8. Investment In and Advances to Affiliates (Details Narrative) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net income (loss)	$ (6,077,000)	$ (1,353,000)	$ (6,049,000)	$ (2,722,000)
Distribution from equity investees			9,000	1,216,000
Siebert Brandford Shank Co LLC [Member]
General and administrative services	25,000	25,000	50,000	50,000
Net income (loss)	(329,000)	(349,000)	397,000	(951,000)
Undistributed earnings			7,800,000
Distributed earnings			9,000
SBS Financial Products Co LLC [Member]
Net income (loss)	(3,000)	(28,000)	(3,000)	(120,000)
Accumulated distributions in excess of cumulative earnings	642,000		642,000
Companys share in accumulated distributions	$ 214,000		$ 214,000