D - INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Total assets	$ 20,728,000				$ 27,970,000				$ 20,728,000	$ 27,970,000
Regulatory minimum net capital requirement	250,000				250,000				250,000	250,000
Total revenue	4,975,000	3,454,000	3,705,000	3,718,000	4,191,000	3,666,000	4,278,000	4,266,000	15,815,000	16,401,000	20,983,000
Net income	948,000	(1,456,000)	(6,077,000)	28,000	(1,546,000)	(1,644,000)	(1,353,000)	(1,369,000)	(6,557,000)	(5,912,000)	(171,000)
Siebert, Brandford, Shank Financial LLC and Subsidiary
Total revenue									24,806,000
Net income									171,000
SBS
Total assets	28,518,000				22,999,000				28,518,000	22,999,000
Total liabilities	12,458,000				7,083,000				12,458,000	7,083,000
Total members' capital	16,060,000				15,916,000				16,060,000	15,916,000
Regulatory minimum net capital requirement	250,000				250,000				250,000	250,000
Total revenue										24,965,000	28,246,000
Net income										193,000	1,579,000
SBSFPC
Total assets	26,000				584,000				26,000	584,000
Total liabilities	26,000				15,000				26,000	15,000
Total members' capital	0				569,000				0	569,000
Total revenue									0	(222,000)	293,000
Net income									$ (51,000)	$ (478,000)	$ 98,000