensation for services by the Company in investment banking transactions. Securities received for services Unrealized Gain (Loss) On Investments Unrealized loss (gain) on securities owned Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments, Total Unrealized (gain) loss on securities owned Increase (Decrease) In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) In Securities Owned Securities owned The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the total amount of investment securities owned. Securities owned Increase (Decrease) In Restricted Cash For Operating Activities Restricted cash Restricted cash Increase (Decrease) In Brokerage Receivables Due from clearing broker Due from clearing broker Increase (Decrease) In Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) In Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid, Deferred Expense and Other Assets, Total Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) In Accounts Payable Accounts payable Increase Decrease In Accrued Bonuses and Sales Commission Commissions and bonus payable The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of the carrying value of obligations incurred and payable for incentive compensation awarded to employees and directors or earned by them based on the terms of one or more relevant arrangements and sales commissions. Increase (Decrease) In Accrued Liabilities Accrued expenses and other Accrued expenses Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Payments To Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Purchase of equipment and fixtures, net Purchase of equipment and fixtures Purchase of equipment and fixtures Proceeds From Sale Of Furniture and Fixtures Proceeds from sale of equipment and fixtures Sale of equipment and fixtures Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Investing Activities Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds From Exercise Of Options and Warrants Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options and warrants. Proceeds From Issuance Of Debt Proceeds from debt issuance Repayments Of Debt Payment of debt Payment of debt Proceeds From Issuance Of Convertible Preferred Stock Issuance of preferred stock Payments Of Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Preferred stock dividend Payment of preferred stock dividend Debt Service Principal Payments Debt service principal payments The cash outflow during the period for payment of principal service debt. Debt service principal payments Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities Net cash (used in) financing activities Net cash provided by financing activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Decreases in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplementary disclosure of cash flow information: Interest Paid Interest and cost of underwriting capital Income Taxes Paid Income taxes Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Noncash investing and financing activities: Stocks and Warrants Issued In Connection With Legal Settlement Stocks and warrants issued in connection with legal settlement Stocks and warrants issued in connection with legal settlement in noncash investing or financing activities. Stocks Issued In Connection With Issuance Of Debt Stocks issued in connection with issuance of debt Stocks issued in connection with issuance of debt in noncash investing or financing activities. Cancellation Of Stock Issued In Connection With Subordinated Debt Cancellation of stock issued in connection with subordinated debt Cancellation of stock issued in connection with subordinated debt in noncash investing or financing activities. Organization, Consolidation and Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis Of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-Term Debt [Text Block] Long-term Debt [Text Block] Stockholders Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block]