INCOME TAXES (Deferred Tax Account Balances) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Deferred tax assets related to:
Federal, foreign, state and local operating loss carryforwards	$ 23,225	$ 23,594
Capital loss carryforwards	1,314	24,752
Unrealized loss on investments	8,913	9,830
Provision for credit losses	11,288	4,627
Accrued expenses	2,059	3,685
Employee stock option and restricted stock awards	906	1,242
Investments in real estate assets	1,076	41
Property and equipment basis differences	0	681
Gross deferred tax assets	48,781	68,452
Less: valuation allowance	(5,812)	(4,858)
Net deferred tax assets	42,969	63,594
Deferred tax liabilities related to:
Investments in partnership interests	(6,001)	(12,013)
Deferred income	(2,312)	0
Property and equipment basis differences	(91)	0
Net deferred tax liabilities	(8,404)	(12,013)
Deferred tax assets, net	$ 34,565	$ 51,581