Calamos Asset Management (CLMS) 10-Q 6 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
		Class A Common Stock	Class B Common Stock
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Calamos Asset Management, Inc. /DE/	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001299033	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	20,530,571	100
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus (Q1,Q2,Q3,FY)	'Q3	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_FIN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$73,740	$39,078
Receivables:	'	'
Affiliates and affiliated funds	15,912	16,306
Customers	3,609	5,806
Investment securities	287,657	472,241
Partnership investments, net	138,932	34,047
Prepaid expenses	3,633	2,812
Deferred tax assets, net	6,793	10,165
Other current assets	2,863	2,283
Total current assets	533,139	582,738
Non-current assets:	'	'
Deferred tax assets, net	33,833	36,575
Goodwill	6,380	6,380
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization ($60,031 at September 30, 2014 and $60,339 at December 31,2013)	14,854	16,990
Other non-current assets	2,992	3,183
Total non-current assets	58,059	63,128
Total assets	591,198	645,866
Current liabilities:	'	'
Distribution fees payable	10,429	10,655
Accrued compensation and benefits	19,914	22,527
Current portion of long-term debt	0	46,160
Interest payable	628	2,729
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	6,044	7,224
Total current liabilities	37,015	89,295
Non-current liabilities:	'	'
Long-term debt	45,955	45,955
Deferred rent	8,845	9,013
Other non-current liabilities	1,579	3,121
Total non-current liabilities	56,379	58,089
Total liabilities	93,394	147,384
Redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	82,491	7,551
EQUITY	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	220,333	218,359
Retained earnings	87,287	86,115
Accumulated other comprehensive income	977	2,863
Treasury stock; 7,000,000 shares at September 30, 2014 and 5,220,330 shares at December 31, 2013	-106,024	-99,528
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. stockholdersb equity	202,822	208,056
Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	212,491	282,875
Total equity	415,313	490,931
Total liabilities and equity	591,198	645,866
Class A Common Stock	'	'
EQUITY	'	'
Common Stock	249	247
Class B Common Stock	'	'
EQUITY	'	'
Common Stock	$0	$0

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_FIN1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Non-current assets:	'	'
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$60,031	$60,339
EQUITY	'	'
Treasury stock (in shares)	7,000,000	5,220,330
Class A Common Stock	'	'
EQUITY	'	'
Common Stock, par value (in dollar per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, authorized (in shares)	600,000,000	600,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	24,890,637	24,696,095
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	17,890,637	19,475,765
Class B Common Stock	'	'
EQUITY	'	'
Common Stock, par value (in dollar per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000	1,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	100	100
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	100	100

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Investment management fees	$50,418	$51,289	$150,393	$159,886
Distribution and underwriting fees	12,438	13,024	38,069	40,730
Other	676	652	2,005	1,992
Total revenues	63,532	64,965	190,467	202,608
EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Employee compensation and benefits	21,738	23,508	65,464	67,453
Distribution expenses	12,164	12,913	37,122	40,085
Marketing and sales promotion	3,897	4,208	12,268	11,536
General and administrative	9,880	8,912	29,050	27,591
Total operating expenses	47,679	49,541	143,904	146,665
Operating income	15,853	15,424	46,563	55,943
NON-OPERATING INCOME	'	'	'	'
Net interest expense	-851	-1,456	-3,776	-4,307
Investment and other income	4,482	6,786	16,529	12,128
Total non-operating income	3,631	5,330	12,753	7,821
Income before income taxes	19,484	20,754	59,316	63,764
Income tax provision	1,870	1,603	5,278	6,154
Net income	17,614	19,151	54,038	57,610
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	-15,936	-15,000	-43,749	-48,259
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	1,691	-1,454	-1,553	-1,579
Net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	$3,369	$2,697	$8,736	$7,772
Earnings per share: (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.19	$0.14	$0.47	$0.39
Diluted	$0.18	$0.13	$0.46	$0.38
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	17,888,694	19,671,742	18,399,379	19,998,922
Diluted	18,781,856	20,387,651	19,158,720	20,599,821
Cash dividends declared per share	$0.15	$0.13	$0.40	$0.38

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$17,614	$19,151	$54,038	$57,610
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses)	-9,123	20,094	1,531	20,485
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net income	-5,949	610	-11,559	-4,973
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax provision (benefit)	-15,072	20,704	-10,028	15,512
Income tax provision (benefit) related to other comprehensive income	-1,533	1,874	-1,108	1,316
After-Tax Amount	-13,539	18,830	-8,920	14,196
Comprehensive income	4,075	37,981	45,118	71,806
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	-5,007	-30,641	-36,696	-60,218
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	1,691	-1,454	-1,553	-1,579
Comprehensive income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	$759	$5,886	$6,869	$10,009

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Treasury Stock	Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$490,931	$247	$218,359	$86,115	$2,863	($99,528)	$282,875	$7,551
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	52,485	'	'	8,736	'	'	43,749	1,553
Changes in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes	1,472	'	'	'	119	'	1,353	0
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on available-for-sale securities included in income, net of income tax	-10,392	'	'	'	-1,986	'	-8,406	0
Issuance of common stock (194,542 Class A common shares)	'	2	-2	'	'	'	'	0
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC (1,779,670 Class A common shares)	-21,591	'	'	'	'	-4,795	-16,796	0
Impact of the redemption of common stock from Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (194,542 Class A common shares)	'	'	1,701	'	'	-1,701	'	0
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC	-532	'	-132	'	-19	'	-381	0
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans	4,650	'	1,034	'	'	'	3,616	0
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock	'	'	-627	'	'	'	627	0
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans	-710	'	'	-158	'	'	-552	0
Consolidation of Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP	0	'	'	'	'	'	0	73,387
Equity and tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	-93,594	'	'	'	'	'	-93,594	0
Dividends declared	-7,406	'	'	-7,406	'	'	'	0
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014	415,313	249	220,333	87,287	977	-106,024	212,491	82,491
Beginning balance at Jun. 30, 2014	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities, net of income taxes	-8,211	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on available-for-sale securities included in income, net of income tax	-5,328	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impact of the redemption of common stock from Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (194,542 Class A common shares)	'	'	'	'	'	-47	'	'
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	308	'
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2014	$415,313	'	'	'	'	($106,024)	$212,491	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CHA1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) (Class A Common Stock)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Class A Common Stock	'
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	194,542
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	1,779,670
Redemption of common stock (in shares)	194,542

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$39,078	$106,796
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	'	'
Net income	54,038	57,610
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	1,987	2,121
Other depreciation and amortization	3,274	3,441
Gain on disposal of property and equipment	-111	0
Amortization of deferred rent	-168	-183
Change in unrealized gains on trading securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investments, net	-7,785	-2,306
Net realized gains on sale of investment securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investments, net	-3,388	-5,131
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	0	900
Deferred taxes, net	7,208	6,170
Stock-based compensation	4,650	4,887
Employee taxes paid on vesting under stock incentive plans	-510	-294
Receivables:	'	'
Affiliates and affiliated funds, net	394	2,262
Customers	2,197	2,535
Other assets	-3,233	-4,579
Decrease in liabilities:	'	'
Distribution fees payable	-226	-1,861
Accrued compensation and benefits	-2,613	-2,075
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	-5,527	-2,623
Net cash provided by operating activities	50,187	60,874
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:	'	'
Net additions to property and equipment	-991	-856
Purchases of investment securities	-131,478	-374,360
Proceeds from sale of investment securities	317,109	329,686
Net purchases of derivatives	0	-1,720
Net changes in partnership investments	-31,400	16,426
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	153,240	-30,824
Cash flows used in financing activities:	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-46,160	0
Deferred tax expense on vesting under stock incentive plans	-14	-96
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC (1,779,670 at September 30, 2014, and 904,350 at September 30, 2013 Class A common shares)	-21,591	-9,717
Equity distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interests)	-71,571	-21,009
Tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interests)	-22,023	-26,922
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	-7,406	-7,520
Net cash used in financing activities	-168,765	-65,264
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	34,662	-35,214
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	73,740	71,582
Cash paid for (refunded):	'	'
Income taxes, net	-1,416	1,593
Interest	$5,954	$5,954

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) (Class A Common Stock)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Class A Common Stock	'	'
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	1,779,670	904,350

Organization_and_Description_o

Organization and Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Organization and Description of Business	'
	Organization and Description of Business
	Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (“CAM”), representing the public shares outstanding, as of September 30, 2014, owned 22.2% of the operating company, Calamos Investments LLC (“Calamos Investments”), with the remaining 77.8% privately owned by Calamos Family Partners, Inc. (“CFP”), a Delaware corporation, and John P. Calamos, Sr., the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Global Co-Chief Investment Officer of CAM. CAM, together with Calamos Investments and Calamos Investments’ subsidiaries (the “Company”), operates the investment advisory and distribution services businesses reported within these consolidated financial statements. CAM operates and is the sole manager, and thus controls all of the business and affairs of Calamos Investments and, as a result of this control, consolidates the financial results of Calamos Investments with its own financial results. CFP and John P. Calamos, Sr. (collectively "Calamos Interests") ownership interest, in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, is reflected and referred to within these consolidated financial statements as “non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC”. As shown in the diagram below, CFP also owns all of CAM’s outstanding Class B common stock, which represents 97.4% of the combined voting power of all classes of CAM’s voting stock. The graphic below illustrates our organizational and ownership structure as of September 30, 2014:
	-1	Represents combined economic interest of Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and John P. Calamos, Sr. who is also a member of Calamos Investments LLC.
	-2	Represents combined economic interest of all public stockholders, including John P. Calamos, Sr. and John P. Calamos, Jr.’s combined 17.8% ownership interest of Class A common stock. The calculation of ownership interest includes options and restricted stock units ("RSUs") that vest within 60 days, as well as CFP’s indirect ownership interest in Class A common stock purchased by Calamos Investments LLC, pursuant to the Company’s share repurchase plan.
	The Company primarily provides investment advisory services to individuals and institutional investors through a number of investment products that include open-end funds and closed-end funds (the “Funds”), separate accounts, offshore funds, exchange traded funds and partnerships, as well as provides model portfolio design and oversight for separately managed accounts. The subsidiaries through which the Company provides these services include: Calamos Advisors LLC (“CAL”), a Delaware limited liability company and registered investment advisor; Calamos Financial Services LLC (“CFS”), a Delaware limited liability company and registered broker-dealer; Calamos Wealth Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and registered investment advisor; and Calamos Investments LLP, a United Kingdom limited liability partnership, registered investment advisor with the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, and a global distributor of the offshore funds and Company products. For reporting purposes, the offshore funds are included within the open-end funds.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management believes the accounting estimates are appropriate and reasonably stated; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in making estimates, actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
	The consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2014 and for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 have not been audited by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. In the opinion of management, these statements contain all adjustments, including those of a normal recurring nature, necessary for fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations. The results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for a full fiscal year. This Form 10-Q filing should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The Company consolidates investments in which the Company’s ownership exceeds 50% or in which the Company operates and controls the business and affairs of the entity or is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. In order to make this determination, an analysis is performed to determine if the investment in an affiliate or partnership is a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The Company has evaluated its investments in affiliates and partnerships and has concluded that they are not VIEs. With respect to partnership investments, the limited partners have no control of the business and affairs of the partnership, no substantive ability to dissolve (liquidate) the partnership, or otherwise remove the general partner (CAL and Calamos Investments) without cause or have other substantive rights.
	The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of CAM, Calamos Investments, Calamos Investments’ wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the Company’s partnerships in which it owns a majority interest or in which it has operating control. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has significant influence, but less than 50% ownership. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	The Calamos Interests’ combined 77.8% interest in Calamos Investments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, is represented as a non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments is derived by multiplying the historical equity of Calamos Investments by the Calamos Interests’ aggregate ownership percentage for the periods presented. Issuances and repurchases of CAM’s common stock may result in changes to CAM’s ownership percentage and to the non-controlling interests’ ownership percentage of Calamos Investments with resulting changes reflected in the consolidated statements of changes in equity. Income is allocated based on the average ownership interest during the period in which the income is earned.
	CAM owns certain assets to which it has exclusive economic rights. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, these assets included cash, cash equivalents and investment securities of $73.4 million and $71.7 million, net current and non-current deferred tax assets of $40.6 million and $46.8 million, net current income taxes receivable of $2.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively, and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $25.2 million as of September 30, 2014, that are reported together with Calamos Investments’ consolidated assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The proceeds from the $25.0 million short term, interest-bearing loan from CAM to Calamos Investments were used to repay $46.2 million of senior notes outstanding on July 15, 2014. Calamos Investments repaid the loan from CAM subsequent to September 30, 2014. Additionally, net income before income taxes of $59.3 million and $63.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, each included $1.3 million and $139,000, respectively, of interest income, dividend income and realized gains and losses on cash and cash equivalents held solely by CAM. These portions of CAM’s income and expense are not affected by non-controlling interests.
	Calamos Investments, through a wholly owned subsidiary, is indirectly the general partner and controls the operations of Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP (formerly Black Strategic Fund, LP), a U.S. feeder fund and Calamos Arista Strategic Fund Ltd, an offshore feeder fund both to Calamos Arista Strategic Master Fund LTD (formerly Black Strategic Master Fund Ltd.), a hedge fund in the Cayman Islands. As Calamos Investments is the general partner and controls the operations of Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP and Calamos Arista Strategic Fund Ltd, the results of these partnerships and the master fund are included in the Company’s consolidated financial results. Calamos Investments, through its wholly owned subsidiaries and affiliates, is indirectly the general partner and controls the operations of Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP, for which it acquired a majority interest in the partnership during the second quarter of 2014. The results of this partnership are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The operations of Calamos International Growth Fund LP were controlled by CAL, the general partner. In December 2013, the limited partners of Calamos International Growth Fund LP redeemed all of their interests in the fund. As a result, the Company deconsolidated Calamos International Growth Fund LP and accounted for this partnership investment using the equity method as of December 31, 2013. Calamos International Growth Fund LP was dissolved on April 10, 2014. See Note 5, Partnership Investments, for more discussion regarding these funds.
	For the periods the partnerships are consolidated, the assets and liabilities of the partnerships are presented on a net basis within partnership investments, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The net income for these partnerships is included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations, and the change in partnership investments is included in the net changes in partnership investments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The partnerships are presented on a net basis in order to provide more clarity to the financial position and results of the core operations of the Company. The underlying assets and liabilities that are being consolidated are described in Note 5, Partnership Investments. The combined interests of all of the consolidated partnerships, not owned by the Company and that are redeemable at net asset value at the option of the holder, are presented as redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods those partnerships were consolidated.
	The Company holds non-controlling interests in certain other partnership investments that are included in partnership investments, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These other partnership investments are accounted for under the equity method.
	Restricted Cash
	The Company has a $431,000 security deposit that is restricted from the Company’s general corporate use and is being reported in other non-current assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
	Treasury Stock
	During the first quarter of 2013, the Company’s board of directors approved a Class A common share repurchase program. Under the repurchase program, Calamos Investments was authorized to repurchase up to 3 million shares of CAM’s common stock over a period of 2 years. The program was implemented primarily to manage the dilution from share issuances under the Company’s incentive compensation plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, Calamos Investments repurchased 1,779,670 shares of Class A common stock, at an average purchase price of $12.13 and a total cost of $21.6 million. During the second quarter of 2014, Calamos Investments completed the share repurchase program for a total cumulative cost of $34.8 million. As Calamos Investments is consolidated with CAM, the repurchased shares are reported as treasury shares. As such, CAM’s 22.2% ownership interest in these shares totaling $4.8 million is reported in treasury stock, with Calamos Interests’ 77.8% ownership interest in these shares totaling $16.8 million reported in non-controlling interest in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The total shares repurchased are not included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with GAAP.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, CAM redeemed 5,222 and 194,542, respectively, Class A common shares from Calamos Investments for a value of $61,000 and $2.2 million, respectively, which represents the fair value of the shares on the date of redemption. As Calamos Investments is consolidated with CAM, the impact of the distribution reflecting the non-controlling interest is $47,000 and $1.7 million, respectively.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, dividends on shares held by Calamos Investments totaled $396,000 and $806,000, respectively. The payment of these dividends increased Calamos Investments' equity resulting in a $308,000 adjustment for the third quarter of 2014, and a $627,000 adjustment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from additional paid in capital to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. These adjustments represent Calamos Interests' ownership interest in those dividend payments.
	For a comprehensive disclosure of the Company's significant accounting policies, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Investment_Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investment Securities	'
	Investment Securities
	The Company is required to carry all investment securities it owns at fair value and record all changes in fair value in current earnings. As such, unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, as well as realized gains and losses on all investment securities, are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reported, net of CAM's deferred income tax, as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in equity until realized.
	The following table provides a summary of investment securities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(in thousands)
	September 30, 2014		Cost			Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Funds
	Equity
	Global Growth		$	142,535		$	5,832		$	(1,374	)		$	146,993
	U.S. Growth		64,964			1,638			(1,051		)		65,551
	Value		9,979			141			(40		)		10,080
	Alternative		40,065			990			(193		)		40,862
	Fixed Income/High Yield		17,361			133			(107		)		17,387
	Other		1,613			237			(3		)		1,847
	Total Funds		276,517			8,971			(2,768		)		282,720
	Common stock		135			95			—				230
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	276,652		$	9,066		$	(2,768	)		$	282,950
	Trading securities:
	Funds
	Equity
	U.S. Growth		$	4,682		$	72		$	(47	)		$	4,707
	Total investment securities												$	287,657
	(in thousands)
	31-Dec-13		Cost			Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Funds
	Equity
	Global Growth		$	214,811		$	11,097		$	(15	)		$	225,893
	U.S. Growth		55,109			2,971			(436		)		57,644
	Value		9,886			315			(243		)		9,958
	Alternative		35,436			2,000			—				37,436
	Fixed Income/High Yield		98,834			429			(4		)		99,259
	Other		1,414			133			(2		)		1,545
	Total Funds		415,490			16,945			(700		)		431,735
	Common stock		133			80			—				213
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	415,623		$	17,025		$	(700	)		$	431,948
	Trading securities:
	Funds
	Equity
	U.S. Growth		$	48,539		$	320		$	(8,566	)		$	40,293
	Total investment securities												$	472,241
	Of the $287.4 million and $472.0 million investments in Funds at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, $287.4 million and $427.6 million, respectively, were invested in affiliated funds and accounts that are separately managed.
	The aggregate fair value of available-for-sale investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $108.7 million and $14.0 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, the Company's investment securities that had been in a continuous loss position for 12 months or longer were not significant. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no investment securities that had been in a continuous loss position for 12 months or longer.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company believes that the $2.8 million and $700,000, respectively, in unrealized losses on certain available-for-sale securities are only temporary in nature, as these losses are a result of short-term declines in the net asset value of the funds. Further, the Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of the market value. The Company also considered current market conditions and the nature of the securities held when determining the recoverability of those securities' market value. As of September 30, 2014, no other-than-temporary impairment charge was recorded.
	The following table provides a summary of changes in investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended
								September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014				2013
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Proceeds from sales	$	84,917		$	77,465		$	279,245			$	325,447
	Gross realized gains on sales	$	5,539		$	2,833		$	11,011			$	10,171
	Trading securities:
	Change in unrealized gains (losses)	$	(167	)	$	429		$	8,270			$	(143	)
	The table below summarizes the tax provision (benefit) on unrealized gains (losses) and gains (losses) reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended										Three Months Ended
		September 30, 2014										September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax Amount			Tax Benefit			After-Tax				Before-Tax Amount			Tax Provision			After-Tax
								Amount										Amount
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	$	(9,123	)	$	(912	)	$	(8,211	)		$	20,094		$	1,823		$	18,271
	Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in income	(5,949		)	(621		)	(5,328		)		610			51			559
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(15,072	)	$	(1,533	)	$	(13,539	)		$	20,704		$	1,874		$	18,830
		Nine Months Ended										Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2014									September 30, 2013
(in thousands)	Before-Tax Amount			Tax Provision (Benefit)			After-Tax				Before-Tax Amount			Tax Provision (Benefit)			After-Tax
							Amount										Amount
Available-for-sale securities:
Changes in unrealized gains	$	1,531		$	59		$	1,472			$	20,485		$	1,724		$	18,761
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income	(11,559		)	(1,167		)	(10,392		)		(4,973		)	(408		)	(4,565		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(10,028	)	$	(1,108	)	$	(8,920	)		$	15,512		$	1,316		$	14,196
Reclassification of realized (gains) losses out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reported in non-operating income, in investment income, in the consolidated statement of operations.  See Note 9, Non-Operating Income.

Derivative_Assets_and_Liabilit

Derivative Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	'
	Derivative Assets and Liabilities
	The Company used exchange-traded option contracts as an economic hedge of price changes in its investment securities portfolio in order to reduce the volatility equity markets have on the fair value of the Company's corporate investment portfolio and to assist in compliance with its debt covenants during the third quarter of 2014. The Company's investment securities, totaling $287.7 million at September 30, 2014, consist primarily of positions in several Calamos equity and fixed income funds. The equity price risk in the investment portfolio was hedged using exchange-traded option contracts that correlate most closely with the change in value of the portfolio being hedged. The use of these option contracts was part of a hedge overlay strategy to minimize downside risk in the hedged portfolio. The Company may adjust its hedge position in response to movement and volatility in prices and changes in the composition of the hedged portfolio, but generally is not actively buying and selling contracts.
	The Company has elected not to offset its derivative assets with its derivative liabilities even if a right of offset exists. When applicable, the fair value of option contracts is reported on a gross basis in derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Net gains and losses on these contracts are reported in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations with net gains of $1.8 million and net losses of $1.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company used these derivatives for risk management purposes but has not designated the contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. The Company had no derivative instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2014.

Partnership_Investments

Partnership Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Partnership Investments [Abstract]	'
Partnership Investments	'
	Partnership Investments
	Presented below are the underlying assets and liabilities of the partnerships that the Company reports on a net consolidated basis, as well as partnership investments that the Company accounts for under the equity method. These investments are presented collectively as partnership investments, net in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	(in thousands)	September 30, 2014			31-Dec-13
	Consolidated partnerships:
	Securities owned	$	124,993		$	29,149
	Cash and cash equivalents	20,820			12,208
	Receivables for securities sold	1,052			1,076
	Receivables for foreign exchange	20,261			—
	Other current assets	1,320			30
	Exchange-traded option contracts, net	634			94
	Securities sold not yet purchased	(8,114		)	(10,670		)
	Payables for securities purchased	(1,656		)	(1,576		)
	Payables for foreign currency	(20,261		)	—
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(167		)	(76		)
	Total	138,882			30,235
	Equity method investment in partnerships	50			3,812
	Partnership investments, net	$	138,932		$	34,047
	During the second quarter of 2014, Calamos Investments, through its wholly owned subsidiaries and affiliates, acquired a majority interest in Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP. The results of this partnership are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The Company utilizes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets; Level 2 — inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly (including quoted prices of similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, fair value adjustments to quoted foreign securities, etc.); and Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, and require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. For each period presented, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 measurements. Transfers between levels are measured at the end of the reporting period. The Company had no transfers between levels during the period.
	Investments are presented in the consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with GAAP. Investments in open-end funds are stated at fair value based on end of day published net asset values of shares owned by the Company. The fair value of investments in open-end funds was $245.7 million and $450.4 million at the end of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. There are no unfunded commitments related to these investments. These investments may be redeemed daily with a redemption notice period of up to seven days. Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation. Other securities, including derivatives, traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are stated at the last quoted bid price. However, short sales positions and call options written are reported at the last quoted asked price. Convertible bonds, fixed income securities and other securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value based on observable inputs such as market prices for similar instruments as validated by third party pricing agencies and the Company’s prime broker.
	The following tables provide the hierarchy of inputs used to derive the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Foreign currency contracts are carried in the Company's partnership investments and are presented on a net basis where the right of offset exists, and had no impact for either period presented.
					Fair Value Measurements Using
	(in thousands)	September 30, 2014			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	Description
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Money market funds	$	11,258		$	11,258		$	—
	Investment securities (Note 3)
	Funds
	Equity
	Global Growth	146,993			146,993			—
	U.S. Growth	70,258			70,258			—
	Value	12,209			12,209			—
	Alternative	42,117			42,117			—
	Fixed Income/High Yield	17,387			17,387			—
	Other	1,847			1,847			—
	Total Funds	290,811			290,811			—
	Common stock	230			230			—
	Investment securities	291,041			291,041			—
	Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)
	Common stocks	75,654			48,742			26,912
	Convertible preferred stocks	5,365			2,850			2,515
	Convertible bonds	38,330			—			38,330
	Corporate bonds	5,644			—			5,644
	Short term investments	7,973			7,973			—
	Exchange-traded put option contracts	706			706			—
		133,672			60,271			73,401
	Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)
	Common stocks	(7,850		)	(7,141		)	(709		)
	Exchange-traded funds	(264		)	(264		)	—
	Exchange-traded call option contracts	(72		)	(72		)	—
	Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 3)
	Common stocks	(3,384		)	(3,384		)	—
		(11,570		)	(10,861		)	(709		)
	Total	$	424,401		$	351,709		$	72,692
					Fair Value Measurements Using
	(in thousands)	31-Dec-13			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets			Significant Other Observable Inputs
					and Liabilities			(Level 2)
	Description				(Level 1)
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Money market funds	$	1,752		$	1,752		$	—
	Investment securities (Note 3)
	Funds
	Equity
	Global Growth	225,892			225,892			—
	U.S. Growth	97,936			97,936			—
	Value	9,959			9,959			—
	Alternative	37,436			37,436			—
	Fixed Income/High Yield	99,260			99,260			—
	Other	1,545			1,545			—
	Total Funds	472,028			472,028			—
	Common stock	213			213			—
	Investment securities	472,241			472,241			—
	Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)
	Common stocks	29,149			29,149			—
	Exchange-traded put option contracts	150			150			—
		29,299			29,299			—
	Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)
	Common stocks	(10,185		)	(10,185		)	—
	Exchange-traded funds	(485		)	(485		)	—
	Exchange-traded call option contracts	(56		)	(56		)	—
	(10,726		)	(10,726		)	—
Total	$	492,566		$	492,566		$	—
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, which has a total carrying value of $46.0 million and $92.1 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, was $54.2 million and $104.4 million, respectively. During the third quarter of 2014, $46.2 million of senior notes outstanding were repaid. The fair value of the Company’s payment obligation, which has a carrying value of $1.7 million and $3.4 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, was $1.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively. This obligation is associated with the Company's purchase of Black Capital LLC in 2012, reported in other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These fair value estimates are calculated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rates and market inputs for similar bonds for the debt, and the treasury yield curve plus market spread for the payment obligation. The fair values of the debt and payment obligation are based on Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying value of all other financial instruments approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.

Loans_Payable

Loans Payable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Loans Payable [Abstract]	'
Loans Payable	'
	Loans Payable
	The Company has access to margin loans for the settlement of call options, as well as an additional source of liquidity. The interest rate that can be charged on margin loans is 2.5% per annum, based on the brokerage firm’s lending rate. These loans are due on demand. The Company can borrow up to 70% of its marginable securities on deposit with its brokerage firm. The Company had no margin loan balances outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Stock_Based_Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	Under the Company’s incentive compensation plan, certain employees of the Company receive stock-based compensation comprised of stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”). Historically, RSUs have been settled with newly issued shares so that no cash was used by the Company to settle awards; however, the Company may also use treasury shares upon the exercise of stock options and upon conversion of RSUs. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 provides details of this plan and its provisions.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company granted 861,155 RSUs and there were 464,973 RSUs forfeited. During the same period, the Company granted no stock options and there were 188,947 stock options forfeited.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, 238,774 RSUs vested with 44,232 units withheld for taxes and 194,542 RSUs converted into an equal number of shares of CAM’s Class A common stock. The total intrinsic value and the fair value of the converted shares was $2.3 million. The total tax benefit realized in connection with the vesting of the RSUs during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 was $265,000, as the Company receives tax benefits based upon the portion of Calamos Investments’ expense that it recognizes.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, compensation expense recorded in connection with the RSUs and stock options was $4.7 million and $4.9 million, respectively, of which $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, was credited as additional paid-in capital after giving effect to the non-controlling interests. The amount of deferred tax asset created was $382,000 and $401,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of September 30, 2014, $17.9 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option and RSU awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.

NonOperating_Income

Non-Operating Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Non-Operating Income	'
	Non-Operating Income
	Non-operating income was comprised of the following components for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest income	$	34		$	49		$	123		$	209
	Interest expense	(885		)	(1,505		)	(3,899		)	(4,516		)
	Net interest expense	(851		)	(1,456		)	(3,776		)	(4,307		)
	Investment income	3,852			5,606			14,621			9,091
	Dividend income	605			1,017			1,615			2,750
	Miscellaneous other income	25			163			293			287
	Investment and other income	4,482			6,786			16,529			12,128
	Non-operating income	$	3,631		$	5,330		$	12,753		$	7,821

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	Calamos Investments is subject to certain income-based state taxes; therefore, income taxes reflect not only the portion attributed to CAM stockholders but also a portion of income taxes attributable to non-controlling interests.
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in thousands)
	Income tax provision	$	1,870		$	1,603		$	5,278		$	6,154
	Income tax (provision) benefit attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments	(69		)	10			(148		)	(37		)
	Income tax provision attributable to CAM	1,801			1,613			5,130			6,117
	Net income attributable to CAM	3,369			2,697			8,736			7,772
	Income before taxes attributable to CAM	$	5,170		$	4,310		$	13,866		$	13,889
	CAM’s effective income tax rate	34.8		%	37.4		%	37		%	44		%
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company's total capital loss carryforward was $6.3 million, of which $5.8 million will expire in 2014 and $456,000 will expire in 2017, if not used before the expiration dates. As of September 30, 2014, the Company's valuation allowance on this deferred tax asset was $2.1 million.
	The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2013 includes the impact of an increase in the deferred tax valuation allowance of $900,000, to reduce our deferred income tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Excluding the deferred tax valuation allowance, our effective income tax rate would be 37.6% for the first nine months of 2013.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Earnings per share – basic:
	Earnings available to common shareholders	$	3,369		$	2,697		$	8,736	$	7,772
	Weighted average shares outstanding	17,889			19,672			18,399		19,999
	Earnings per share – basic	$	0.19		$	0.14		$	0.47	$	0.39
	Earnings per share – diluted:
	Earnings available to common shareholders	$	3,369		$	2,697		$	8,736	$	7,772
	Weighted average shares outstanding	17,889			19,672			18,399		19,999
	Dilutive impact of restricted stock units	893			716			759		601
	Weighted average shares outstanding	18,782			20,388			19,158		20,600
	Earnings per share – diluted	$	0.18		$	0.13		$	0.46	$	0.38
	When dilutive, diluted shares outstanding are calculated (a) assuming that Calamos Interests exchanged all of their ownership interest in Calamos Investments and their CAM Class B common stock for shares of CAM’s Class A common stock (the "Exchange") and (b) including the effect of outstanding dilutive equity incentive compensation awards. As of September 30, 2014, and 2013, the impact of the Exchange was anti-dilutive and, therefore, excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
	The Company uses the treasury stock method to reflect the dilutive effect of unvested RSUs and unexercised stock options on diluted earnings per share. Under the treasury stock method, if the average market price of common stock increases above the option’s exercise price, the proceeds that would be assumed to be realized from the exercise of the option would be used to acquire outstanding shares of common stock. However, the awards may be anti-dilutive even when the market price of the underlying stock exceeds the option’s exercise price. This result is possible because compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized is included as a component of the assumed proceeds upon exercise. The dilutive effect of such options and RSUs would increase the weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
	The Company amended its certificate of incorporation requiring that the Exchange be based on a fair value approach (details of the amendment are set forth in the Company’s Schedule 14C filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 12, 2009). The amendment results in the same or fewer shares of Class A common stock being issuable at the time of the Exchange.
	The shares issuable upon the Exchange as presented are estimated solely on the formula as described in Schedule 14C that does not necessarily reflect all inputs used in a fair valuation. It is critical to note that this formula does not incorporate certain economic factors and as such, in the event of an actual Exchange, the majority of the Company’s independent directors may determine the fair market value of CAM’s net assets and its ownership in Calamos Investments. For example, premiums and/or discounts for control and marketability as well as a different discount rate for future cash flows may be applied. Therefore, the directors’ valuation may result in the actual number of shares being materially different from the shares presented. Further, based upon currently available information, the Company believes it is unlikely that any Exchange would transpire without a fair market valuation of CAM’s net assets and possibly an agreement by Calamos Interests to Exchange, based upon that fair market valuation.
	The following table shows the number of shares which were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2014		2013	2014		2013
	Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments*	22,592,845		31,877,237	22,592,845		31,877,237
	Stock options	1,912,621		2,101,568	1,912,621		2,101,568
	Total	24,505,466		33,978,805	24,505,466		33,978,805
	* Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments LLC determined by using the closing price of our shares as of September 30, 2014 ($11.27) and September 30, 2013 ($9.99) as well as assuming said closing prices fully reflect all of CAM's assets; including the application of a 12% discount rate to certain deferred tax assets at each of September 30, 2014 and 2013. The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments LLC, with the result divided by the applicable period-end closing price. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation, for a description of certain assets owned by CAM.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	The Company has reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to its business and to the preparation of its consolidated financial statements, including those not yet required to be adopted. The Company does not believe any such pronouncements will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Accounting guidance that will become effective in future years, with respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, is described below:
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and shall be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early application of this standard is not permitted. The Company's effective date is January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management believes the accounting estimates are appropriate and reasonably stated; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in making estimates, actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The Company consolidates investments in which the Company’s ownership exceeds 50% or in which the Company operates and controls the business and affairs of the entity or is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. In order to make this determination, an analysis is performed to determine if the investment in an affiliate or partnership is a variable interest entity ("VIE"). The Company has evaluated its investments in affiliates and partnerships and has concluded that they are not VIEs. With respect to partnership investments, the limited partners have no control of the business and affairs of the partnership, no substantive ability to dissolve (liquidate) the partnership, or otherwise remove the general partner (CAL and Calamos Investments) without cause or have other substantive rights.
	The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of CAM, Calamos Investments, Calamos Investments’ wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the Company’s partnerships in which it owns a majority interest or in which it has operating control. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has significant influence, but less than 50% ownership. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
	The Calamos Interests’ combined 77.8% interest in Calamos Investments at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, is represented as a non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments is derived by multiplying the historical equity of Calamos Investments by the Calamos Interests’ aggregate ownership percentage for the periods presented. Issuances and repurchases of CAM’s common stock may result in changes to CAM’s ownership percentage and to the non-controlling interests’ ownership percentage of Calamos Investments with resulting changes reflected in the consolidated statements of changes in equity. Income is allocated based on the average ownership interest during the period in which the income is earned.
	CAM owns certain assets to which it has exclusive economic rights. As of September 30, 2014 and 2013, these assets included cash, cash equivalents and investment securities of $73.4 million and $71.7 million, net current and non-current deferred tax assets of $40.6 million and $46.8 million, net current income taxes receivable of $2.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively, and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $25.2 million as of September 30, 2014, that are reported together with Calamos Investments’ consolidated assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The proceeds from the $25.0 million short term, interest-bearing loan from CAM to Calamos Investments were used to repay $46.2 million of senior notes outstanding on July 15, 2014. Calamos Investments repaid the loan from CAM subsequent to September 30, 2014. Additionally, net income before income taxes of $59.3 million and $63.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, each included $1.3 million and $139,000, respectively, of interest income, dividend income and realized gains and losses on cash and cash equivalents held solely by CAM. These portions of CAM’s income and expense are not affected by non-controlling interests.
	Calamos Investments, through a wholly owned subsidiary, is indirectly the general partner and controls the operations of Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP (formerly Black Strategic Fund, LP), a U.S. feeder fund and Calamos Arista Strategic Fund Ltd, an offshore feeder fund both to Calamos Arista Strategic Master Fund LTD (formerly Black Strategic Master Fund Ltd.), a hedge fund in the Cayman Islands. As Calamos Investments is the general partner and controls the operations of Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP and Calamos Arista Strategic Fund Ltd, the results of these partnerships and the master fund are included in the Company’s consolidated financial results. Calamos Investments, through its wholly owned subsidiaries and affiliates, is indirectly the general partner and controls the operations of Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP, for which it acquired a majority interest in the partnership during the second quarter of 2014. The results of this partnership are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The operations of Calamos International Growth Fund LP were controlled by CAL, the general partner. In December 2013, the limited partners of Calamos International Growth Fund LP redeemed all of their interests in the fund. As a result, the Company deconsolidated Calamos International Growth Fund LP and accounted for this partnership investment using the equity method as of December 31, 2013. Calamos International Growth Fund LP was dissolved on April 10, 2014. See Note 5, Partnership Investments, for more discussion regarding these funds.
	For the periods the partnerships are consolidated, the assets and liabilities of the partnerships are presented on a net basis within partnership investments, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The net income for these partnerships is included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations, and the change in partnership investments is included in the net changes in partnership investments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The partnerships are presented on a net basis in order to provide more clarity to the financial position and results of the core operations of the Company. The underlying assets and liabilities that are being consolidated are described in Note 5, Partnership Investments. The combined interests of all of the consolidated partnerships, not owned by the Company and that are redeemable at net asset value at the option of the holder, are presented as redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods those partnerships were consolidated.
	The Company holds non-controlling interests in certain other partnership investments that are included in partnership investments, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These other partnership investments are accounted for under the equity method.
Restricted Cash	'
	Restricted Cash
	The Company has a $431,000 security deposit that is restricted from the Company’s general corporate use and is being reported in other non-current assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Pro1

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	The Company has reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to its business and to the preparation of its consolidated financial statements, including those not yet required to be adopted. The Company does not believe any such pronouncements will have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Accounting guidance that will become effective in future years, with respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, is described below:
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and shall be applied retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early application of this standard is not permitted. The Company's effective date is January 1, 2017. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Investment_Securities_Tables

Investment Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments [Abstract]	'
Summary of investment securities	'
	The following table provides a summary of investment securities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
	(in thousands)
	September 30, 2014		Cost			Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Funds
	Equity
	Global Growth		$	142,535		$	5,832		$	(1,374	)		$	146,993
	U.S. Growth		64,964			1,638			(1,051		)		65,551
	Value		9,979			141			(40		)		10,080
	Alternative		40,065			990			(193		)		40,862
	Fixed Income/High Yield		17,361			133			(107		)		17,387
	Other		1,613			237			(3		)		1,847
	Total Funds		276,517			8,971			(2,768		)		282,720
	Common stock		135			95			—				230
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	276,652		$	9,066		$	(2,768	)		$	282,950
	Trading securities:
	Funds
	Equity
	U.S. Growth		$	4,682		$	72		$	(47	)		$	4,707
	Total investment securities												$	287,657
	(in thousands)
	31-Dec-13		Cost			Unrealized Gains			Unrealized Losses				Fair Value
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Funds
	Equity
	Global Growth		$	214,811		$	11,097		$	(15	)		$	225,893
	U.S. Growth		55,109			2,971			(436		)		57,644
	Value		9,886			315			(243		)		9,958
	Alternative		35,436			2,000			—				37,436
	Fixed Income/High Yield		98,834			429			(4		)		99,259
	Other		1,414			133			(2		)		1,545
	Total Funds		415,490			16,945			(700		)		431,735
	Common stock		133			80			—				213
	Total available-for-sale securities		$	415,623		$	17,025		$	(700	)		$	431,948
	Trading securities:
	Funds
	Equity
	U.S. Growth		$	48,539		$	320		$	(8,566	)		$	40,293
	Total investment securities												$	472,241
Changes in investment securities	'
	The following table provides a summary of changes in investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended
								September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014				2013
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Proceeds from sales	$	84,917		$	77,465		$	279,245			$	325,447
	Gross realized gains on sales	$	5,539		$	2,833		$	11,011			$	10,171
	Trading securities:
	Change in unrealized gains (losses)	$	(167	)	$	429		$	8,270			$	(143	)
Summary of tax (provision) benefit on unrealized gains	'
	The table below summarizes the tax provision (benefit) on unrealized gains (losses) and gains (losses) reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended										Three Months Ended
		September 30, 2014										September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax Amount			Tax Benefit			After-Tax				Before-Tax Amount			Tax Provision			After-Tax
								Amount										Amount
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	$	(9,123	)	$	(912	)	$	(8,211	)		$	20,094		$	1,823		$	18,271
	Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in income	(5,949		)	(621		)	(5,328		)		610			51			559
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(15,072	)	$	(1,533	)	$	(13,539	)		$	20,704		$	1,874		$	18,830
		Nine Months Ended										Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2014										September 30, 2013
	(in thousands)	Before-Tax Amount			Tax Provision (Benefit)			After-Tax				Before-Tax Amount			Tax Provision (Benefit)			After-Tax
								Amount										Amount
	Available-for-sale securities:
	Changes in unrealized gains	$	1,531		$	59		$	1,472			$	20,485		$	1,724		$	18,761
	Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income	(11,559		)	(1,167		)	(10,392		)		(4,973		)	(408		)	(4,565		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(10,028	)	$	(1,108	)	$	(8,920	)		$	15,512		$	1,316		$	14,196

Partnership_Investments_Tables

Partnership Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Partnership Investments [Abstract]	'
Partnership investments	'
	These investments are presented collectively as partnership investments, net in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	(in thousands)	September 30, 2014			31-Dec-13
	Consolidated partnerships:
	Securities owned	$	124,993		$	29,149
	Cash and cash equivalents	20,820			12,208
	Receivables for securities sold	1,052			1,076
	Receivables for foreign exchange	20,261			—
	Other current assets	1,320			30
	Exchange-traded option contracts, net	634			94
	Securities sold not yet purchased	(8,114		)	(10,670		)
	Payables for securities purchased	(1,656		)	(1,576		)
	Payables for foreign currency	(20,261		)	—
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(167		)	(76		)
	Total	138,882			30,235
	Equity method investment in partnerships	50			3,812
	Partnership investments, net	$	138,932		$	34,047

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	'
	Foreign currency contracts are carried in the Company's partnership investments and are presented on a net basis where the right of offset exists, and had no impact for either period presented.
					Fair Value Measurements Using
	(in thousands)	September 30, 2014			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
	Description
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Money market funds	$	11,258		$	11,258		$	—
	Investment securities (Note 3)
	Funds
	Equity
	Global Growth	146,993			146,993			—
	U.S. Growth	70,258			70,258			—
	Value	12,209			12,209			—
	Alternative	42,117			42,117			—
	Fixed Income/High Yield	17,387			17,387			—
	Other	1,847			1,847			—
	Total Funds	290,811			290,811			—
	Common stock	230			230			—
	Investment securities	291,041			291,041			—
	Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)
	Common stocks	75,654			48,742			26,912
	Convertible preferred stocks	5,365			2,850			2,515
	Convertible bonds	38,330			—			38,330
	Corporate bonds	5,644			—			5,644
	Short term investments	7,973			7,973			—
	Exchange-traded put option contracts	706			706			—
		133,672			60,271			73,401
	Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)
	Common stocks	(7,850		)	(7,141		)	(709		)
	Exchange-traded funds	(264		)	(264		)	—
	Exchange-traded call option contracts	(72		)	(72		)	—
	Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 3)
	Common stocks	(3,384		)	(3,384		)	—
		(11,570		)	(10,861		)	(709		)
	Total	$	424,401		$	351,709		$	72,692
					Fair Value Measurements Using
	(in thousands)	31-Dec-13			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets			Significant Other Observable Inputs
					and Liabilities			(Level 2)
	Description				(Level 1)
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Money market funds	$	1,752		$	1,752		$	—
	Investment securities (Note 3)
	Funds
	Equity
	Global Growth	225,892			225,892			—
	U.S. Growth	97,936			97,936			—
	Value	9,959			9,959			—
	Alternative	37,436			37,436			—
	Fixed Income/High Yield	99,260			99,260			—
	Other	1,545			1,545			—
	Total Funds	472,028			472,028			—
	Common stock	213			213			—
	Investment securities	472,241			472,241			—
	Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)
	Common stocks	29,149			29,149			—
	Exchange-traded put option contracts	150			150			—
		29,299			29,299			—
	Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)
	Common stocks	(10,185		)	(10,185		)	—
	Exchange-traded funds	(485		)	(485		)	—
	Exchange-traded call option contracts	(56		)	(56		)	—
		(10,726		)	(10,726		)	—
	Total	$	492,566		$	492,566		$	—

NonOperating_Income_Tables

Non-Operating Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'
Non-operating income	'
	Non-operating income was comprised of the following components for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(in thousands)	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest income	$	34		$	49		$	123		$	209
	Interest expense	(885		)	(1,505		)	(3,899		)	(4,516		)
	Net interest expense	(851		)	(1,456		)	(3,776		)	(4,307		)
	Investment income	3,852			5,606			14,621			9,091
	Dividend income	605			1,017			1,615			2,750
	Miscellaneous other income	25			163			293			287
	Investment and other income	4,482			6,786			16,529			12,128
	Non-operating income	$	3,631		$	5,330		$	12,753		$	7,821

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit)	'
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	(in thousands)
	Income tax provision	$	1,870		$	1,603		$	5,278		$	6,154
	Income tax (provision) benefit attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments	(69		)	10			(148		)	(37		)
	Income tax provision attributable to CAM	1,801			1,613			5,130			6,117
	Net income attributable to CAM	3,369			2,697			8,736			7,772
	Income before taxes attributable to CAM	$	5,170		$	4,310		$	13,866		$	13,889
	CAM’s effective income tax rate	34.8		%	37.4		%	37		%	44		%

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2014			2013			2014		2013
	Earnings per share – basic:
	Earnings available to common shareholders	$	3,369		$	2,697		$	8,736	$	7,772
	Weighted average shares outstanding	17,889			19,672			18,399		19,999
	Earnings per share – basic	$	0.19		$	0.14		$	0.47	$	0.39
	Earnings per share – diluted:
	Earnings available to common shareholders	$	3,369		$	2,697		$	8,736	$	7,772
	Weighted average shares outstanding	17,889			19,672			18,399		19,999
	Dilutive impact of restricted stock units	893			716			759		601
	Weighted average shares outstanding	18,782			20,388			19,158		20,600
	Earnings per share – diluted	$	0.18		$	0.13		$	0.46	$	0.38
Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	'
	The following table shows the number of shares which were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive:
		Three Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
		September 30,			September 30,
		2014		2013	2014		2013
	Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments*	22,592,845		31,877,237	22,592,845		31,877,237
	Stock options	1,912,621		2,101,568	1,912,621		2,101,568
	Total	24,505,466		33,978,805	24,505,466		33,978,805
	* Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments LLC determined by using the closing price of our shares as of September 30, 2014 ($11.27) and September 30, 2013 ($9.99) as well as assuming said closing prices fully reflect all of CAM's assets; including the application of a 12% discount rate to certain deferred tax assets at each of September 30, 2014 and 2013. The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments LLC, with the result divided by the applicable period-end closing price. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation, for a description of certain assets owned by CAM.

Organization_and_Description_o1

Organization and Description of Business (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Corporate Structure [Line Items]	'
Options and RSU awards vesting period (in days)	'60 days
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	'
Corporate Structure [Line Items]	'
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC (as a percent)	22.20%
Calamos Family Partners, Inc.	'
Corporate Structure [Line Items]	'
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC (as a percent)	77.80%
Class A Common Stock	'
Corporate Structure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of ownership (including vested stock options) by noncontrolling owners (as a percent)	17.80%
Class B Common Stock | Calamos Family Partners, Inc.	'
Corporate Structure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of voting power owned in Calamos Asset Management (as a percent)	97.40%
Public Stockholders | Class A Common Stock	'
Corporate Structure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of public shareholders voting power (as a percent)	2.60%	[1]
Minimum | Public Stockholders | Class A Common Stock	'
Corporate Structure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of public shareholders economic interest (as a percent)	99.00%	[1]
Maximum | Class B Common Stock | Calamos Family Partners, Inc.	'
Corporate Structure [Line Items]	'
Percentage of economic interest (as a percent)	1.00%
[1]	Represents combined economic interest of all public stockholders, including John P. Calamos, Sr. and John P. Calamos, Jr.bs combinedB 17.8% ownership interest of Class A common stock. The calculation of ownership interest includes options and restricted stock units ("RSUs") that vest within 60 days, as well as CFPbs indirect ownership interest in Class A common stock purchased by Calamos Investments LLC, pursuant to the Companybs share repurchase plan.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 15, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
						Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Equity method investment, ownership percentage, maximum (as a percent)	50.00%	'	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of combined interest in subsidiary that is considered to be noncontrolling interest (as a percent)	77.80%	'	77.80%	'	77.80%	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents and investment securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	$73,400,000	$71,700,000
Deferred tax assets	382,000	401,000	382,000	401,000	'	'	40,600,000	46,800,000
Net current income taxes receivable	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,900,000	3,100,000
Loan receivable	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,200,000	'
Proceeds from loan	'	'	'	'	'	25,000,000	'	'
Repayments of senior notes	'	'	'	'	'	46,200,000	'	'
Net income before income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	59,300,000	63,800,000
Interest income	34,000	49,000	123,000	209,000	'	'	1,300,000	139,000
Restricted cash	$431,000	'	$431,000	'	'	'	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Treasury Stock (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Calamos Asset Management, Inc.

Calamos Asset Management, Inc.

Calamos Asset Management, Inc.

Treasury Stock

Treasury Stock

Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)

Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)

Class A Common Stock

Class A Common Stock

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period over which shares can be repurchased (in years)

'

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase of common stock (in shares)

'

'

'

'

1,779,670

904,350

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Average purchase price of shares (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

$12.13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC

'

'

($21,591)

($34,800)

($21,600)

'

'

'

'

'

'

($4,795)

'

($16,796)

Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC (as a percent)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22.20%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ownership interest (as a percent)

77.80%

'

77.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock (in shares)

'

'

'

'

194,542

'

'

'

5,222

194,542

'

'

'

'

Issuance of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

61

2,200

'

'

'

'

Noncontrolling interest

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

47

1,701

'

'

Dividends on shares held

396

'

806

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$308

$627

Investment_Securities_Summary_

Investment Securities - Summary (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trading securities:	'	'	'
Total investment securities	$287,657	$472,241	$287,700
Available-for-sale securities	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	276,652	415,623	'
Unrealized Gains	9,066	17,025	'
Unrealized Losses	-2,768	-700	'
Fair Value	282,950	431,948	'
Available-for-sale securities | Global Growth	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	142,535	214,811	'
Unrealized Gains	5,832	11,097	'
Unrealized Losses	-1,374	-15	'
Fair Value	146,993	225,893	'
Available-for-sale securities | U.S. Growth	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	64,964	55,109	'
Unrealized Gains	1,638	2,971	'
Unrealized Losses	-1,051	-436	'
Fair Value	65,551	57,644	'
Available-for-sale securities | Value	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	9,979	9,886	'
Unrealized Gains	141	315	'
Unrealized Losses	-40	-243	'
Fair Value	10,080	9,958	'
Available-for-sale securities | Alternative	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	40,065	35,436	'
Unrealized Gains	990	2,000	'
Unrealized Losses	-193	0	'
Fair Value	40,862	37,436	'
Available-for-sale securities | Fixed Income/High Yield	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	17,361	98,834	'
Unrealized Gains	133	429	'
Unrealized Losses	-107	-4	'
Fair Value	17,387	99,259	'
Available-for-sale securities | Other	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	1,613	1,414	'
Unrealized Gains	237	133	'
Unrealized Losses	-3	-2	'
Fair Value	1,847	1,545	'
Available-for-sale securities | Total Funds	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	276,517	415,490	'
Unrealized Gains	8,971	16,945	'
Unrealized Losses	-2,768	-700	'
Fair Value	282,720	431,735	'
Available-for-sale securities | Common stock	'	'	'
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'
Cost	135	133	'
Unrealized Gains	95	80	'
Unrealized Losses	0	0	'
Fair Value	230	213	'
Trading securities	'	'	'
Trading securities:	'	'	'
Cost	4,682	48,539	'
Unrealized Gains	72	320	'
Unrealized Losses	-47	-8,566	'
Fair Value	$4,707	$40,293	'

Investment_Securities_Changes_

Investment Securities - Changes in Investment Securities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Available-for-sale securities:	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sales	$84,917	$77,465	$279,245	$325,447
Gross realized gains on sales	5,539	2,833	11,011	10,171
Trading securities:	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	($167)	$429	$8,270	($143)

Investment_Securities_Tax_Prov

Investment Securities - Tax (Provision) Benefit on Unrealized Gains (Losses) and Gains (Losses) Reclassified out of AOCI (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses)	($9,123)	$20,094	$1,531	$20,485
Tax Benefit	-912	1,823	59	1,724
After-Tax Amount	-8,211	18,271	1,472	18,761
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in income	'	'	'	'
Before-Tax Amount	-5,949	610	-11,559	-4,973
Tax Provision (Benefit)	-621	51	-1,167	-408
After-Tax Amount	-5,328	559	-10,392	-4,565
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'	'	'
Before-Tax Amount	-15,072	20,704	-10,028	15,512
Tax Provision (Benefit)	-1,533	1,874	-1,108	1,316
After-Tax Amount	($13,539)	$18,830	($8,920)	$14,196

Investment_Securities_Narrativ

Investment Securities - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Investments in Funds	$287,400,000	$472,000,000
Investments in affiliated funds	287,400,000	427,600,000
Aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss position	108,700,000	14,000,000
Unrealized losses, temporary in nature	$2,800,000	$700,000

Derivative_Assets_and_Liabilit1

Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
				Investment and other income (loss)	Investment and other income (loss)
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Investment securities	$287,657,000	$472,241,000	$287,700,000	'	'
Net loss on derivatives	'	'	'	$1,800,000	($1,900,000)

Partnership_Investments_Detail

Partnership Investments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated partnerships:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$73,740	$39,078	$71,582	$106,796
Partnership investments, net	138,932	34,047	'	'
Consolidated partnerships:	'	'	'	'
Consolidated partnerships:	'	'	'	'
Securities owned	124,993	29,149	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	20,820	12,208	'	'
Receivables for securities sold	1,052	1,076	'	'
Receivables for foreign exchange	20,261	0	'	'
Other current assets	1,320	30	'	'
Exchange-traded option contracts, net	634	94	'	'
Securities sold not yet purchased	-8,114	-10,670	'	'
Payables for securities purchased	-1,656	-1,576	'	'
Payables for foreign currency	-20,261	0	'	'
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-167	-76	'	'
Total	138,882	30,235	'	'
Equity method investment in partnerships	50	3,812	'	'
Partnership investments, net	$138,932	$34,047	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Open-end funds	$245,700,000	$245,700,000	'	$450,400,000
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	138,932,000	138,932,000	'	34,047,000
Carrying value of long-term debt	46,000,000	46,000,000	'	92,100,000
Long-term debt fair value	54,200,000	54,200,000	'	104,400,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-46,160,000	-46,160,000	0	'
Payment obligation associated with acquisition	1,700,000	1,700,000	'	3,400,000
Payment obligation fair value	1,700,000	1,700,000	'	3,300,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	11,258,000	11,258,000	'	1,752,000
Investment securities (Note 3)	291,041,000	291,041,000	'	472,241,000
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	60,271,000	60,271,000	'	29,299,000
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-10,861,000	-10,861,000	'	-10,726,000
Total	351,709,000	351,709,000	'	492,566,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Global Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	146,993,000	146,993,000	'	225,892,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | U.S. Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	70,258,000	70,258,000	'	97,936,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Value	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	12,209,000	12,209,000	'	9,959,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Alternative	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	42,117,000	42,117,000	'	37,436,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Fixed Income/High Yield	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	17,387,000	17,387,000	'	99,260,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Other	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	1,847,000	1,847,000	'	1,545,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Total Funds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	290,811,000	290,811,000	'	472,028,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Common stock	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	230,000	230,000	'	213,000
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	48,742,000	48,742,000	'	29,149,000
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-3,384,000	-3,384,000	'	-10,185,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Exchange-traded funds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	'	'	'	-485,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Common stocks - owned by partnership	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-7,141,000	-7,141,000	'	'
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Exchange-traded put option contracts	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	706,000	706,000	'	150,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | U.S. Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-264,000	-264,000	'	'
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Exchange-traded call option contracts	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-72,000	-72,000	'	-56,000
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Convertible preferred stocks	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	2,850,000	2,850,000	'	'
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Convertible bonds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	0	0	'	'
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Corporate bonds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	0	0	'	'
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Short term investments	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	7,973,000	7,973,000	'	'
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	0
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	73,401,000	73,401,000	'	0
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-709,000	-709,000	'	0
Total	72,692,000	72,692,000	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Global Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Value	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Alternative	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed Income/High Yield	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Other	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Total Funds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Common stock	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	0	0	'	0
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	26,912,000	26,912,000	'	0
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Exchange-traded funds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	'	'	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Common stocks - owned by partnership	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-709,000	-709,000	'	'
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Exchange-traded put option contracts	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	0	0	'	'
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Exchange-traded call option contracts	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	0	0	'	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Convertible preferred stocks	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	2,515,000	2,515,000	'	'
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Convertible bonds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	38,330,000	38,330,000	'	'
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Corporate bonds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	5,644,000	5,644,000	'	'
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Short term investments	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	0	0	'	'
Fair Value | Recurring	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	11,258,000	11,258,000	'	1,752,000
Investment securities (Note 3)	291,041,000	291,041,000	'	472,241,000
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	133,672,000	133,672,000	'	29,299,000
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-11,570,000	-11,570,000	'	-10,726,000
Total	424,401,000	424,401,000	'	492,566,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Global Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	146,993,000	146,993,000	'	225,892,000
Fair Value | Recurring | U.S. Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	70,258,000	70,258,000	'	97,936,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Value	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	12,209,000	12,209,000	'	9,959,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Alternative	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	42,117,000	42,117,000	'	37,436,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Fixed Income/High Yield	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	17,387,000	17,387,000	'	99,260,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Other	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	1,847,000	1,847,000	'	1,545,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Total Funds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	290,811,000	290,811,000	'	472,028,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Common stock	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investment securities (Note 3)	230,000	230,000	'	213,000
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	75,654,000	75,654,000	'	29,149,000
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-3,384,000	-3,384,000	'	-10,185,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Exchange-traded funds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	'	'	'	-485,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Common stocks - owned by partnership	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-7,850,000	-7,850,000	'	'
Fair Value | Recurring | Exchange-traded put option contracts	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	706,000	706,000	'	150,000
Fair Value | Recurring | U.S. Growth	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-264,000	-264,000	'	'
Fair Value | Recurring | Exchange-traded call option contracts	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities sold but not yet purchased by partnership investments (Note 5)	-72,000	-72,000	'	-56,000
Fair Value | Recurring | Convertible preferred stocks	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	5,365,000	5,365,000	'	'
Fair Value | Recurring | Convertible bonds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	38,330,000	38,330,000	'	'
Fair Value | Recurring | Corporate bonds	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	5,644,000	5,644,000	'	'
Fair Value | Recurring | Short term investments	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5)	$7,973,000	$7,973,000	'	'

Loans_Payable_Details

Loans Payable (Details) (Margin Loan)	Sep. 30, 2014
Margin Loan	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'
Margin loan interest rate effective percentage rate, maximum (as a percent)	2.50%
Percentage of borrowing upon marginal securities, maximum (as a percent)	70.00%

Stock_Based_Compensation_Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Compensation expense recorded in connection with RSUs and stock options	$4,650,000	$4,887,000
Deferred tax assets	382,000	401,000
Total unrecognized compensation expense	17,900,000	'
Unrecognized compensation expense, expected weighted-average period to be recognized (in years)	'3 years 1 month 0 days	'
Additional paid-in capital	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans credited to additional paid-in capital	1,000,000	1,100,000
RSU	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted stock units, granted (in shares)	861,155	'
Restricted stock units, forfeited (in shares)	464,973	'
Restricted stock units, vested (in shares)	238,774	'
Number of RSUs withheld for taxes (in shares)	44,232	'
Number of RSUs converted on a one-for-one basis for shares of company's Class A common stock (in shares)	194,542	'
Total intrinsic value and fair value of converted shares	2,300,000	'
Total tax benefit realized in connection with the vesting of RSUs	$265,000	'
Stock options	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Stock options granted (in shares)	0	'
Stock options forfeited (in shares)	188,947	'

NonOperating_Income_Details

Non-Operating Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest income	$34	$49	$123	$209
Interest expense	-885	-1,505	-3,899	-4,516
Net interest expense	-851	-1,456	-3,776	-4,307
Investment income	3,852	5,606	14,621	9,091
Dividend income	605	1,017	1,615	2,750
Miscellaneous other income	25	163	293	287
Investment and other income	4,482	6,786	16,529	12,128
Total non-operating income	$3,631	$5,330	$12,753	$7,821

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax provision	$1,870	$1,603	$5,278	$6,154
Net income attributable to CAM	3,369	2,697	8,736	7,772
Income before taxes attributable to CAM	5,170	4,310	13,866	13,889
CAMbs effective income tax rate	34.80%	37.40%	37.00%	44.00%
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax provision	-69	10	-148	-37
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	'	'	'	'
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Income tax provision	$1,801	$1,613	$5,130	$6,117

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Capital loss carryforward	'	'	$6,300,000
Amount of capital loss that will expire within one year	'	'	5,800,000
Amount of capital loss that will expire within five years	'	'	456,000
Allowance, capital loss carryforward	'	2,100,000	'
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	$900,000	'	'
Effective income tax rate (as a percent)	37.60%	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings per share b basic:	'		'		'		'
Earnings available to common shareholders	$3,369		$2,697		$8,736		$7,772
Weighted average shares outstanding	17,888,694		19,671,742		18,399,379		19,998,922
Earnings per share b basic	$0.19		$0.14		$0.47		$0.39
Earnings per share b diluted:	'		'		'		'
Earnings available to common shareholders	$3,369		$2,697		$8,736		$7,772
Weighted average shares outstanding	17,888,694		19,671,742		18,399,379		19,998,922
Dilutive impact of restricted stock units	893,000		716,000		759,000		601,000
Earnings per share b diluted	$0.18		$0.13		$0.46		$0.38
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	24,505,466		33,978,805		24,505,466		33,978,805
Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interestsb ownership in Calamos Investments | Class A Common Stock	'		'		'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	22,592,845	[1]	31,877,237	[1]	22,592,845	[1]	31,877,237	[1]
Closing price of shares (in dollars per share)	$11.27		$9.99		$11.27		$9.99
Discount rate (as a percent)	'		'		12.00%		12.00%
Stock options	'		'		'		'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'		'		'		'
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	1,912,621		2,101,568		1,912,621		2,101,568
[1]	Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments LLC determined by using the closing price of our shares as of SeptemberB 30, 2014 ($11.27) and SeptemberB 30, 2013 ($9.99) as well as assuming said closing prices fully reflect all of CAM's assets; including the application of a 12% discount rate to certain deferred tax assets at each of SeptemberB 30, 2014 and 2013. The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments LLC, with the result divided by the applicable period-end closing price. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation, for a description of certain assets owned by CAM.