Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$ (2,381,000)	$ (3,736,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	944,000	1,005,000
Amortization of forgivable loans to brokers	316,000	1,105,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs		22,000
Amortization of note discount	297,000	796,000
Fair value of options	257,000	409,000
Fair value of warrant issuance		152,000
Provision bad debt	(14,000)	(30,000)
Net realized and unrealized gain on securities	(71,000)	44,000
Non-controlling interest	(24,000)
Increase in fair value of derivative liabilities	1,603,000
Deposits with clearing organizations	2,000	52,000
Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and others	(18,000)	1,784,000
Other receivables	(173,000)	(156,000)
Advances to registered representatives	4,000	81,000
Securities owned: marketable, at market value	(977,000)	(207,000)
Securities owned: non-marketable, at fair value	4,000	(16,000)
Other assets	120,000	(63,000)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	529,000	(4,429,000)
Payable to broker dealers and clearing organizations	(12,000)	74,000
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at market		159,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	406,000	(2,954,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Redemption of note receivable	500,000
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	(501,000)
Purchase of fixed assets	(262,000)	(341,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(263,000)	(341,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from subordinated borrowings	(620,000)	1,700,000
Principal repayment of notes payable	(500,000)	(500,000)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,585,000
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	1,334,000
Payment of financing costs	(169,000)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,630,000	1,200,000
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH	1,773,000	(2,095,000)
CASH BALANCE
Beginning of the fiscal year	5,390,000	6,493,000
End of the period	7,163,000	4,398,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest	170,000	578,000
Income taxes
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Preferred stock dividends	310,000	391,000
Reclassification of liability contracts to equity	$6,464,000	$-
Embedded conversion features upon issuance	$ 530,000