Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss	$ (4,713,000)	$ (6,635,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	1,254,000	1,348,000
Amortization of advances to registered representatives	392,000	1,289,000
Amortization of deferred financing costs		28,000
Amortization of note discount	395,000	394,000
Fair value of options	265,000	532,000
Warrant issuance and repricing for forbearance of notes payable		209,000
Net realized and unrealized gain on securities	(84,000)	(178,000)
Non-controlling interest	(41,000)	(10,000)
Increase in fair value of derivative liabilities	1,603,000	376,000
Fair value of shares issued to satisfy claims		65,000
Changes in assets and liabilities
Deposits with clearing organizations	2,000	53,000
Provision for bad debt	(14,000)
Receivables from broker-dealers, clearing organizations and others	1,420,000	1,070,000
Securities owned: marketable, at market value	310,000	129,000
Securities owned: non-marketable, at fair value	33,000	3,000
Other assets	45,000	108,000
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(690,000)	(3,068,000)
Accrued interest payable		8,000
Securities sold, but not yet purchased, at market	(19,000)	17,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	158,000	(4,262,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Redemption of note receivable	500,000
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture	(501,000)
Purchase of fixed assets	(480,000)	(691,000)
Net cash used in investing activities	(481,000)	(691,000)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of notes payable	(500,000)	(100,000)
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock	1,334,000	1,666,000
Net proceeds from subordinated borrowings		1,700,000
Repayment of subordinated borrowings	(650,000)
Net proceeds from issuance of common stock	1,585,000
Payment of financing costs	(169,000)	(216,000)
Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest	31,000
Proceeds from the sale of interest in subsidiary		800,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,631,000	3,850,000
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH	1,308,000	(1,103,000)
CASH BALANCE
Beginning of the year	5,390,000	6,493,000
End of the year	6,698,000	5,390,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest	721,000	776,000
Income taxes
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Conversion of subordinated debt in shares of preferred stock		1,708,000
Capital contributions payable to joint venture	550,000
Reclassification of liability contracts to equity	6,464,000
Embedded conversion features	530,000	3,955,000
Series A preferred stock dividends	$ 415,000	$ 386,000