Calamos Asset Management (CLMS) 10-Q 5 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 30, 2015
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Calamos Asset Management, Inc. /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	1,299,033
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus (Q1,Q2,Q3,FY)	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Class A Common Stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,531,826
Class B Common Stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		100

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 92,753	$ 35,285
Receivables:
Affiliates and affiliated funds	13,782	16,024
Customers	4,201	2,967
Investment securities	258,209	339,959
Partnership investments	108,043	143,723
Prepaid expenses	3,636	3,188
Deferred tax assets, net	7,887	9,194
Other current assets	5,249	2,508
Total current assets	493,760	552,848
Non-current assets:
Deferred tax assets, net	29,346	31,067
Goodwill and intangible assets	7,351	6,380
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization ($60,808 at September 30, 2015 and $61,145 at December 31, 2014)	13,658	14,246
Other non-current assets	1,865	2,615
Total non-current assets	52,220	54,308
Total assets	545,980	607,156
Current liabilities:
Distribution fees payable	7,953	10,614
Accrued compensation and benefits	23,188	24,476
Interest payable	632	1,386
Liabilities of partnership investments	631	10,117
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,357	6,009
Total current liabilities	37,761	52,602
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	45,955	45,955
Deferred rent	8,820	8,803
Other non-current liabilities	2,282	1,710
Total non-current liabilities	57,057	56,468
Total liabilities	94,818	109,070
Redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	74,194	76,167
EQUITY
Additional paid-in capital	223,334	221,208
Retained earnings	83,693	89,311
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(788)	1,297
Treasury stock; 8,055,525 shares at September 30, 2015 and 7,070,059 shares at December 31, 2014	(111,986)	(107,129)
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity	194,505	204,937
Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	182,463	216,982
Total equity	376,968	421,919
Total liabilities and equity	545,980	607,156
Class A Common Stock
EQUITY
Common Stock	252	250
Class B Common Stock
EQUITY
Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FIN3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 60,808	$ 61,145
EQUITY
Treasury stock (in shares)	8,055,525	7,070,059
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)	25,231,667	24,990,781
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	17,176,142	17,920,722
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 OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
REVENUES
Investment management fees	$ 46,738	$ 50,418	$ 141,648	$ 150,393
Distribution and underwriting fees	10,264	12,438	31,858	38,069
Other	616	676	1,880	2,005
Total revenues	57,618	63,532	175,386	190,467
EXPENSES
Employee compensation and benefits	23,891	21,738	70,613	65,464
Distribution expenses	10,172	12,164	31,178	37,122
Marketing and sales promotion	4,063	3,897	21,798	12,268
General and administrative	10,865	9,880	30,583	29,050
Total operating expenses	48,991	47,679	154,172	143,904
Operating income	8,627	15,853	21,214	46,563
NON-OPERATING INCOME
Net interest expense	(717)	(851)	(2,168)	(3,776)
Investment and other income (loss)	(10,997)	4,482	(4,568)	16,529
Total non-operating income (loss)	(11,714)	3,631	(6,736)	12,753
Income (loss) before income taxes	(3,087)	19,484	14,478	59,316
Income tax provision (benefit)	(46)	1,870	1,694	5,278
Net income (loss)	(3,041)	17,614	12,784	54,038
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	(894)	(15,936)	(12,031)	(43,749)
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	4,298	1,691	1,744	(1,553)
Net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	$ 363	$ 3,369	$ 2,497	$ 8,736
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.19	$ 0.14	$ 0.47
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.18	$ 0.14	$ 0.46
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	17,316,823	17,888,694	17,657,669	18,399,379
Diluted (in shares)	18,208,850	18,781,856	18,445,524	19,158,720
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.15	$ 0.45	$ 0.40

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (3,041)	$ 17,614	$ 12,784	$ 54,038
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses)	(19,871)	(9,123)	(7,816)	1,531
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income	0	(5,949)	(2,510)	(11,559)
Other comprehensive loss, before income tax benefit	(19,871)	(15,072)	(10,326)	(10,028)
Income tax benefit related to other comprehensive loss	(1,857)	(1,533)	(1,225)	(1,108)
After-Tax Amount	(18,014)	(13,539)	(9,101)	(8,920)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(21,055)	4,075	3,683	45,118
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	13,958	(5,007)	(5,015)	(36,696)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	4,298	1,691	1,744	(1,553)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	$ (2,799)	$ 759	$ 412	$ 6,869

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - 9 months ended Sep. 30, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 421,919	$ 250	$ 221,208	$ 89,311	$ 1,297	$ (107,129)	$ 216,982	$ 76,167
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	14,528			2,497			12,031	(1,744)
Other comprehensive loss	(9,101)				(2,085)		(7,016)
Issuance of common stock (240,886 Class A common shares)		2	(2)
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC (985,466 Class A common shares)	(11,957)					(2,655)	(9,302)
Impact of the redemption of common stock from Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (240,886 Class A common shares)			2,202			(2,202)
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC	(675)		(111)				(564)
Net purchase of redeemable non-controlling interests in partnership investments								(229)
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans	4,655		1,034				3,621
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock			(997)				997
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans	(714)			(158)			(556)
Equity and tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	(33,730)						(33,730)
Dividends declared	(7,957)			(7,957)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2015	$ 376,968	$ 252	$ 223,334	$ 83,693	$ (788)	$ (111,986)	$ 182,463	$ 74,194

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) - Class A Common Stock	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015shares
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	240,886
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	985,466
Redemption of common stock (in shares)	240,886

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$ 35,285	$ 39,078
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
Net income	12,784	54,038
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	1,358	1,987
Other depreciation and amortization	3,111	3,274
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	89	(111)
Deferred rent	17	(168)
Change in unrealized gains on trading securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investments	(1,157)	(7,785)
Net realized (gains) losses on sale of investment securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investments	6,719	(3,388)
Deferred taxes, net	4,309	7,208
Stock-based compensation	4,655	4,650
Employee taxes paid on vesting under stock incentive plans	(730)	(510)
Receivables:
Affiliates and affiliated funds, net	2,242	394
Customers	(1,234)	2,197
Other assets	(3,780)	(3,233)
Decrease in liabilities:
Distribution fees payable	(2,661)	(226)
Accrued compensation and benefits	(1,833)	(2,613)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(2,030)	(5,527)
Net cash provided by operating activities	21,859	50,187
Cash flows provided by investing activities:
Net additions to property and equipment	(2,574)	(991)
Purchases of investment securities	(20,370)	(131,478)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities	89,022	317,109
Contributions to partnership investments	(229)	(31,400)
Distributions from partnership investments	23,403	0
Net cash paid for acquisition	(55)	0
Net cash provided by investing activities	89,197	153,240
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt		(46,160)
Deferred tax benefit (expense) on vesting under stock incentive plans	56	(14)
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC (985,466 at September 30, 2015, and 1,779,670 at September 30, 2014 Class A common shares)	(11,957)	(21,591)
Equity distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interests)	(23,338)	(71,571)
Tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interests)	(10,392)	(22,023)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(7,957)	(7,406)
Net cash used in financing activities	(53,588)	(168,765)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	57,468	34,662
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	92,753	73,740
Cash paid (refunded) for:
Income taxes, net	(105)	(1,416)
Interest	$ 3,032	$ 5,954

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Class A Common Stock
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	985,466	1,779,670

Organization and Description of

Organization and Description of Business	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 , 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, 2015 : (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 18.78% 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, an exchange traded fund 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 Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , and 2014 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, 2014 . 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , these assets included cash, cash equivalents and investment securities of $80.1 million and $79.3 million , net current and non-current deferred tax assets of $37.2 million and $40.3 million , net current income taxes receivable of $5.0 million and $2.4 million , and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $20.1 million and $21.0 million , respectively, that are reported together with Calamos Investments’ consolidated assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Additionally, net income before income taxes of $14.5 million and $59.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, each included $721,000 and $1.3 million , 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 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 year ended December 31, 2014 and the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Calamos Investments, through a wholly owned subsidiary, was indirectly the general partner and controlled the operations of Calamos Arista 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, a hedge fund in the Cayman Islands. As Calamos Investments was the general partner and controlled the operations of Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP and Calamos Arista Strategic Fund Ltd, the results of these partnerships and the master fund were included in the Company’s consolidated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP was liquidated on December 26, 2014. The partnership redemptions were completed during the first quarter of 2015 for proceeds of $23.1 million . For the year ended December 31, 2014 , the amount due to non-controlling interest of $7.7 million related to this partnership investment was presented in liabilities of partnership investments in our consolidated statements of financial condition. 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, 2014 . Calamos International Growth Fund LP was dissolved on April 10, 2014. See Note 6, Partnership Investments , for more discussion regarding these funds. For the periods the partnerships are consolidated, the assets and liabilities of the partnerships are presented as partnership investments and liabilities of partnership investments, respectively, in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The net income for these partnerships are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations, and the change in partnership investments is included in contributions to or distributions from partnership investments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The underlying assets and liabilities that are being consolidated are described in Note 6, Partnership Investments . The combined interests of all of the consolidated partnerships not owned by the Company and that are redeemable 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 in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These other partnership investments are accounted for under the equity method. Restricted Cash The Company has a $430,000 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 On November 13, 2014, the Company announced a repurchase of up to an additional 3 million shares of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock primarily to continue to manage the dilution from share issuances under the Company’s incentive compensation plan. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , Calamos Investments repurchased 985,466 shares of Class A common stock, at an average purchase price of $12.13 and a total cost of $12.0 million under this repurchase program. 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 $2.7 million is reported in treasury stock, with Calamos Interests’ 77.8% ownership interest in these shares totaling $9.3 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 nine months ended September 30, 2015 , CAM redeemed 240,886 Class A common shares from Calamos Investments for a value of $2.8 million , 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 $2.2 million . CAM did not have any redemptions of Class A common shares from Calamos Investments during the third quarter of 2015 . During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 , dividends on shares held by Calamos Investments totaled $473,000 and $1.3 million , respectively. The payment of these dividends increased Calamos Investments' equity resulting in a $368,000 adjustment for the third quarter of 2015 , and a $997,000 adjustment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , 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, 2014 .

Acquisition

Acquisition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisition On September 30, 2015, Calamos Investments acquired Phineus Partners LP, a long/short equity investment firm located in San Francisco, California for a total purchase price of $1.0 million . The acquisition enhances the Company’s product offerings and role as an innovator in the liquid alternatives space. The purchase price consists of $55,000 cash paid to the selling shareholder with the remaining balance as contingent consideration payable annually over the next three years . This future obligation is reported at fair value in other current and non-current liabilities. As part of the acquisition, we recognized $596,000 of definite-lived intangible assets related to separately-managed account relationships that will be amortized over three years . The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired resulted in the recognition of $375,000 of goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses for professional services were expensed as incurred, and recorded in general and administrative expenses.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : (in thousands) September 30, 2015 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds Equity Global Growth $ 126,908 $ 2,961 $ (3,443 ) $ 126,426 U.S. Growth 63,992 2,290 (2,115 ) 64,167 Value 5,097 35 (444 ) 4,688 Alternative 28,209 282 (747 ) 27,744 Fixed Income/High Yield 17,613 29 (596 ) 17,046 Multi-Strategy 9,255 41 (1,054 ) 8,242 Convertible 5,193 — (233 ) 4,960 Total Funds 256,267 5,638 (8,632 ) 253,273 Common stock 140 154 — 294 Total available-for-sale securities $ 256,407 $ 5,792 $ (8,632 ) $ 253,567 Trading securities: Funds Equity U.S. Growth $ 5,147 $ — $ (505 ) $ 4,642 Total investment securities $ 258,209 (in thousands) December 31, 2014 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds Equity Global Growth $ 142,610 $ 5,275 $ (1,872 ) $ 146,013 U.S. Growth 64,526 3,194 (410 ) 67,310 Value 9,979 286 (171 ) 10,094 Alternative 40,752 1,283 (4 ) 42,031 Fixed Income/High Yield 17,596 1 (423 ) 17,174 Multi-Strategy 1,494 198 (9 ) 1,683 Convertible 10,163 15 (1 ) 10,177 Total Funds 287,120 10,252 (2,890 ) 294,482 Common stock 136 125 — 261 Total available-for-sale securities $ 287,256 $ 10,377 $ (2,890 ) $ 294,743 Trading securities: Funds Equity U.S. Growth $ 52,147 $ 33 $ (6,964 ) $ 45,216 Total investment securities $ 339,959 The investments in Funds at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , of $257.9 million and $339.7 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $132.5 million and $98.1 million , respectively. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had no investment securities that had been in a continuous loss position for 12 months or longer. The Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges of $4.5 million and $5.3 million , respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 on certain available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 . The other-than-temporary impairment charges were reported in non-operating income (loss), in the consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company believes that the remaining $8.6 million and $2.9 million , 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. The following table provides a summary of changes in investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Available-for-sale securities: Proceeds from sales $ 8,353 $ 84,917 $ 48,925 $ 279,245 Gross realized gains on sales $ 291 $ 5,539 $ 2,849 $ 11,011 Trading securities: Change in unrealized gains (losses) $ (789 ) $ (167 ) $ 6,426 $ 8,270 The table below summarizes the tax provision on unrealized gains (losses) and gains reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended Three Months Ended (in thousands) Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Available-for-sale securities: Changes in unrealized gains (losses) $ (19,871 ) $ (1,857 ) $ (18,014 ) $ (9,123 ) $ (912 ) $ (8,211 ) Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income — — — (5,949 ) (621 ) (5,328 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (19,871 ) $ (1,857 ) $ (18,014 ) $ (15,072 ) $ (1,533 ) $ (13,539 ) Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Available-for-sale securities: Changes in unrealized gains (losses) $ (7,816 ) $ (773 ) $ (7,043 ) $ 1,531 $ 59 $ 1,472 Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income (2,510 ) (452 ) (2,058 ) (11,559 ) (1,167 ) (10,392 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (10,326 ) $ (1,225 ) $ (9,101 ) $ (10,028 ) $ (1,108 ) $ (8,920 ) Reclassification of realized gains out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reported in non-operating income (loss), in investment income (loss), in the consolidated statement of operations. See Note 10, Non-Operating Income (Loss) .

Derivative Assets and Liabiliti

Derivative Assets and Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	Derivative Assets and Liabilities The Company may use 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 that could result in realized or unrealized gains and losses. The Company's investment securities, totaling $258.2 million at September 30, 2015 , consist primarily of positions in several Calamos equity and fixed income funds. The equity price risk in the investment portfolio may be 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 are 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. The Company did not record a gain or loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 . The Company recorded net gains of $1.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company may use these derivatives for risk management purposes but does not designate the contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. The Company had no derivative instruments outstanding as of September 30, 2015 and 2014 .

Partnership Investments

Partnership Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Partnership Investments [Abstract]
Partnership Investments	Partnership Investments Presented below are the underlying assets and liabilities of the partnerships that the Company reports on a consolidated basis, as well as partnership investments that the Company accounts for under the equity method. These investments are presented as partnership investments and liabilities of partnership investments, respectively, in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . (in thousands) September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Consolidated partnerships: Assets Securities owned $ 102,573 $ 103,079 Cash and cash equivalents 3,621 39,205 Receivables for securities sold 1,505 — Other current assets 267 1,188 Exchange-traded option contracts, net 47 201 Total assets of consolidated partnerships $ 108,013 $ 143,673 Liabilities Payables for securities purchased $ (537 ) $ (2,256 ) Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments — (7,719 ) Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (94 ) (142 ) Total $ (631 ) $ (10,117 ) Equity method investment in partnerships $ 30 $ 50 Profits and losses are allocated to the general partner and limited partners in proportion to their ownership interests at the beginning of each month. Partners' admissions, additional contributions and withdrawals are permitted on a monthly basis. Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP was liquidated on December 26, 2014. The partnership redemptions were completed during the first quarter of 2015 for proceeds of $23.1 million . This investment is presented as a consolidated partnership as of the year ended December 31, 2014 , in the table above. 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. This investment is presented as a consolidated partnership as of December 31, 2014 , and September 30, 2015 .

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 $233.1 million and $312.8 million at the end of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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 ask 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. Debt securities are valued based upon prices received from an independent pricing service or from a dealer or broker who makes markets in such securities. Pricing services utilize various observable market data and as such, debt securities are generally categorized as Level 2. 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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) Description September 30, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Cash and cash equivalents Money market funds $ 25,228 $ 25,228 $ — Investment securities (Note 4) Funds Equity Global Growth 126,426 126,426 — U.S. Growth 68,809 68,809 — Value 4,688 4,688 — Alternative 28,197 28,197 — Fixed Income/High Yield 17,046 12,121 4,925 Multi-Strategy 8,242 8,242 — Convertible 4,960 4,960 — Total Funds 258,368 253,443 4,925 Common stock 294 294 — Investment securities 258,662 253,737 4,925 Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6) Common stocks 48,604 25,559 23,045 Preferred stocks 4,694 3,760 934 Convertible bonds 47,519 — 47,519 Corporate bonds 1,756 — 1,756 Money market funds 3,606 3,606 — Foreign currency 15 15 — Exchange-traded put option contracts 47 47 — 106,241 32,987 73,254 Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 4) Common stocks (453 ) (453 ) — Total $ 389,678 $ 311,499 $ 78,179 Fair Value Measurements Using (in thousands) Description December 31, 2014 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Cash and cash equivalents Money market funds $ 1,209 $ 1,209 $ — Investment securities (Note 4) Funds Equity Global Growth 146,013 146,013 — U.S. Growth 112,526 112,526 — Value 12,218 12,218 — Alternative 42,031 42,031 — Fixed Income/High Yield 17,174 12,174 5,000 Multi-Strategy 1,683 1,683 — Convertible 11,021 11,021 — Total Funds 342,666 337,666 5,000 Common stock 261 261 — Investment securities 342,927 337,927 5,000 Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6) Common stocks 51,403 26,237 25,166 Preferred stocks 5,736 2,281 3,455 Convertible bonds 41,119 — 41,119 Corporate bonds 4,821 — 4,821 Money market funds 37,060 7,851 29,209 Foreign currency 513 513 — Exchange-traded put option contracts 201 201 — 140,853 37,083 103,770 Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 4) Common stocks (2,968 ) (2,968 ) — Total $ 482,021 $ 373,251 $ 108,770 The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, which has a total carrying value of $46.0 million at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , was $52.3 million and $54.2 million , respectively. During the third quarter of 2014, $46.2 million of senior notes outstanding were repaid. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company paid the $1.7 million payment obligation associated with its purchase of Black Capital LLC in 2012. The fair value and carrying value of this payment obligation was $1.7 million at December 31, 2014 , reported in other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. At September 30, 2015 , the Company recorded contingent consideration associated with its purchase of Phineus Partners LLC. The fair value and carrying value of the contingent consideration was $971,000 , and is included in other current and non-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, payment obligation and contingent consideration 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, 2015
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 1.5% per annum, based on the brokerage firm’s lending rate. These loans are due on demand. The Company can borrow up to 68% of its marginable securities on deposit with its brokerage firm. The Company had no margin loan balances outstanding at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2014 provides details of this plan and its provisions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , the Company granted 780,649 RSUs and there were 654,471 RSUs forfeited. During the same period, the Company granted no stock options and there were 280,682 stock options forfeited. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 , 298,558 RSUs vested with 57,672 units withheld for taxes and 240,886 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 $3.1 million . The total tax benefit realized in connection with the vesting of the RSUs during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $362,000 , as the Company receives tax benefits based upon the portion of Calamos Investments’ expense that it recognizes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , compensation expense recorded in connection with the RSUs and stock options was $4.7 million , of which $1.0 million 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 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 . As of September 30, 2015 , $14.5 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 2.7 years.

Non-Operating Income (Loss)

Non-Operating Income (Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Non-Operating Income (Loss)	Non-Operating Income (Loss) Non-operating income (loss) was comprised of the following components for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest income $ 49 $ 34 $ 138 $ 123 Interest expense (766 ) (885 ) (2,306 ) (3,899 ) Net interest expense (717 ) (851 ) (2,168 ) (3,776 ) Investment income (loss) (11,332 ) 3,852 (5,565 ) 14,621 Dividend income 322 605 848 1,615 Miscellaneous other income 13 25 149 293 Investment and other income (loss) (10,997 ) 4,482 (4,568 ) 16,529 Non-operating income (loss) $ (11,714 ) $ 3,631 $ (6,736 ) $ 12,753

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Income tax provision (benefit) $ (46 ) $ 1,870 $ 1,694 $ 5,278 Income tax (provision) benefit attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments 3 (69 ) (28 ) (148 ) Income tax provision (benefit) attributable to CAM (43 ) 1,801 1,666 5,130 Net income attributable to CAM 363 3,369 2,497 8,736 Income before taxes attributable to CAM $ 320 $ 5,170 $ 4,163 $ 13,866 CAM’s effective income tax rate (13.4 )% 34.8 % 40.0 % 37.0 % CAM's effective income tax rate was (13.4)% for the third quarter of 2015 , compared with 34.8% for the third quarter of 2014 , a result of $177,000 of provision to return true-ups from the 2014 income tax return. For the first nine months of 2015 , CAM's effective income tax rate was 40.0% , compared with 37.0% for the first nine months of 2014 . As of December 31, 2014 , the Company's total capital loss carryforward was $237,000 which will expire in 2017, if not used before the expiration date. As of September 30, 2015 , the Company did not have a valuation allowance on this deferred tax asset.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Earnings per share – basic: Earnings available to common shareholders $ 363 $ 3,369 $ 2,497 $ 8,736 Weighted average shares outstanding 17,317 17,889 17,658 18,399 Earnings per share – basic $ 0.02 $ 0.19 $ 0.14 $ 0.47 Earnings per share – diluted: Earnings available to common shareholders $ 363 $ 3,369 $ 2,497 $ 8,736 Weighted average shares outstanding 17,317 17,889 17,658 18,399 Dilutive impact of restricted stock units 892 893 788 759 Weighted average shares outstanding 18,209 18,782 18,446 19,158 Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.02 $ 0.18 $ 0.14 $ 0.46 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, 2015 , and 2014 , 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 2015 2014 2015 2014 Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments* 11,665,798 22,592,845 11,665,798 22,592,845 Restricted stock units — — 11,874 — Stock options 1,148,485 1,912,621 1,148,485 1,912,621 Total 12,814,283 24,505,466 12,826,157 24,505,466 * Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments determined by using the closing price of our shares as of September 30, 2015 ( $9.48 ) and September 30, 2014 ( $11.27 ) 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, 2015 and 2014 . The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments, 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.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies On March 31, 2015, the initial public offering of a Calamos-sponsored closed-end fund was completed with underwriters of the closed-end fund subsequently exercising a portion of their over-allotment option, the closing of which over-allotment option occurred on May 13, 2015. As contemplated in the fund's prospectus, CAL, the fund's investment adviser has implemented a share purchase program pursuant to which CAL will, through a plan agent, purchase up to $20 million of common shares of the fund in the open market, subject to applicable federal securities laws as well as to a variety of market and discount conditions and a daily purchase limit. The purchase plan, which seeks to provide increased liquidity for the fund's common shares, commenced on July 7, 2015 and will run through February 25, 2016. CAL purchased $7.6 million of common shares of the fund under this program during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 . In the normal course of business, the Company may be party to various legal proceedings from time to time. Management believes that a current complaint filed against CAL and CFS, alleging breaches of fiduciary duties with respect to the receipt of advisory, distribution and servicing fees paid by an open-end investment company advised by CAL, is without merit and CAL and CFS intend to defend themselves vigorously against the allegations. Currently, management believes that the ultimate resolution of this legal proceeding will not materially affect the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations and that the likelihood of a material adverse impact is remote.

Recently Issued Accounting Pron

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( "FASB" ) issued an accounting update amending the consolidation requirements under GAAP. This standard modifies existing consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position, as well as the available transition methods. In May 2014, the 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. In July 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption being permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company's effective date is January 1, 2018. 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.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event On November 4, 2015, the Board of Directors of CAM approved a distribution of $5.0 million from Calamos Investments to its members, payable on November 6, 2015, of which $1.1 million will be distributed to CAM, and $3.9 million will be distributed to the Calamos Interests. The distribution will be funded from cash on hand.

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , these assets included cash, cash equivalents and investment securities of $80.1 million and $79.3 million , net current and non-current deferred tax assets of $37.2 million and $40.3 million , net current income taxes receivable of $5.0 million and $2.4 million , and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $20.1 million and $21.0 million , respectively, that are reported together with Calamos Investments’ consolidated assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Additionally, net income before income taxes of $14.5 million and $59.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, each included $721,000 and $1.3 million , 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 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 year ended December 31, 2014 and the nine months ended September 30, 2015 . Calamos Investments, through a wholly owned subsidiary, was indirectly the general partner and controlled the operations of Calamos Arista 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, a hedge fund in the Cayman Islands. As Calamos Investments was the general partner and controlled the operations of Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP and Calamos Arista Strategic Fund Ltd, the results of these partnerships and the master fund were included in the Company’s consolidated financial results for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP was liquidated on December 26, 2014. The partnership redemptions were completed during the first quarter of 2015 for proceeds of $23.1 million . For the year ended December 31, 2014 , the amount due to non-controlling interest of $7.7 million related to this partnership investment was presented in liabilities of partnership investments in our consolidated statements of financial condition. 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, 2014 . Calamos International Growth Fund LP was dissolved on April 10, 2014. See Note 6, Partnership Investments , for more discussion regarding these funds. For the periods the partnerships are consolidated, the assets and liabilities of the partnerships are presented as partnership investments and liabilities of partnership investments, respectively, in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The net income for these partnerships are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations, and the change in partnership investments is included in contributions to or distributions from partnership investments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The underlying assets and liabilities that are being consolidated are described in Note 6, Partnership Investments . The combined interests of all of the consolidated partnerships not owned by the Company and that are redeemable 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 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 $430,000 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 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 February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( "FASB" ) issued an accounting update amending the consolidation requirements under GAAP. This standard modifies existing consolidation guidance for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and requires either a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach to adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of this standard on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position, as well as the available transition methods. In May 2014, the 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. In July 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption being permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company's effective date is January 1, 2018. 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, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Summary of investment securities	The following table provides a summary of investment securities as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 : (in thousands) September 30, 2015 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds Equity Global Growth $ 126,908 $ 2,961 $ (3,443 ) $ 126,426 U.S. Growth 63,992 2,290 (2,115 ) 64,167 Value 5,097 35 (444 ) 4,688 Alternative 28,209 282 (747 ) 27,744 Fixed Income/High Yield 17,613 29 (596 ) 17,046 Multi-Strategy 9,255 41 (1,054 ) 8,242 Convertible 5,193 — (233 ) 4,960 Total Funds 256,267 5,638 (8,632 ) 253,273 Common stock 140 154 — 294 Total available-for-sale securities $ 256,407 $ 5,792 $ (8,632 ) $ 253,567 Trading securities: Funds Equity U.S. Growth $ 5,147 $ — $ (505 ) $ 4,642 Total investment securities $ 258,209 (in thousands) December 31, 2014 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds Equity Global Growth $ 142,610 $ 5,275 $ (1,872 ) $ 146,013 U.S. Growth 64,526 3,194 (410 ) 67,310 Value 9,979 286 (171 ) 10,094 Alternative 40,752 1,283 (4 ) 42,031 Fixed Income/High Yield 17,596 1 (423 ) 17,174 Multi-Strategy 1,494 198 (9 ) 1,683 Convertible 10,163 15 (1 ) 10,177 Total Funds 287,120 10,252 (2,890 ) 294,482 Common stock 136 125 — 261 Total available-for-sale securities $ 287,256 $ 10,377 $ (2,890 ) $ 294,743 Trading securities: Funds Equity U.S. Growth $ 52,147 $ 33 $ (6,964 ) $ 45,216 Total investment securities $ 339,959
Changes in investment securities	The following table provides a summary of changes in investment securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Available-for-sale securities: Proceeds from sales $ 8,353 $ 84,917 $ 48,925 $ 279,245 Gross realized gains on sales $ 291 $ 5,539 $ 2,849 $ 11,011 Trading securities: Change in unrealized gains (losses) $ (789 ) $ (167 ) $ 6,426 $ 8,270
Summary of tax (provision) benefit on unrealized gains	The table below summarizes the tax provision on unrealized gains (losses) and gains reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended Three Months Ended (in thousands) Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Available-for-sale securities: Changes in unrealized gains (losses) $ (19,871 ) $ (1,857 ) $ (18,014 ) $ (9,123 ) $ (912 ) $ (8,211 ) Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income — — — (5,949 ) (621 ) (5,328 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (19,871 ) $ (1,857 ) $ (18,014 ) $ (15,072 ) $ (1,533 ) $ (13,539 ) Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Available-for-sale securities: Changes in unrealized gains (losses) $ (7,816 ) $ (773 ) $ (7,043 ) $ 1,531 $ 59 $ 1,472 Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income (2,510 ) (452 ) (2,058 ) (11,559 ) (1,167 ) (10,392 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (10,326 ) $ (1,225 ) $ (9,101 ) $ (10,028 ) $ (1,108 ) $ (8,920 )

Partnership Investments (Tables

Partnership Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Partnership Investments [Abstract]
Partnership investments	These investments are presented as partnership investments and liabilities of partnership investments, respectively, in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . (in thousands) September 30, 2015 December 31, 2014 Consolidated partnerships: Assets Securities owned $ 102,573 $ 103,079 Cash and cash equivalents 3,621 39,205 Receivables for securities sold 1,505 — Other current assets 267 1,188 Exchange-traded option contracts, net 47 201 Total assets of consolidated partnerships $ 108,013 $ 143,673 Liabilities Payables for securities purchased $ (537 ) $ (2,256 ) Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments — (7,719 ) Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (94 ) (142 ) Total $ (631 ) $ (10,117 ) Equity method investment in partnerships $ 30 $ 50

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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) Description September 30, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Cash and cash equivalents Money market funds $ 25,228 $ 25,228 $ — Investment securities (Note 4) Funds Equity Global Growth 126,426 126,426 — U.S. Growth 68,809 68,809 — Value 4,688 4,688 — Alternative 28,197 28,197 — Fixed Income/High Yield 17,046 12,121 4,925 Multi-Strategy 8,242 8,242 — Convertible 4,960 4,960 — Total Funds 258,368 253,443 4,925 Common stock 294 294 — Investment securities 258,662 253,737 4,925 Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6) Common stocks 48,604 25,559 23,045 Preferred stocks 4,694 3,760 934 Convertible bonds 47,519 — 47,519 Corporate bonds 1,756 — 1,756 Money market funds 3,606 3,606 — Foreign currency 15 15 — Exchange-traded put option contracts 47 47 — 106,241 32,987 73,254 Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 4) Common stocks (453 ) (453 ) — Total $ 389,678 $ 311,499 $ 78,179 Fair Value Measurements Using (in thousands) Description December 31, 2014 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Cash and cash equivalents Money market funds $ 1,209 $ 1,209 $ — Investment securities (Note 4) Funds Equity Global Growth 146,013 146,013 — U.S. Growth 112,526 112,526 — Value 12,218 12,218 — Alternative 42,031 42,031 — Fixed Income/High Yield 17,174 12,174 5,000 Multi-Strategy 1,683 1,683 — Convertible 11,021 11,021 — Total Funds 342,666 337,666 5,000 Common stock 261 261 — Investment securities 342,927 337,927 5,000 Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6) Common stocks 51,403 26,237 25,166 Preferred stocks 5,736 2,281 3,455 Convertible bonds 41,119 — 41,119 Corporate bonds 4,821 — 4,821 Money market funds 37,060 7,851 29,209 Foreign currency 513 513 — Exchange-traded put option contracts 201 201 — 140,853 37,083 103,770 Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 4) Common stocks (2,968 ) (2,968 ) — Total $ 482,021 $ 373,251 $ 108,770

Non-Operating Income (Loss) (Ta

Non-Operating Income (Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Non-Operating Income (Loss)	Non-operating income (loss) was comprised of the following components for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 : Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended (in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Interest income $ 49 $ 34 $ 138 $ 123 Interest expense (766 ) (885 ) (2,306 ) (3,899 ) Net interest expense (717 ) (851 ) (2,168 ) (3,776 ) Investment income (loss) (11,332 ) 3,852 (5,565 ) 14,621 Dividend income 322 605 848 1,615 Miscellaneous other income 13 25 149 293 Investment and other income (loss) (10,997 ) 4,482 (4,568 ) 16,529 Non-operating income (loss) $ (11,714 ) $ 3,631 $ (6,736 ) $ 12,753

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit)	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 2015 2014 2015 2014 (in thousands) Income tax provision (benefit) $ (46 ) $ 1,870 $ 1,694 $ 5,278 Income tax (provision) benefit attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments 3 (69 ) (28 ) (148 ) Income tax provision (benefit) attributable to CAM (43 ) 1,801 1,666 5,130 Net income attributable to CAM 363 3,369 2,497 8,736 Income before taxes attributable to CAM $ 320 $ 5,170 $ 4,163 $ 13,866 CAM’s effective income tax rate (13.4 )% 34.8 % 40.0 % 37.0 %

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Earnings per share – basic: Earnings available to common shareholders $ 363 $ 3,369 $ 2,497 $ 8,736 Weighted average shares outstanding 17,317 17,889 17,658 18,399 Earnings per share – basic $ 0.02 $ 0.19 $ 0.14 $ 0.47 Earnings per share – diluted: Earnings available to common shareholders $ 363 $ 3,369 $ 2,497 $ 8,736 Weighted average shares outstanding 17,317 17,889 17,658 18,399 Dilutive impact of restricted stock units 892 893 788 759 Weighted average shares outstanding 18,209 18,782 18,446 19,158 Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.02 $ 0.18 $ 0.14 $ 0.46
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 2015 2014 2015 2014 Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments* 11,665,798 22,592,845 11,665,798 22,592,845 Restricted stock units — — 11,874 — Stock options 1,148,485 1,912,621 1,148,485 1,912,621 Total 12,814,283 24,505,466 12,826,157 24,505,466 * Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments determined by using the closing price of our shares as of September 30, 2015 ( $9.48 ) and September 30, 2014 ( $11.27 ) 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, 2015 and 2014 . The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments, 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 32

Organization and Description of Business (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
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)	18.78%	18.78%
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%	97.40%
Percentage of economic interest (as a percent)	1.00%	1.00%
Public Stockholders | Class A Common Stock
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Percentage of public shareholders voting power (as a percent)	2.60%	2.60%
Percentage of public shareholders economic interest (as a percent)	99.00%	99.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of combined interest in subsidiary that is considered to be noncontrolling interest (as a percent)	77.80%			77.80%		77.80%
Deferred tax assets	$ 382		$ 382	$ 382	$ 382
Interest income	49		$ 34	138	123
Liabilities of partnership investments	631			631		$ 10,117
Restricted cash	430			430
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents and investment securities	80,100			80,100		79,300
Deferred tax assets	37,200			37,200		40,300
Net current income taxes receivable	5,000			5,000		2,400
Loan receivable	$ 20,100			20,100		21,000
Net income before income taxes				14,500	59,300
Interest income				$ 721	$ 1,300
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC | Subsidiaries
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from partnership redemptions		$ 23,100
Liabilities of partnership investments						$ 7,700

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Treasury Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 13, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Ownership interest (as a percent)	77.80%	77.80%
Shares repurchased		$ 11,957
Dividends on shares held	$ 473	$ 1,300
Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)				3,000,000
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		985,466	1,779,670
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		240,886
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC (as a percent)		22.20%
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. | Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		240,886
Issuance of common stock		$ 2,800
Treasury Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased		2,655
Noncontrolling interest		2,202
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased		9,302
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock	$ 368	$ 997
2014 Share Repurchase Program | Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		985,466
Average purchase price of shares (in dollars per share)		$ 12.13
Shares repurchased		$ 12,000

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash		$ 55	$ 0
Goodwill and intangible assets	$ 7,351	$ 7,351		$ 6,380
Phineus Partners LP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price	1,000
Cash	55
Repayment period (in years)		3 years
Definite-lived intangible assets	596
Goodwill and intangible assets	$ 375	$ 375
Phineus Partners LP | Customer Relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Amortization period (in years)		3 years

Investment Securities - Summary

Investment Securities - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Trading securities:
Total investment securities	$ 258,209	$ 339,959
Available-for-sale securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	256,407	287,256
Unrealized Gains	5,792	10,377
Unrealized Losses	(8,632)	(2,890)
Fair Value	253,567	294,743
Available-for-sale securities | Global Growth
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	126,908	142,610
Unrealized Gains	2,961	5,275
Unrealized Losses	(3,443)	(1,872)
Fair Value	126,426	146,013
Available-for-sale securities | U.S. Growth
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	63,992	64,526
Unrealized Gains	2,290	3,194
Unrealized Losses	(2,115)	(410)
Fair Value	64,167	67,310
Available-for-sale securities | Value
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	5,097	9,979
Unrealized Gains	35	286
Unrealized Losses	(444)	(171)
Fair Value	4,688	10,094
Available-for-sale securities | Alternative
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	28,209	40,752
Unrealized Gains	282	1,283
Unrealized Losses	(747)	(4)
Fair Value	27,744	42,031
Available-for-sale securities | Fixed Income/High Yield
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	17,613	17,596
Unrealized Gains	29	1
Unrealized Losses	(596)	(423)
Fair Value	17,046	17,174
Available-for-sale securities | Multi-Strategy
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	9,255	1,494
Unrealized Gains	41	198
Unrealized Losses	(1,054)	(9)
Fair Value	8,242	1,683
Available-for-sale securities | Convertible
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	5,193	10,163
Unrealized Gains	0	15
Unrealized Losses	(233)	(1)
Fair Value	4,960	10,177
Available-for-sale securities | Total Funds
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	256,267	287,120
Unrealized Gains	5,638	10,252
Unrealized Losses	(8,632)	(2,890)
Fair Value	253,273	294,482
Available-for-sale securities | Common stock
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	140	136
Unrealized Gains	154	125
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	294	261
Trading securities
Trading securities:
Cost		52,147
Unrealized Gains		33
Unrealized Losses		(6,964)
Fair Value		$ 45,216
Trading securities | U.S. Growth
Trading securities:
Cost	5,147
Unrealized Gains	0
Unrealized Losses	(505)
Fair Value	$ 4,642

Investment Securities - Narrati

Investment Securities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments in funds	$ 257,900,000		$ 257,900,000		$ 339,700,000
Aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss position	132,500,000		132,500,000		$ 98,100,000
Other than temporary impairment losses	$ 4,500,000	$ 0	$ 5,300,000	$ 0

Investment Securities - Changes

Investment Securities - Changes in Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Available-for-sale securities:
Proceeds from sales	$ 8,353	$ 84,917	$ 48,925	$ 279,245
Gross realized gains on sales	291	5,539	2,849	11,011
Trading securities:
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	$ (789)	$ (167)	$ 6,426	$ 8,270

Investment Securities - Tax (Pr

Investment Securities - Tax (Provision) Benefit on Unrealized Gains (Losses) and Gains (Losses) Reclassified out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)
Unrealized gains (losses)	$ (19,871)	$ (9,123)	$ (7,816)	$ 1,531
Tax Provision	(1,857)	(912)	(773)	59
After-Tax Amount	(18,014)	(8,211)	(7,043)	1,472
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income
Before-Tax Amount	0	(5,949)	(2,510)	(11,559)
Tax Provision (Benefit)	0	(621)	(452)	(1,167)
After-Tax Amount	0	(5,328)	(2,058)	(10,392)
Other comprehensive loss
Before-Tax Amount	(19,871)	(15,072)	(10,326)	(10,028)
Tax Provision (Benefit)	(1,857)	(1,533)	(1,225)	(1,108)
After-Tax Amount	$ (18,014)	$ (13,539)	$ (9,101)	$ (8,920)

Derivative Assets and Liabili40

Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Investment securities			$ 258,209	$ 339,959
Investment and Other Income (Loss)
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains on derivatives	$ 1,800	$ 1,800

Partnership Investments (Detail

Partnership Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated partnerships:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 92,753	$ 35,285	$ 73,740	$ 39,078
Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments		(631)	(10,117)
Total		(94,818)	(109,070)
Consolidated partnerships:
Consolidated partnerships:
Securities owned		102,573	103,079
Cash and cash equivalents		3,621	39,205
Receivables for securities sold		1,505	0
Other current assets		267	1,188
Exchange-traded option contracts, net		47	201
Total		108,013	143,673
Payables for securities purchased		(537)	(2,256)
Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments		0	(7,719)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(94)	(142)
Total		(631)	(10,117)
Equity method investment in partnerships		$ 30	50
Subsidiaries | Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC
Consolidated partnerships:
Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments			$ (7,700)
Proceeds from partnership redemptions	$ 23,100

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Open-end funds	$ 233,100		$ 233,100		$ 312,800
Redemption period (in days)			7 days
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	108,043		$ 108,043		143,723
Carrying value of long-term debt	46,000		46,000		46,000
Long-term debt fair value	52,300		52,300		54,200
Repayment of long-term debt	0	$ 46,200		$ 46,160
Payment obligation associated with acquisition	1,700		1,700
Phineus Partners LP
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	971		971
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	25,228		25,228		1,209
Investment securities (Note 4)	253,737		253,737		337,927
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	32,987		32,987		37,083
Total	311,499		311,499		373,251
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 4)	126,426		126,426		146,013
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 4)	68,809		68,809		112,526
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 4)	4,688		4,688		12,218
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 4)	28,197		28,197		42,031
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 4)	12,121		12,121		12,174
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Multi-Strategy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	8,242		8,242		1,683
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Convertible
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	4,960		4,960		11,021
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 4)	253,443		253,443		337,666
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 4)	294		294		261
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	25,559		25,559		26,237
Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 4)	(453)		(453)		(2,968)
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	3,760		3,760		2,281
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 6)	0		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 6)	0		0		0
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	3,606		3,606		7,851
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Foreign currency
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	15		15		513
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 6)	47		47		201
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 4)	4,925		4,925		5,000
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	73,254		73,254		103,770
Total	78,179		78,179		108,770
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 4)	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 4)	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 4)	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 4)	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 4)	4,925		4,925		5,000
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Multi-Strategy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	0		0		0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Convertible
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	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 4)	4,925		4,925		5,000
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 4)	0		0		0
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	23,045		23,045		25,166
Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 4)	0		0		0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	934		934		3,455
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 6)	47,519		47,519		41,119
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 6)	1,756		1,756		4,821
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	0		0		29,209
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign currency
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	0		0		0
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 6)	0		0		0
Fair Value | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	25,228		25,228		1,209
Investment securities (Note 4)	258,662		258,662		342,927
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	106,241		106,241		140,853
Total	389,678		389,678		482,021
Fair Value | Recurring | Global Growth
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	126,426		126,426		146,013
Fair Value | Recurring | U.S. Growth
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	68,809		68,809		112,526
Fair Value | Recurring | Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	4,688		4,688		12,218
Fair Value | Recurring | Alternative
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	28,197		28,197		42,031
Fair Value | Recurring | Fixed Income/High Yield
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	17,046		17,046		17,174
Fair Value | Recurring | Multi-Strategy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	8,242		8,242		1,683
Fair Value | Recurring | Convertible
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	4,960		4,960		11,021
Fair Value | Recurring | Total Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	258,368		258,368		342,666
Fair Value | Recurring | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 4)	294		294		261
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	48,604		48,604		51,403
Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 4)	(453)		(453)		(2,968)
Fair Value | Recurring | Preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	4,694		4,694		5,736
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 6)	47,519		47,519		41,119
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 6)	1,756		1,756		4,821
Fair Value | Recurring | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	3,606		3,606		37,060
Fair Value | Recurring | Foreign currency
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 6)	15		15		513
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 6)	$ 47		$ 47		201
Investment and Other Income (Loss)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Payment obligation fair value					$ 1,700

Loans Payable (Details)

Loans Payable (Details) - Margin Loan	Sep. 30, 2015
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Margin loan interest rate effective percentage rate, maximum (as a percent)	1.50%
Percentage of borrowing upon marginal securities, maximum (as a percent)	68.00%

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense recorded in connection with RSUs and stock options	$ 4,655	$ 4,650
Deferred tax assets	382	382
Total unrecognized compensation expense	$ 14,500
Unrecognized compensation expense, expected weighted-average period to be recognized (in years)	2 years 8 months
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	$ 1,000
RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units, granted (in shares)	780,649
Restricted stock units, forfeited (in shares)	654,471
Restricted stock units, vested (in shares)	298,558
Number of RSUs withheld for taxes (in shares)	57,672
Number of RSUs converted on a one-for-one basis for shares of company's Class A common stock (in shares)	240,886
Total intrinsic value and fair value of converted shares	$ 3,100
Total tax benefit realized in connection with the vesting of RSUs	$ 362
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	0
Stock options forfeited (in shares)	280,682

Non-Operating Income (Loss) (De

Non-Operating Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 49	$ 34	$ 138	$ 123
Interest expense	(766)	(885)	(2,306)	(3,899)
Net interest expense	(717)	(851)	(2,168)	(3,776)
Investment income (loss)	(11,332)	3,852	(5,565)	14,621
Dividend income	322	605	848	1,615
Miscellaneous other income	13	25	149	293
Investment and other income (loss)	(10,997)	4,482	(4,568)	16,529
Non-operating income (loss)	$ (11,714)	$ 3,631	$ (6,736)	$ 12,753

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ (46)	$ 1,870	$ 1,694	$ 5,278
Net income attributable to CAM	363	3,369	2,497	8,736
Income before taxes attributable to CAM	$ 320	$ 5,170	$ 4,163	$ 13,866
CAM’s effective income tax rate (as a percent)	(13.40%)	34.80%	40.00%	37.00%
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ 3	$ (69)	$ (28)	$ (148)
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ (43)	$ 1,801	$ 1,666	$ 5,130

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
CAM’s effective income tax rate (as a percent)	(13.40%)	34.80%	40.00%	37.00%
Provision to return true-up		$ 177
Capital loss carryforward					$ 237

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings per share – basic:
Earnings available to common shareholders	$ 363	$ 3,369	$ 2,497	$ 8,736
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	17,316,823	17,888,694	17,657,669	18,399,379
Earnings per share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.19	$ 0.14	$ 0.47
Earnings per share – diluted:
Earnings available to common shareholders	$ 363	$ 3,369	$ 2,497	$ 8,736
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	17,316,823	17,888,694	17,657,669	18,399,379
Dilutive impact of restricted stock units (in shares)	892,000	893,000	788,000	759,000
Earnings per share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.02	$ 0.18	$ 0.14	$ 0.46
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	12,814,283	24,505,466	12,826,157	24,505,466
Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments | Class A Common Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	11,665,798	22,592,845	11,665,798	22,592,845
Closing price of shares (in dollars per share)	$ 9.48		$ 9.48		$ 11.27
Discount rate (as a percent)			12.00%	12.00%
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	0	0	11,874	0
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	1,148,485	1,912,621	1,148,485	1,912,621

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Shares repurchased		$ 11,957,000
Purchase of Common Shares
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase shares	$ 20,000,000	20,000,000
Shares repurchased	$ 7,600,000	$ 7,600,000

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) - Subsequent Event	Nov. 04, 2015USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends	$ 5,000,000
CAM
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends	1,100,000
Calamos Interests
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends	$ 3,900,000