Note 14 - Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases

As a result of the merger with Gilman, commitments under leases for office space and equipment increased by approximately $3,571,000 at June 30, 2014, related to 27 offices operated by Gilman. Such leases expire between August 2015 and June 2018.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters

The Company and its subsidiaries are defendants in arbitrations and administrative proceedings, lawsuits and claims, which are routine and incidental to our business, alleging specified damages of approximately $14,760,000. These matters arise in the normal course of business. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in these actions, and based on discussions with counsel believes that the eventual outcome of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company. However, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time. Losses related to such matters that are probable and reasonably estimable have been accrued at June 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, in the amounts of $527,000 and $250,000 (inclusive of legal fees incurred to date and estimated claims), respectively, and have been included in "Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities" in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition.