Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 145,420	$ 9,642	$ (6,484)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and other amortization	1,847	2,007	1,920
Intangible asset amortization	4,018	4,922	7,071
Stock-based compensation	5,625	3,894	3,521
Amortization of deferred commissions	8,874	5,053	2,755
Payments of deferred commissions	(11,392)	(5,636)	(3,605)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends	223	(48)	295
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities	256	(1,131)	(1,699)
Sale (purchase) of trading securities, net	(4,425)	429	(758)
Deferred income taxes	(132,477)	218	40
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(5,953)	(1,736)	(1,313)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(945)	650	(342)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	13,047	4,045	(9,250)
Other liabilities	(468)	(165)	(3,801)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	23,650	22,144	(11,650)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(743)	(323)	(824)
Purchase of investment management contracts	(3,068)	(1,419)	(1,043)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities	(259)	(118)	(128)
Net cash used in investing activities	(4,070)	(1,860)	(1,995)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Preferred stock dividends paid	(10,186)	(3,404)	(2,860)
Repurchase of common shares	(7,870)	(924)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,345	146
Payment of deferred financing costs	(41)	(367)	(931)
Repayment of long-term debt			(20,000)
Proceeds from long-term debt			15,000
Contingent consideration for investment management contracts	(789)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of restricted stock units	(720)	(407)
Net cash used in financing activities	(18,261)	(4,956)	(8,791)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	1,319	15,328	(22,436)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	43,948	28,620	51,056
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	45,267	43,948	28,620
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	362	472	1,319
Income taxes paid, net	427	679	368
Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Purchase of investment management contracts		2,100
Non-Cash Financing Activities:
Non-cash furniture, equipment and leasehold improvement additions			$ (3,442)