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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
item
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Principles of Consolidation      
Interests in variable interest entities (as a percent) 0.00%    
Revenue recognition      
Additional fee on unspecified future software upgrades $ 0    
Number of revenue recognition criteria 4    
Cash and Cash Equivalents      
Maximum original maturity period of cash equivalents 3 months    
Securities Borrowed and Loaned      
Number of parties from whom matched book securities are purchased 1    
Client Commission Arrangements      
Client commissions 122,800,000 112,100,000 130,800,000
Prepaid research, gross 4,500,000 5,100,000 3,700,000
Allowance for prepaid research (200,000) (400,000) (400,000)
Prepaid research, net of allowance 4,300,000 4,700,000 3,300,000
Accrued research payables 52,015,000 38,591,000 50,700,000
Research and Development      
Research and development costs $ 40,900,000 $ 44,600,000 $ 47,500,000
Maximum
     
Principles of Consolidation      
Ownership percentage for equity method investments 50.00%    
Ownership percentage for consolidation of affiliate 50.00%    
Revenue recognition      
Term of agreement 3 years    
Minimum
     
Principles of Consolidation      
Ownership percentage for equity method investments 20.00%    
Revenue recognition      
Term of agreement 1 year    
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | Maximum
     
Premises and equipment      
Estimated useful life 7 years    
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | Minimum
     
Premises and equipment      
Estimated useful life 3 years    
Capitalized software
     
Premises and equipment      
Estimated useful life 3 years