Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] REVENUES: Revenues [Abstract] Commissions Brokerage Commissions Revenue Advisory fees Investment Advisory Fees Asset Based Fees Asset-based fees Revenue recognized in the period for fees from cash sweep programs, sponsorship programs, omnibus processing and networking services. Transaction And Other Fees Transaction and other fees Revenue recognized in the period from transaction fees and ticket charges, subscription fees, IRA custodian fees, contract and license fees, conference fees and small or inactive account fees. Interest income, net of operating interest expense Interest Income (Expense), Net Other Other Income Net revenues Revenues Net revenues EXPENSES: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Commissions And Advisory Fees Commissions and advisory fees Gross commissions and advisory fees that are earned and paid out to customers based on the sale of various products and services, production bonuses for achieving production levels, share-based compensation expense for stock options and warrants granted to customers, and deferred commissions for customers as part of a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. Compensation and benefits Labor and Related Expense Promotional Expenses Promotional The total expense recognized in the period for promotional items and business development costs. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Occupancy and equipment Occupancy, Net Professional services Professional Fees Brokerage, clearing and exchange Floor Brokerage, Exchange and Clearance Fees Communications and data processing Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Fees And Expenses Regulatory fees and expenses Expenses incurred during the period for regulatory memberships to FINRA and SIPC, representative licensing fees, some insurance and other regulatory fees. Travel and entertainment Travel and Entertainment Expense Restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Other Other Expenses Other Total operating expenses Operating Expenses, Total Total operating expenses Non-operating interest expense Interest Expense, Borrowings Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Loss on extinguishment of debt Expenses Total expenses Total expenses incurred in the period presented, including both operating and non-operating expenses. Excludes income tax expense. Total expenses INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES Income Tax Expense (Benefit) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES NET INCOME Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent NET INCOME EARNINGS PER SHARE (Note 13): Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and securities segregated under federal and other regulations Cash and Securities Segregated under Federal and Other Regulations Receivables from: Receivables [Abstract] Clients, net of allowance of $656 at June 30, 2011 and $655 at December 31, 2010 Receivables from Customers Allowances on receivable from client Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Product sponsors, broker-dealers and clearing organizations Receivables from Brokers-Dealers and Clearing Organizations Others, net of allowances of $7,356 at June 30, 2011 and $6,796 at December 31, 2010 Other Receivables Allowances On Other Receivable From Client Allowances on other receivable from client Allowances on other receivable from client Securities Owned Abstract Securities owned: Securities owned: Trading(1) Trading Securities Held-to-maturity Held-to-maturity Securities Securities borrowed Securities Borrowed Income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable, Current Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $292,384 at June 30, 2011 and $276,501 at December 31, 2010 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Accumulated depreciation and amortization, Fixed assets Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $191,949 at June 30, 2011 and $172,726 at December 31, 2010 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Accumulated amortization, Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $16,652 at June 30, 2011 and $14,106 at December 31, 2010 Deferred Finance Costs, Net Accumulated amortization, Debt issuance costs Accumulated Amortization, Deferred Finance Costs Other assets Other Assets Other assets Total assets Assets, Total Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES: Liabilities [Abstract] Drafts payable Drafts Payable Payables to clients Payables to Customers Payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations Payables to Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations Accrued Commissions And Advisory Fees Payable Accrued commissions and advisory fees payable Balance of accrued commissions, recruiting bonus accruals, and other commissions payable. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Unearned revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Interest rate swaps Derivative Liabilities Securities sold but not yet purchased - at fair value Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value Senior credit facilities Long-term Debt Deferred income taxes - net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities), Net Deferred income taxes - net Total liabilities Liabilities, Total Total liabilities STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, $.001 par value; 600,000,000 shares authorized; 110,125,404 shares issued at June 30, 2011 and 108,714,757 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2010 Common Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Treasury stock, at cost - 2,283,854 shares at June 30, 2011 and 0 shares at December 31, 2010 Treasury Stock, Value Treasury stock, at cost - 2,283,854 shares at June 30, 2011 and 0 shares at December 31, 2010 Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent, Total Total stockholders' equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity, Total Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Common Stock Balance, shares Balance Balance Additional Paid-In Capital Treasury Stock Stockholder Loans [Member] Stockholder Loans Stockholder Loans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Retained Earnings Comprehensive income: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax expense of $1,761 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax expense of $1,761 Tax expense on unrealized gain on interest rate swaps Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Effect Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent, Total Total comprehensive income Exercise of stock options Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Adjustment to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Effect from Share-based Compensation, Net Stockholders Loans Stockholder loans Forgiven portion of previously issued loans to certain shareholders, net of interest incurred. Share-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Balance, shares Balance Treasury stock purchases Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury stock purchases CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Noncash items: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Amortization of debt issuance costs Amortization of Financing Costs Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Share-based compensation Share-based Compensation Impairment of fixed assets Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Provision for bad debts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Deferred income tax provision Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Impairment of intangible assets Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Lease Abandonment Lease abandonment Non-cash expenses incurred due to early abandonment of facilities leased under non-cancellable lease agreements. Lease abandonment Loan Forgiveness Loan forgiveness Forgiven portion of previously issued loans to certain shareholders, net of interest incurred. Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Other Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Cash And Securities Segregated Under Federal And Other Regulations Changes In Operating Assets And Liabilities Cash and securities segregated under federal and other regulations The net change during the reporting period in the amount of cash subject to withdrawal restrictions, restricted deposits held as compensating balances, and cash and securities segregated in compliance with regulations (such as cash deposited in a special reserve account for the exclusive benefit of customers pursuant). Cash and securities segregated under federal and other regulations Increase Decrease Receivables From Clients Receivables from clients The net change during the reporting period in receivables from brokerage clients. Brokerage client balances include margin loans to clients stated, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. Receivables from clients Receivables from product sponsors, broker-dealers and clearing organizations Increase (Decrease) in Receivables from Brokers-Dealers and Clearing Organizations Receivables from product sponsors, broker-dealers and clearing organizations Receivables from others Increase (Decrease) in Other Receivables Receivables from others Securities owned Increase (Decrease) in Trading Securities Securities owned Securities borrowed Increase (Decrease) in Securities Borrowed Securities borrowed Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Drafts Payable Changes In Operating Assets And Liabilities Drafts payable The net change during the reporting period in the amounts due on drafts payable during the reporting period. Increase Decrease Payables To Clients Payables to clients The net change during the reporting period in payables to clients, includes amounts payable on cash and margin transactions, including interest on certain client balances. Payables to broker-dealers and clearing organizations Increase (Decrease) in Payables to Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations Changes In Accrued Commissions And Advisory Fees Payable Accrued commissions and advisory fees payable The net change in the balance of accrued commissions, recruiting bonus accruals, and other commissions payable over the reporting period. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Unearned revenue Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue Income taxes receivable/payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Securities sold but not yet purchased Increase (Decrease) in Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased Securities sold but not yet purchased Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures Purchase of securities classified as held-to-maturity Payments to Acquire Held-to-maturity Securities Purchase of securities classified as held-to-maturity Proceeds from maturity of securities classified as held-to-maturity Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Held-to-maturity Securities Acquisitions (Note 3) Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisitions (Note 3) Deposits Of Restricted Cash Deposits of restricted cash Deposits made during the period into an escrow account whose use is restricted. Deposits of restricted cash Release Of Restricted Cash Release of restricted cash Releases of cash during the period from an escrow account whose use is restricted. Release of restricted cash Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repayment of senior credit facilities Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Repayment of senior credit facilities Proceeds from senior credit facilities Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Redemption of subordinated notes Repayments of Subordinated Debt Redemption of subordinated notes Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payment of debt issuance costs Payment of deferred transaction costs Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Payment of deferred transaction costs Purchase of treasury stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Purchase of treasury stock Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Issuance of common stock Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - Beginning of period CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - End of period SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid Interest paid Income taxes paid Income Taxes Paid Income taxes paid NONCASH DISCLOSURES: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Settlement Of Purchases Of Treasury Stock Pending settlement of treasury stock purchases Pending settlement of treasury stock purchases Capital expenditures purchased through short-term credit Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Capital expenditures purchased through short-term credit Increase in unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax expense Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Increase in unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax expense Discount On Proceeds From Senior Credit Facilities Recorded As Debt Issuance Costs Discount on proceeds from senior credit facilities recorded as debt issuance costs Discount on proceeds from senior credit facilities recorded as debt issuance costs Discount on proceeds from senior credit facilities recorded as debt issuance costs Organization and Description of the Company Nature of Operations [Text Block] Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Acquisitions [Abstract] Acquisitions [Abstract] Restructuring Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring [Abstract] Restructuring [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Held-to-Maturity Securities Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract] Held-to-Maturity Securities [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] Indebtedness Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Indebtedness [Abstract] Indebtedness [Abstract] Interest Rate Swaps Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract] Interest Rate Swaps [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Net Capital Regulatory Requirements Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Text Block] Concentration Risk Credit Risk Financial Instruments Off Balance Sheet Risk [Text Block] Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Risk and Concentrations of Credit Risk Description of financial instruments, excluding certain derivatives, with off-balance sheet credit risk (for example, standby letters of credit or financial guarantees), including (1) information about the (shared) activity, region or economic characteristic that identifies the concentration, (2) the face or contract amount of the instrument, (3) the nature and terms of the instrument, including the market risk, cash requirements and accounting policies for it, (4) the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that would be incurred if the counterparties failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts, and any security or collateral that proved to be of no value, (5) the entity's policy of requiring collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit risk, information about access to collateral or other security, and a brief description of the security supporting those financial instruments, and (6) the policy of entering into and a brief description of master netting arrangements to mitigate the credit risk, and the extent to which such arrangements would reduce the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk. Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Voluntary Filers