Consolidated Statements Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income	$ 37,773	$ 145,420	$ 9,642
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	101
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and other amortization	1,810	1,847	2,007
Intangible asset amortization	4,388	4,018	4,922
Stock-based compensation	6,927	5,625	3,894
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(89)
Amortization of deferred commissions	10,715	8,874	5,053
Payments of deferred commissions	(10,868)	(11,392)	(5,636)
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net of dividends		223	(48)
Realized and unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities	(1,891)	256	(1,131)
Realized and unrealized gains on investments of consolidated sponsored investment products	(2,072)
Sale (purchase) of trading securities, net	2,025	(4,425)	429
Purchase of investments by consolidated sponsored investment products, net	(41,155)
Deferred income taxes	26,689	(132,477)	46
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(9,585)	(5,953)	(1,736)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,145)	(945)	650
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	14,080	13,047	4,217
Other liabilities	2,216	(468)	(165)
Net cash provided by operating activities	39,818	23,650	22,144
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,782)	(743)	(323)
Purchase of investment management contracts	(350)	(3,068)	(1,419)
Purchase of available-for-sale securities	(379)	(259)	(118)
Acquisitions	(656)
Net cash used in investing activities	(5,167)	(4,070)	(1,860)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Contingent consideration paid for acquired investment management contracts	(665)	(789)
Preferred stock dividends paid		(10,186)	(3,404)
Repurchase of common shares	(8,940)	(7,870)	(924)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,636	1,345	146
Payment of deferred financing costs	(700)	(41)	(367)
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of restricted stock units	(11,951)	(720)	(407)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	89
Contributions of noncontrolling interests	3,059
Net cash used in financing activities	(16,472)	(18,261)	(4,956)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	18,179	1,319	15,328
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	45,267	43,948	28,620
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period	63,446	45,267	43,948
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Interest paid	415	362	472
Income taxes paid, net	74	427	679
Non-Cash Investing Activities:
Purchase of investment management contracts	435		2,100
Accrual for capital expenditures	$ 390