Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Deconsolidation of LEAF	$ 482
Allowance for Management Fees, Commercial Finance [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	8,312		1,075	0
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	16,766		7,237	1,852
Amounts Written-off Against the Allowance, Net of Recoveries	0		0	(777)
Balance at End of Year	25,078		8,312	1,075
Allowance for Management Fees, Real Estate [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	2,178		0	0
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	324		2,178	0
Amounts Written-off Against the Allowance, Net of Recoveries	0		0	0
Balance at End of Year	2,502		2,178	0
Allowance for Investments in Real Estate Loans [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	0		49	1,585
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	0		0	49
Amounts Written-off Against the Allowance, Net of Recoveries	0		(49)	(1,585)
Balance at End of Year	0		0	49
Allowance for Investments in Commercial Finance Assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	430		900	3,210
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	138		1,231	3,307
Amounts Written-off Against the Allowance, Net of Recoveries	(568)	[1]	(1,701)	(5,617)
Balance at End of Year	0		430	900
Allowance for Investments in Loans Held for Investment [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	0		0	0
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	0		0	1
Amounts Written-off Against the Allowance, Net of Recoveries	0		0	(1)
Balance at End of Year	0		0	0
Allowance for Rent Receivables [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at Beginning of Year	15		0	0
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses	18		15	0
Amounts Written-off Against the Allowance, Net of Recoveries	0		0	0
Balance at End of Year	$ 33		$ 15	$ 0

[1] Includes a $482,000 reduction due to the deconsolidation of LEAF.