8. Investment in and advances to affiliates (Details Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Net (loss) income	$ (1,353,000)	$ 447,000	$ (2,722,000)	$ 1,072,000
Distribution from equity investees			1,212,000	83,000
Siebert, Brandford, Shank & Co., L.L.C. [Member]
General and administrative services	25,000	19,000	50,000	38,000
Net (loss) income	(349,000)	847,000	(951,000)	701,000
Distribution from equity investees			1,212,000
Undistributed earnings			6,400,000
SBS Financial Products Company, LLC [Member]
Net (loss) income	(28,000)	(8,000)	(120,000)	(16,000)
Distribution from equity investees			4,000
Acumulated distributions in excess of cumulative earnings	507,000		507,000
Companys share in accumulated distributions	$ 169,000		$ 169,000