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)	(1,701)	(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