Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (loss) income	$ (179,789)	$ 23,980	$ 42,834
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	59,057	62,373	60,746
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(32,593)	(4,315)	8,501
Provision for doubtful accounts	203	178	(1,689)
Share-based compensation	20,156	18,006	15,983
Capitalized software write-off		6,091
Non-cash restructuring charges, net	2,480	1,461	5,536
Goodwill and other asset impairment	229,317	5,375
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Cash restricted or segregated under regulations and other	(2,625)	25,843	(18,479)
Deposits with clearing organizations	(11,303)	656	28,350
Securities owned, at fair value	18,403	(18,058)	(363)
Receivables from brokers, dealers and clearing organizations	(6,671)	(503,140)	(11,099)
Receivables from customers	134,913	(290,031)	26,807
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(18,079)	(31,995)	(15,865)
Payables to brokers, dealers and clearing organizations	(59,605)	889,457	1,513
Payables to customers	(64,592)	(37,698)	(18,082)
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	(18,915)	18,347	(2,452)
Income taxes receivable/payable	(6,053)	10,446	(24,823)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements			(274)
Other, net	2,755	(867)	290
Net cash provided by operating activities	67,059	176,109	97,434
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and minority interests, net of cash acquired	(36,185)	(48,926)	(1,937)
Acquisition of patent			(450)
Capital purchases	(22,857)	(19,280)	(15,231)
Capitalization of software development costs	(29,061)	(33,897)	(42,841)
Proceeds from sale of investments	2,095
Net cash used in investing activities	(86,008)	(102,103)	(60,459)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Proceeds (repayments) of short-term bank loans	1,606		(24,900)
Proceeds from term loans	25,469
Repayments of term loans	(4,043)	(46,900)	(47,600)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangements			274
Proceeds from sales-lease back transactions	2,571
Debt issuance costs	(2,908)
Common stock issued	9,753	10,896	10,934
Common stock repurchased	(38,928)	(50,284)
Shares withheld for net settlements of share-based awards	(5,984)	(4,095)	(2,652)
Net cash used in financing activities	(12,464)	(90,383)	(63,944)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(1,409)	2,508	4,888
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(32,822)	(13,869)	(22,081)
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of year	317,010	330,879	352,960
Cash and cash equivalents-end of year	284,188	317,010	330,879
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	2,453	1,343	6,478
Income taxes paid	15,508	19,345	51,930
Majestic acquisition replacement awards		$ 2,994