Net Capital Requirements - Additional Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Stockholder's equity	$ 242,841	$ 193,413
Securities America
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Regulatory net capital	7,344
Alternative excess amount over net capital requirement	7,094
Alternative minimum net capital requirement	250
Triad
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Regulatory net capital	4,525
Alternative excess amount over net capital requirement	4,275
Alternative minimum net capital requirement	250
Investacorp Inc
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Regulatory net capital	4,334
Alternative excess amount over net capital requirement	4,084
Alternative minimum net capital requirement	250
Ladenburg
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Regulatory net capital	17,808
Alternative excess amount over net capital requirement	17,558
Alternative minimum net capital requirement	250
Premier \| Regulatory requirements
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Stockholder's equity	1,275
Premier \| Minimum \| Cash
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Stockholder's equity	250
Premier \| Minimum \| Regulatory requirements
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Stockholder's equity	1,000
Premier \| Minimum \| Regulatory requirements \| Cash
Net Capital Requirements [Line Items]
Stockholder's equity	$ 250