Calamos Asset Management (CLMS) 10-K 11 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 26, 2016	Jun. 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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 216.9
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Class A
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,529,331
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	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 104,717	$ 35,285
Receivables:
Affiliates and affiliated funds	13,891	16,024
Customers	3,876	2,967
Investment securities	257,057	339,959
Derivative assets	4,311	0
Partnership investments	112,640	143,723
Prepaid expenses	3,709	3,188
Deferred tax assets, net	8,294	9,194
Other current assets	631	2,508
Total current assets	509,126	552,848
Non-current assets:
Deferred tax assets, net	30,010	31,067
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	7,301	6,380
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization ($60,713 at December 31, 2015 and $61,145 at December 31, 2014)	13,308	14,246
Other non-current assets	1,717	2,615
Total non-current assets	52,336	54,308
Total assets	561,462	607,156
Current liabilities:
Distribution fees payable	7,641	10,614
Accrued compensation and benefits	28,583	24,476
Interest payable	1,390	1,386
Derivative liabilities	5,475	0
Liabilities of partnership investments	75	10,117
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	5,118	6,009
Total current liabilities	48,282	52,602
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	45,955	45,955
Deferred rent	8,788	8,803
Other non-current liabilities	2,043	1,710
Total non-current liabilities	56,786	56,468
Total liabilities	105,068	109,070
Redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	77,835	76,167
EQUITY
Additional paid-in capital	224,065	221,208
Retained earnings	81,881	89,311
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,110	1,297
Treasury stock; 8,409,162 shares at December 31, 2015 and 7,070,059 shares at December 31, 2014	(113,579)	(107,129)
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity	193,730	204,937
Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	184,829	216,982
Total equity	378,559	421,919
Total liabilities and equity	561,462	607,156
Class A Common Stock
EQUITY
Common Stock	253	250
Class B Common Stock
EQUITY
Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FIN3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 60,713	$ 61,145
EQUITY
Treasury stock (in shares)	8,409,162	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)	25,326,522	24,990,781
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	16,917,360	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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
REVENUES
Investment management fees	$ 186,826	$ 198,539	$ 212,398
Distribution and underwriting fees	41,583	49,764	54,068
Other	2,471	2,659	2,664
Total revenues	230,880	250,962	269,130
EXPENSES
Employee compensation and benefits	93,295	86,054	85,551
Distribution expenses	40,845	48,432	53,082
Marketing and sales promotion	26,189	16,128	15,728
General and administrative	40,212	39,158	36,883
Total operating expenses	200,541	189,772	191,244
Operating income	30,339	61,190	77,886
NON-OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
Net interest expense	(2,871)	(4,509)	(5,764)
Investment and other income (loss)	(3,747)	19,913	35,439
Total non-operating income (loss)	(6,618)	15,404	29,675
Income before income taxes	23,721	76,594	107,561
Income tax provision	2,320	5,787	6,262
Net income	21,401	70,807	101,299
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	(16,100)	(54,336)	(80,169)
Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	(1,974)	(2,941)	(2,502)
Net income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	$ 3,327	$ 13,530	$ 18,628
Earnings per share: (in dollars per share)
Basic	$ 0.19	$ 0.74	$ 0.94
Diluted	$ 0.18	$ 0.71	$ 0.92
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	17,518,033	18,275,246	19,903,507
Diluted	18,245,109	18,989,281	20,351,603
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.60	$ 0.55	$ 0.50

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 21,401	$ 70,807	$ 101,299
Unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains	4,817	3,173	39,630
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income	(2,654)	(12,012)	(19,732)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax provision (benefit)	2,163	(8,839)	19,898
Income tax provision (benefit) related to other comprehensive income (loss)	(110)	(920)	2,114
Other comprehensive income (loss), after income tax provision (benefit)	2,273	(7,919)	17,784
Comprehensive income	23,674	62,888	119,083
Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	(18,559)	(47,964)	(94,358)
Comprehensive income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	(1,974)	(2,941)	(2,502)
Comprehensive income attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	$ 3,141	$ 11,983	$ 22,223

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY - 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)	Total
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments, balance	$ 20,412
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2012		$ 244	$ 215,637	$ 77,714	$ (737)	$ (95,215)	$ 263,794	$ 461,437
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	101,299			18,628			80,169	98,797
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments, Net income	2,502
Other comprehensive income					3,595		14,189	17,784
Issuance of common stock		3	(3)
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC						(2,930)	(10,266)	(13,196)
Impact of the redemption of common stock from Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Asset Management, Inc.			1,383			(1,383)
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC			5		5		(1,661)	(1,651)
Distributions to redeemable non-controlling interests in partnership investments	(15,363)
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans			1,558				5,467	7,025
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock			(221)				221
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans				(252)			(870)	(1,122)
Equity and tax distributions to non-controlling interests							(68,168)	(68,168)
Dividends declared				(9,975)				(9,975)
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2013		247	218,359	86,115	2,863	(99,528)	282,875	490,931
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments, balance	7,551
Net income	70,807			13,530			54,336	67,866
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments, Net income	2,941
Other comprehensive income					(1,547)		(6,372)	(7,919)
Issuance of common stock		3	(3)
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC						(4,990)	(17,480)	(22,470)
Impact of the redemption of common stock from Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Asset Management, Inc.			2,611			(2,611)
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC			(297)		(19)		(1,139)	(1,455)
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans			1,473				5,160	6,633
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock			(935)				935
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans				(244)			(853)	(1,097)
Consolidation of Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP	73,387
Liquidation of Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP	(7,719)
Net purchase of redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	7
Equity and tax distributions to non-controlling interests							(100,480)	(100,480)
Dividends declared				(10,090)				(10,090)
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2014	421,919	250	221,208	89,311	1,297	(107,129)	216,982	421,919
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments, balance	76,167
Net income	21,401			3,327			16,100	19,427
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments, Net income	1,974
Other comprehensive income					(186)		2,459	2,273
Issuance of common stock		3	(3)
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC						(3,386)	(11,857)	(15,243)
Impact of the redemption of common stock from Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Asset Management, Inc.			3,064			(3,064)
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC			(217)		(1)		(1,071)	(1,289)
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans			1,401				4,906	6,307
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock			(1,388)				1,388
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans				(223)			(783)	(1,006)
Net redemption of redeemable non-controlling interest in partnership investments	(306)
Equity and tax distributions to non-controlling interests							(43,295)	(43,295)
Dividends declared				(10,534)				(10,534)
Balance, end of period at Dec. 31, 2015	378,559	$ 253	$ 224,065	$ 81,881	$ 1,110	$ (113,579)	$ 184,829	$ 378,559
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest in Partnership Investments, balance	$ 77,835

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) - Class A Common Stock - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	335,741	294,686	310,080
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	1,339,103	1,849,729	1,220,330
Redemption of common stock (in shares)	335,741	294,686	165,524

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$ 35,285	$ 39,078	$ 106,796
Cash flows provided by operating activities:
Net income	21,401	70,807	101,299
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	1,750	2,575	2,686
Other depreciation and amortization	4,064	4,428	4,577
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment	89	(111)	203
Amortization of deferred rent	(15)	(210)	(262)
Change in unrealized (gains) losses on investment securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investments	(5,879)	(1,836)	5,117
Net realized (gains) losses on sale of investment securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities and partnership investments	13,359	(2,781)	(17,701)
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	0	(2,148)	(4,952)
Deferred taxes, net	2,141	9,601	11,351
Stock based compensation	6,307	6,633	7,025
Employee taxes paid on vesting under stock incentive plans	(1,362)	(1,500)	(1,600)
Receivables:
Affiliates and affiliated funds, net	2,133	282	1,450
Customers	(909)	2,839	4,064
Other assets	515	(2,650)	(4,420)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Distribution fees payable	(2,973)	(41)	(2,282)
Accrued compensation and benefits	3,562	1,949	(1,426)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(2,059)	(5,129)	(461)
Net cash provided by operating activities	42,124	82,708	104,668
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:
Net additions to property and equipment	(3,121)	(1,531)	(2,187)
Purchases of investment securities	(35,068)	(204,571)	(621,760)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities	110,739	331,526	529,207
Net purchases of derivatives	620	0	(1,720)
Contributions to partnership investments	(306)	(35,005)	(2,034)
Distributions from partnership investments	23,497	2,226	17,502
Net cash paid for acquisition	(55)	0	0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	96,306	92,645	(80,992)
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt	0	(46,160)	0
Deferred tax benefit (expense) on vesting under stock incentive plans	74	54	(55)
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC (1,339,103 at December 31, 2015, 1,849,729 at December 31, 2014, and 1,220,330 at December 31, 2013 Class A common shares)	(15,243)	(22,470)	(13,196)
Equity distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interests)	(27,228)	(71,571)	(28,010)
Tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interests)	(16,067)	(28,909)	(40,158)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(10,534)	(10,090)	(9,975)
Net cash used in financing activities	(68,998)	(179,146)	(91,394)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	69,432	(3,793)	(67,718)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	104,717	35,285	39,078
Cash paid (refunded) for:
Income taxes, net	(1,929)	(1,484)	1,507
Interest	$ 3,032	$ 5,954	$ 5,954

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidation of Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP	$ 73.4
Liabilities of partnership investments		$ 7.7
Class A Common Stock
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		1,339,103

Organization and Description of

Organization and Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Description of Business	Organization and Description of Business Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (“CAM”) is a holding company and as of December 31, 2015 owned 22.2% of Calamos Investments LLC (“Calamos Investments”) . 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. The remaining 77.8% ownership interest in Calamos Investments is held 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. CFP and John P. Calamos, Sr. ( collectively “Calamos Interests” ) ownership interest, in accordance with applicable rules, is reflected and referred to within these consolidated financial statements as “non-controlling interests in Calamos Investments LLC”. The Company primarily provides investment advisory services to individuals and institutional investors through a series of investment products that include open-end and closed-end funds ("funds”) , an exchange traded fund, separate accounts, offshore funds and partnerships. 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 (formerly known as Calamos International 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.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. 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- and majority-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. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Calamos Interests’ combined 77.8% interest in Calamos Investments at December 31, 2015 and 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 common stockholders have exclusive economic rights. As of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , these assets include cash, cash equivalents and investment securities of $77.3 million , $79.3 million and $78.3 million , net current and non-current deferred tax assets of $38.3 million , $40.3 million and $46.7 million , and net current income taxes receivable of $355,000 , $2.4 million and $2.3 million , respectively, and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $25.0 million and $21.0 million , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 , and 2014 , that are reported together with Calamos Investments’ consolidated assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Additionally, net income before income taxes, of $23.7 million , $76.6 million and $107.6 million , respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , each included $1.0 million , $3.6 million and $2.0 million , respectively, of income on cash and cash equivalents and investment securities 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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . 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. See Note 8, 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 8, 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. Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid financial instruments with maturities of three months or less from date of purchase, consisting primarily of investments in insured money market accounts and money market funds are considered cash equivalents. Receivables from Customers Receivables from customers represent balances arising from contractual investment advisory services provided to separate account customers and are recorded on an accrual basis. Provisions for bad debt expense during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 and allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , were not material. Investment Securities The Company carries its investment securities at fair value. For a majority of the Company’s investments, fair values are determined based upon quoted prices in active markets. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses matrix, model or other similar pricing methods to determine fair value. Investment securities transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. Investment securities are classified as available-for-sale as the Company does not intend to trade these securities in the near term. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported, net of income tax, as a separate component of equity until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific identification basis and are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Investment securities that are classified as trading securities are carried at fair value with all changes in the value of the securities going through current earnings. Therefore, both realized and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. On a quarterly basis, the Company conducts reviews to assess whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists on its available-for-sale investment securities. Other-than-temporary declines in value may exist when the fair value of an investment security has been below the carrying value for an extended period of time. If an other-than-temporary decline in value is determined to exist, the unrealized investment loss, net of tax is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the other-than-temporary decline in value occurs, as well as an accompanying permanent adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income. See Note 6, Investment Securities for more discussion related to the other-than-temporary impairment charges recorded in 2015 and 2014. Derivative Assets and Liabilities From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts to mitigate the negative impact that changes in security prices may have on the investment portfolio. The Company does not measure effectiveness or meet the criteria for hedge accounting and therefore, records the changes in the fair value of these instruments in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company classifies derivatives as derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net The Company’s goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from Calamos Investments’ acquisitions of Black Capital LLC ( "Black Capital" ) and Phineus Partners LLC ( "Phineus" ), that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level, Calamos Investments, at least annually, or whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that an impairment may have occurred. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step requires the Company to estimate the fair value of its reporting unit and compare the fair value to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, the goodwill is not considered impaired. To the extent the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired and the second step of the impairment test must be performed. The second step involves assigning the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its recognized and unrecognized assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is then compared to the carrying amount of goodwill to quantify an impairment loss, if any, which would equal the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the goodwill’s implied fair value. No impairment has been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . See, Note 3, Acquisition for more discussion related to the acquisition of Phineus. The Company's definite-lived intangible assets consist of separately-managed account relationships from the acquisition of Phineus that are amortized over three years. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. No impairment has been recorded for the year ended December 31, 2015 . See Note 4, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net for more discussion related to the acquired intangible assets. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to twenty years . Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease, ranging from five to twenty years . Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment when there is an indication that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Carrying values are not recoverable when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the assets are less than their carrying value. When an asset is determined to not be recoverable, the impairment loss is measured based on the excess, if any, of the carrying value of the asset over its respective fair value. Fair value is determined by discounted cash flows models, appraisals or other applicable methods. Internally Developed Software Certain internal and external development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized. These capitalized costs are included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from three to five years. On an annual basis, the Company conducts reviews to assess the functionality and remaining useful lives of the capitalized software. Impairments of these assets, if any, are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the impairment occurs. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , impairment for internally developed software was not material. No impairment for internally developed software was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2014 . For the year ended December 31, 2013 , the Company recorded impairment for its internally developed software totaling $199,000 . 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 During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , Calamos Investments repurchased 1,339,103 and 1,849,729 , respectively, shares of Class A common stock, at an average purchase price of $11.38 and $12.15 , respectively, and a total cost of $15.2 million and $22.5 million , respectively, under its share repurchase programs. Calamos Investments completed a share repurchase program of 3 million shares of the Company's outstanding Class A common stock for a total cost of $34.8 million on June 13, 2014. The program was implemented primarily to manage the dilution from share issuances under the Company's incentive compensation plan. During the year ended December 31, 2014, Calamos Investments repurchased 1,779,670 shares of Class A common stock, at an average purchase price of $12.13 and a total cost of $21.6 million under this repurchase program. 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. During the year ended December 31, 2014, Calamos Investments repurchased 70,059 shares of Class A common stock, at an average purchase price of $12.54 and a total cost of $879,000 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 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , totaling $3.4 million and $5.0 million , respectively, is reported in treasury stock, with Calamos Interests’ 77.8% ownership interest in these shares totaling $11.9 million and $17.5 million , respectively, 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 2015 and 2014 , CAM redeemed 335,741 and 294,686 , respectively, Class A common shares from Calamos Investments for a value of $3.9 million and $3.4 million , respectively, which represents the fair value of the shares on the date of redemption. As Calamos Investments is consolidated with CAM, the impact of the distribution reflecting the non-controlling interest is $3.1 million and $2.6 million , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , dividends on shares held by Calamos Investments totaled $1.8 million and $1.2 million , respectively. The payment of these dividends increased Calamos Investments' equity resulting in a $1.4 million and $935,000 , respectively, adjustment from additional paid in capital to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC, in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. This adjustment represents Calamos Interests' ownership interest in those dividend payments. Compensation Plans The Company has an incentive stock plan that provides for certain employees of the Company to receive stock based compensation in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock options. RSUs are convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock option awards are based on shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company estimates the fair value of the options as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Stock based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The Company records compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period. Revenue Recognition The Company earns investment management fees by providing services pursuant to the terms of the underlying advisory contract. Fees are based on a contractual investment advisory fee applied to the assets in each portfolio. Any fees collected in advance are deferred and recognized over the period earned. Performance-based advisory fees from certain separate accounts are recognized annually upon completion of the contract year and based upon either (1) the difference between the investment returns on a client’s portfolio compared to a benchmark index or (2) the absolute percentage of gain in the client’s account. Performance-based advisory fees from the open-end funds are recognized monthly when earned and are based upon the differences between the investment returns of the respective fund compared to a benchmark index. Distribution and underwriting fees consist primarily of Rule 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees from the open-end funds, contingent deferred sales charges on the redemption of open-end fund shares and sales charges earned on open-end funds. Distribution service fees are accrued monthly as services are performed and are based on the average daily assets of the open-end funds. Contingent deferred sales charges are recorded on a trade-date basis when earned, and sales charges are recorded on the settlement date. Net Interest Expense Net interest expense represents interest expense incurred on debt net of interest income generated from cash and cash equivalents. Interest income is recognized when earned, and interest expense is recorded when incurred. Investment and Other Income (Loss) Investment and other income (loss) is primarily comprised of: realized gains (losses) from all investment securities and partnership investments; unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities and partnership investments; other-than-temporary impairment charges on available-for-sale securities, if any; realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives; gains (losses) on foreign currency translation; and dividend income. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Foreign Currency Foreign currency balances are revalued into U.S. dollars, which is the functional currency of the Company, at prevailing exchange rates on the reporting date. Revenues earned and expenses incurred in foreign currency are revalued at average exchange rates during the reporting period. Gains and losses arising from the revaluation of account balances denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. During 2014, the Company recorded a valuation allowance adjustment to reduce its deferred income tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on available evidence at the time estimates are made. Although valuation allowances may be established to reduce the amounts expected to be realized, there was no deferred tax asset valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Future interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions are recognized in income tax provision when determined. The Company did not record any accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions through December 31, 2015 . Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in marketing and sales promotion expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , advertising costs were $3.9 million , $3.8 million and $3.7 million , respectively. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to CAM by the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during each year. Shares issued or repurchased during the year are weighted for the portion of the year that they were outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if RSUs and stock options granted to participants of the Company incentive compensation plan were exercised and if the Calamos Interests exchanged all of their ownership interest in Calamos Investments and their Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock. Diluted shares which result in anti-dilution are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation and are detailed in Note 18, Earnings Per Share .

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Acquisition On September 30, 2015, Calamos Investments acquired Phineus, 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 consisted 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, the Company recognized $596,000 of definite-lived intangible assets related to separately-managed account relationships 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.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets,

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net The Company’s goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from Calamos Investments’ acquisitions. The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2015 : (in thousands) Total Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 6,380 Goodwill acquired during the period 375 Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 6,755 As part of the Phineus acquisition, the Company recognized $596,000 of definite-lived intangible assets related to separately-managed account relationships amortized over three years. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , intangible assets, net of amortization expense of $50,000 , was $546,000 . Intangible asset amortization expense is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The following table summarizes the estimated amortization expense for 2016 through 2018: (in thousands) 2016 $ 199 2017 198 2018 149 $ 546

Related-Party Transactions

Related-Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related-Party Transactions	Related-Party Transactions CAL provides investment management and portfolio accounting services to the open-end funds and the closed-end funds. CFS acts as the sole distributor of the U.S. open-end funds. Calamos Investments LLP is the sole global distributor of the offshore funds. The Company earns management, distribution and portfolio accounting fees for these services that are accrued and settled monthly. The table below summarizes the total fees earned from affiliates identified above during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Investment management fees from: Open-end funds $ 104,690 $ 119,898 $ 124,875 Closed-end funds 61,316 57,911 53,981 Totals $ 166,006 $ 177,809 $ 178,856 Distribution fees from open-end funds $ 41,006 $ 48,942 $ 53,143 Portfolio accounting fees from: Open-end funds $ 1,529 $ 1,756 $ 1,810 Closed-end funds 766 727 679 Totals $ 2,295 $ 2,483 $ 2,489 In September 2012, CAL began providing investment management services to Calamos Arista Strategic Master Fund LTD, a hedge fund in the Cayman Islands. Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP was a newly consolidated partnership and U.S. feeder fund to Calamos Arista Strategic Master Fund LTD. Management and incentive fees for those services were not material for the year ended December 31, 2015 . For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , management and incentive fees for those services were $58,000 and $85,000 , respectively. Calamos Investments is party to a lease with 1111 Warrenville Road LLC, a subsidiary of Calamos Property Holdings LLC (“CPH”) . In January 2011, Calamos Investments and 1111 Warrenville Road LLC amended the lease in order to extend the term for two years with automatic one year renewals and to increase the base rent accordingly. Rent under the lease commenced in August 2005 and ended on December 31, 2015. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 annual base rent and operating expense payments were $765,000 , $774,000 and $712,000 , respectively. Calamos Investments is party to a 20 -year lease with 2020 Calamos Court LLC, a subsidiary of CPH, with respect to the corporate headquarters constructed for the Company’s occupancy. Rent under the lease commenced in April 2005 and will end on May 31, 2025. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , annual base rent payments were $3.8 million , $3.7 million and $3.6 million , respectively. Annual base rent payments increase by 3% annually for the remaining term of the lease. Calamos Investments may not terminate the lease unless a casualty, condemnation or temporary government taking affects all or a substantial portion of the leased premises. 2020 Calamos Court LLC may only terminate the lease upon specified events of default, which are subject to applicable grace periods. Calamos Investments is party to an agreement with Primacy Business Center LLC (“Primacy”) , a subsidiary of CFP, where office space at the Company’s corporate headquarters is subleased to Primacy. The lease expires December 31, 2016, but automatically extends annually. Calamos Investments recognized sublease rental income of $275,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and $277,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , which is classified as other income and included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Calamos Investments is party to a 20 -year lease with 2020 Calamos Court Annex LLC, a subsidiary of CPH, with respect to the cafeteria in the Company’s corporate headquarters. Rent under the lease commenced in December 2005 and will end on May 31, 2025. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , annual base rent and operating expense payments were $310,000 , $321,000 and $300,000 , respectively. Annual base rent payments increase by 3% annually for the remaining term of the lease. Calamos Investments is party to an agreement with CF Restaurant Enterprises LLC (“CFRE”) , a subsidiary of CFP, where CFRE provides food and beverage services to Calamos Investments. Calamos Investments guarantees minimum daily revenues and CFRE agrees that certain quantities and combinations of food and beverage will be available at a predetermined price. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , Calamos Investments incurred expenses of $959,000 , $940,000 and $956,000 , respectively. Calamos Investments is party to a 7.5 year lease with CityGate Centre I LLC, a subsidiary of CPH, with respect to office space. Rent payments under the lease commenced in May 2008 and ended on April 30, 2015. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , annual base rent and operating expense payments were $343,000 , $990,000 and $943,000 , respectively. Annual base rent payments increased by 2.5% annually. Calamos Investments headquarter campus is owned and operated by CPH and its subsidiaries ( collectively , “CityGate Centre”) and is utilized by the Company to promote its business and brand awareness both in the local community and with its visiting strategic clients. CityGate Centre offers amenities such as hotel accommodations, restaurants and event planning services. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , Calamos Investments had expense payments of $662,000 , $530,000 and $533,000 , respectively, related to these services. Dragon Leasing Corporation (“Dragon”) is an affiliated company controlled by a principal of the Company. CFP, CPH and Dragon have each entered into agreements with CAM, whereby the parties provide to each other certain services and resources, including furnishing office space and equipment, providing insurance coverage, overseeing the administration of their businesses and providing personnel to perform certain management and administrative services. These agreements have a term of one year and are renewable annually. The agreements are terminable on 30 days' notice by either party. In accordance with the terms of the agreements, the parties have agreed to pay each other an amount equal to the direct out-of-pocket expenses paid or incurred plus an allocation of indirect expenses, such as employee compensation and benefits. The following table summarizes fees that have been recorded as expense allocations during the twelve months ended and the net receivable balance as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Expense allocated from the Company to CPH $ 507 $ 590 $ 556 Expense allocated from the Company to CFP 254 243 236 Expense allocated from the Company to Dragon 15 16 16 Total expenses allocated from the Company to affiliates 776 849 808 Expense allocated from CPH and CFP to the Company 638 173 151 Net expense allocated from the Company to affiliates $ 138 $ 676 $ 657 Net receivable for management services from CPH $ 35 $ 40 $ 43 Net receivable (payable) for management services from CFP $ (7 ) $ (11 ) $ 9 Net receivable for management services from Dragon $ 1 $ 1 $ 1 As a result of the control exercised by CFP, none of our agreements with CFP and other companies controlled by them are deemed to be negotiated on “arm’s length” terms. However, while not mandated, to date, any such agreements since the Company's initial public offering have been approved in accordance with the Conflict of Interests Policy contained in the Company's Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investment Securities	Investment Securities The following table provides a summary of investment securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (in thousands) December 31, 2015 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds Global Equity $ 124,929 $ 6,606 $ (46 ) $ 131,489 U.S. Equity 62,839 2,914 (44 ) 65,709 Fixed Income 16,922 58 (15 ) 16,965 Multi-Strategy 16,150 208 (133 ) 16,225 Alternative 14,153 125 (191 ) 14,087 Convertible 5,093 — (14 ) 5,079 Total Funds 240,086 9,911 (443 ) 249,554 Common stock 141 181 — 322 Total available-for-sale securities $ 240,227 $ 10,092 $ (443 ) $ 249,876 Trading securities: Funds U.S. Equity $ 5,194 $ — $ (478 ) $ 4,716 Global Equity 2,500 — (35 ) 2,465 Total trading securities $ 7,694 $ — $ (513 ) $ 7,181 Total investment securities $ 257,057 (in thousands) December 31, 2014 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds Global Equity $ 142,610 $ 5,275 $ (1,872 ) $ 146,013 U.S. Equity 74,505 3,480 (581 ) 77,404 Fixed Income 17,596 1 (423 ) 17,174 Multi-Strategy 1,494 198 (9 ) 1,683 Alternative 40,752 1,283 (4 ) 42,031 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 U.S. Equity $ 52,147 $ 33 $ (6,964 ) $ 45,216 Total investment securities $ 339,959 The investment in Funds at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , of $256.7 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $12.5 million and $98.1 million , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 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 $12.9 million and $667,000 , respectively, on certain available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses during 2015 and 2014 . The other-than-temporary impairment charges were reported in non-operating income (loss), in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company believes that the remaining $443,000 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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Available-for-sale securities: Proceeds from sales $ 70,642 $ 293,662 $ 524,968 Gross realized gains on sales $ 3,946 $ 11,024 $ 25,882 Trading securities: Change in unrealized gains (losses) $ 6,418 $ 1,315 $ (8,813 ) The table below summarizes the tax provision (benefit) on unrealized gains (losses) and gains reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : 2015 2014 2013 (in thousands) Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision (Benefit) After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision (Benefit) After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision (Benefit) After-Tax Available-for-sale securities: Changes in unrealized gains $ 4,817 $ 395 $ 4,422 $ 3,173 $ 404 $ 2,769 $ 39,630 $ 3,793 $ 35,837 Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income (2,654 ) (505 ) (2,149 ) (12,012 ) (1,324 ) (10,688 ) (19,732 ) (1,679 ) (18,053 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 2,163 $ (110 ) $ 2,273 $ (8,839 ) $ (920 ) $ (7,919 ) $ 19,898 $ 2,114 $ 17,784 Reclassification of realized gains out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reported in non-operating income (loss), in investment and other income (loss), in the consolidated statement of operations. See Note 16, Non-Operating Income (Loss) .

Derivative Assets and Liabiliti

Derivative Assets and Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	Derivative Assets and Liabilities The Company used exchange-traded option contracts as an economic hedge of price changes in its investment securities portfolio in order to reduce the volatility equity markets had 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 $257.1 million at December 31, 2015 , consist primarily of positions in several Calamos equity and fixed income funds. The equity price risk in the investment portfolio was hedged using exchange-traded option contracts that correlate most closely with the change in value of the portfolio being hedged. The use of these option contracts was part of a hedge overlay strategy to minimize downside risk in the hedged portfolio. The Company may adjust its hedge position in response to movement and volatility in prices and changes in the composition of the hedged portfolio, but generally is not actively buying and selling contracts. The Company has elected not to offset its derivative assets with its derivative liabilities even if a right of offset exists. When applicable, the fair value of option contracts is reported on a gross basis in derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Net gains and losses on these contracts are reported in investment and other income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations with net losses of $544,000 , $1.8 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company used these derivatives for risk management purposes but has not designated the contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. The Company had $4.3 million of derivative assets and $5.5 million of derivative liabilities outstanding as of December 31, 2015 . The Company had no derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2014 .

Partnership Investments

Partnership Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 . (in thousands) 2015 2014 Consolidated partnerships: Assets Securities owned $ 106,667 $ 103,079 Cash and cash equivalents 5,356 39,205 Other current assets 500 1,188 Exchange-traded option contracts 87 201 Total assets of consolidated partnerships $ 112,610 $ 143,673 Liabilities Payables for securities purchased $ — $ (2,256 ) Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments — (7,719 ) Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (75 ) (142 ) Total liabilities of consolidated partnerships $ (75 ) $ (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. 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 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , in the table above. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company held non-controlling interests in another partnership and therefore, accounted for this investment using the equity method. This investment is presented as an equity method investment in partnerships in the table above. Calamos Arista Strategic Fund LP was liquidated on December 26, 2014, and as of December 31, 2014, the net assets were $30.8 million . The partnership redemptions were completed subsequent to December 31, 2014.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	air 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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . 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 $228.1 million and $312.8 million at the end of December 31, 2015 and 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 asked price. Convertible bonds, fixed income securities and other securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value based on observable inputs such as market prices for similar instruments as validated by third party pricing agencies and the Company’s prime broker. Debt securities are valued based upon evaluated 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 . 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 December 31, 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 $ 25,240 $ 25,240 $ — Investment securities (Note 6) Funds Global Equity 133,954 133,954 — U.S. Equity 70,425 70,425 — Fixed Income 16,965 12,097 4,868 Multi-Strategy 16,225 16,225 — Alternative 14,087 14,087 — Convertible 5,079 5,079 — Total Funds 256,735 251,867 4,868 Common stock 322 322 — Total investment securities 257,057 252,189 4,868 Derivative assets (Note 7) Exchange-traded option contracts 4,311 4,311 — Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8) Common stocks 53,467 27,899 25,568 Preferred stocks 3,875 3,875 — Convertible bonds 48,369 — 48,369 Corporate bonds 957 — 957 Money market funds 5,309 5,309 — Exchange-traded put option contracts 87 87 — Total securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments 112,064 37,170 74,894 Derivative liabilities (Note 7) Exchange-traded option contracts (5,475 ) (5,475 ) — Total $ 393,197 $ 313,435 $ 79,762 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 6) Funds Global Equity 146,013 146,013 — U.S. Equity 124,744 124,744 — Fixed Income 17,174 12,203 4,971 Multi-Strategy 1,683 1,683 — Alternative 42,031 42,031 — Convertible 11,021 11,021 — Total Funds 342,666 337,695 4,971 Common stock 261 261 — Total investment securities 342,927 337,956 4,971 Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8) 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 Exchange-traded put option contracts 201 201 — Total securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments 140,340 36,570 103,770 Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 7) Common stocks (2,968 ) (2,968 ) — Total $ 481,508 $ 372,767 $ 108,741 The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, which has a total carrying value of $46.0 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , was $51.6 million and $54.2 million , respectively, calculated using discounted cash flows based on the Company's incremental borrowing rates and market inputs for similar bonds. The fair value of the debt is based on Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. At September 30, 2015, the Company recorded contingent consideration associated with its purchase of Phineus. The fair value and carrying value of the contingent consideration was $998,000 at December 31, 2015 , and is included in other current and non-current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. For the year ended December 31, 2015 , the change in the fair value of the contingent consideration is not material, and is included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The fair value of the contingent consideration is based on Level 3 unobservable inputs within the fair value hierarchy as it is calculated using certain assumptions regarding business performance and probability of payment. The fair value and carrying value of the Company’s payment obligation associated with a previous acquisition was $1.7 million at December 31, 2014 , reported in other current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. This obligation was paid in the third quarter of 2015. The fair value of the payment obligation was based on Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy as it was calculated using discounted cash flows based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rates and market inputs for similar bonds. The carrying value of all other financial instruments approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , property and equipment and related accumulated depreciation were as follows: (in thousands) 2015 2014 Property and equipment: Furniture, fixtures and equipment $ 25,829 $ 25,421 Leasehold improvements 29,553 32,062 Computer software 18,639 17,908 Total costs 74,021 75,391 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (60,713 ) (61,145 ) Property and equipment, net $ 13,308 $ 14,246 Computer software includes both internally developed software and software purchased.

Loans Payable

Loans Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Loans Payable [Abstract]
Loans Payable	Loans Payable The Company has access to margin loans for the settlement of exchange-traded option contracts, as well as an additional source of liquidity. The interest rate that can be charged on margin loans is 1.75% per annum, based on the brokerage firm’s lending rate. These loans are due on demand. The Company had no margin loan balances outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014 .

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt In July 2007, Calamos Investments completed a private debt offering of $375 million aggregate principal senior unsecured notes, with three series consisting of $197 million of 6.33% notes due July 15, 2014 , $85 million of 6.52% notes due July 15, 2017 and $93 million of 6.67% notes due July 15, 2019 . On July 15, 2014, Calamos Investments repaid at maturity $46.2 million of the senior notes outstanding. In December 2008, the Company paid down a portion of its outstanding long-term debt and re-negotiated its debt covenants. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the outstanding balance of the notes totaled $46.0 million . The table below summarizes the debt balance at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 Senior unsecured notes: 6.52% notes due July 15, 2017 $ 22,100 $ 22,100 6.67% notes due July 15, 2019 23,855 23,855 Total long-term debt $ 45,955 $ 45,955 The table below summarizes the aggregate contractual annual maturities for the total debt balance at December 31, 2015 : (in thousands) Contractual Maturities 2016 $ — 2017 22,100 2018 — 2019 23,855 2020 — Thereafter — Total long-term debt $ 45,955 Under the amended note purchase agreements governing the terms of these notes, Calamos Investments must maintain certain consolidated net worth in addition to leverage, investment and interest coverage ratios. The amended note purchase agreements also contain other covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of Calamos Investments’ subsidiaries to incur debt and restrict the ability of Calamos Investments or its subsidiaries to create liens and to merge or consolidate, or sell or convey all or substantially all of Calamos Investments’ assets and places certain limitations on distributions and redemptions of equity interests. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company was in compliance with all covenants. The weighted average interest rate on the notes is 6.60% over the remaining life of the notes.

Common Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Common Stock	Common Stock All shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical and entitle the holders to the same rights and privileges, including dividend rights and liquidity rights, unless otherwise required by law. However, the holders of Class B common stock possess super-voting rights which represents a 97.4% voting interest in the Company.

Profit Sharing Plan

Profit Sharing Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Profit Sharing Plan	Profit Sharing Plan The Company contributes to a defined contribution profit sharing plan (the " PSP Plan" ) covering substantially all employees. Contributions to the PSP Plan are at the discretion of the Company and include discretionary profit sharing and matching components. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company recorded expense for the contributions to the PSP Plan in the amounts of $3.6 million , $3.9 million and $2.5 million , respectively. This expense is included in employee compensation and benefits on the consolidated statements of operations.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	Stock Based Compensation Certain employees of the Company receive stock based compensation comprised of RSUs and stock options under the Company’s incentive compensation plan, which is designed to retain key employees. A total of 10,000,000 shares of CAM’s common stock may be granted under the plan. 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. RSUs entitle each recipient to receive a share of Class A common stock and a dividend equivalent to the actual dividends declared on CAM’s Class A common stock. RSUs are granted with no strike price and, therefore, the Company receives no proceeds when the RSUs vest. These awards, including accrued dividends, vest at the end of the restriction period, generally not to exceed six years after the grant date, and are expensed on a straight-line basis over this period. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 782,474 RSUs, 897,082 RSUs and 838,663 RSUs with an estimated fair value of $9.7 million , $10.7 million and $8.9 million , respectively, were awarded to employees of the Company in accordance with the provisions of the plan. A summary of the RSU activity follows: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2012 2,612,106 $ 12.26 Granted 838,663 10.66 Forfeited (407,656 ) 12.14 Exercised upon vesting (458,138 ) 14.96 Outstanding at December 31, 2013 2,584,975 11.58 Granted 897,082 11.89 Forfeited (501,194 ) 11.00 Exercised upon vesting (413,298 ) 12.27 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 2,567,565 11.69 Granted 782,474 12.46 Forfeited (702,363 ) 11.71 Exercised upon vesting (461,430 ) 11.46 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,186,246 12.01 Converted during the year ended December 31: 2013 310,080 $ 10.87 2014 294,686 12.23 2015 335,741 11.79 As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had 2,186,246 RSUs outstanding with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.6 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $21.2 million . The weighted average fair value of RSUs at the date of grant for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $12.46 , $11.89 and $10.66 per share, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value and the fair value of RSUs that vested and were exercised during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $5.3 million , $5.1 million and $5.0 million , respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , 461,430 RSUs, 413,298 RSUs and 458,138 RSUs, respectively, were vested and exercised and, after 125,689 RSUs, 118,612 RSUs and 148,058 RSUs, respectively, were withheld for taxes, 335,741 RSUs, 294,686 RSUs and 310,080 RSUs, respectively, were converted, on a one -for- one basis, for shares of CAM’s Class A common stock. The total intrinsic value and the fair value of the converted shares were $4.0 million , $3.6 million and $3.4 million , respectively. The total tax benefit realized in connection with the exercise of the RSUs during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 were $511,000 , $471,000 and $443,000 , respectively, as the Company receives tax benefits equal to the fair value of CAM’s common stock on the exercise date, less the amount attributable to the non-controlling interest. Stock options entitle each recipient to purchase a share of Class A common stock in exchange for the stated exercise price upon vesting of each award. Under the plan, the exercise price of each option, which has a 10 -year life, equals the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. No awards were granted during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . Summarized information on the Company’s outstanding stock options at December 31, 2015 was as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number of Shares Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted Average Option Price Number of Shares Weighted Average Option Price $17.80 136,330 0.9 $ 17.80 136,330 $ 17.80 $18.00 - $29.11 756,330 1.8 $ 22.37 756,330 $ 22.37 $35.43 255,825 0.1 $ 35.43 255,825 $ 35.43 1,148,485 1.4 $ 24.73 1,148,485 $ 24.73 The outstanding options do not have an intrinsic value as the exercise price exceeded the market value. A summary of the stock option activity was as follows: Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2012 2,195,414 $ 23.36 Forfeited/expired (93,846 ) 21.94 Outstanding at December 31, 2013 2,101,568 23.42 Forfeited/expired (672,401 ) 19.49 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1,429,167 25.27 Forfeited/expired (280,682 ) 27.80 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,148,485 24.73 Exercisable at December 31: 2013 1,910,292 $ 23.76 2014 1,429,167 25.27 2015 1,148,485 24.73 For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , compensation expense recorded in connection with the RSUs and stock options was $6.3 million , $6.6 million and $7.0 million , respectively, of which $1.4 million , $1.5 million and $1.6 million , respectively, was credited as additional paid-in capital. For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the amount of deferred tax asset created was $518,000 , $545,000 and $577,000 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 , $12.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option and RSU awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average service period of 2.6 years.

Non-Operating Income (Loss)

Non-Operating Income (Loss)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Interest income $ 199 $ 160 $ 257 Interest expense (3,070 ) (4,669 ) (6,021 ) Net interest expense (2,871 ) (4,509 ) (5,764 ) Investment income (loss) (5,513 ) 17,585 29,891 Dividend income 1,589 1,987 5,355 Miscellaneous other income 177 341 193 Investment and other income (loss) (3,747 ) 19,913 35,439 Non-operating income (loss) $ (6,618 ) $ 15,404 $ 29,675

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 consists of the following: (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ (4,158 ) $ (1,767 ) $ (216 ) State: CAM portion (485 ) (92 ) 23 Calamos Interests portion 42 178 56 Foreign 17 15 — Total current income tax benefit (4,584 ) (1,666 ) (137 ) Deferred: Federal 6,330 6,833 5,867 State 574 620 532 Total deferred income tax provision 6,904 7,453 6,399 Total income tax provision $ 2,320 $ 5,787 $ 6,262 Calamos Investments is subject to certain income-based state taxes; therefore, income tax provision reflects not only the portion attributed to CAM stockholders but also a portion of income tax provision attributable to non-controlling interests. The Company files income tax returns in federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions. The Company is subject to U.S. federal, state and local examinations by tax authorities for years 2012 – 2015. The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. 2015 2014 2013 Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits 2.1 % 2.0 % 2.0 % Impact of expiring employee stock options 4.6 % 2.4 % — % Calamos Investments’ foreign and state income taxes 1.0 % 1.1 % 0.3 % Impact of deferred tax assets valuation allowance reversal (2.8 )% (10.4 )% (12.2 )% Other non-deductible items 2.0 % 0.7 % 0.4 % Impact on net deferred tax assets from change in statutory income tax rate (0.5 )% (0.6 )% (0.3 )% Effective income tax rate 41.4 % 30.2 % 25.2 % Calamos Interests state income taxes (0.8 )% (0.9 )% (0.2 )% CAM effective income tax rate 40.6 % 29.3 % 25.0 % Deferred income taxes reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of the Company’s assets and liabilities. The significant components of deferred income taxes at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (in thousands) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Intangible assets $ 26,545 $ 34,459 Federal capital loss carryforward 1,942 169 Federal net operating loss carryforward 4,120 — State net operating loss carryforward 624 — Differences between book basis and tax basis of investments 3,202 4,165 Stock-based compensation 1,921 2,098 Other 1,208 698 Total deferred tax assets 39,562 41,589 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized net holding gains on investments of available-for-sale securities 793 902 Deferred sales commission 49 85 Goodwill 113 81 Other 303 260 Total deferred tax liabilities 1,258 1,328 Net deferred tax assets $ 38,304 $ 40,261 Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition as net deferred tax assets. The current and non-current portions of the net deferred tax asset were $8.3 million and $30.0 million , respectively, at December 31, 2015 and $9.2 million and $31.1 million , respectively, at December 31, 2014 . As of December 31, 2015 , the Company’s net deferred income tax asset attributable to intangible assets was $26.5 million , which is being amortized and creating a tax benefit of $7.9 million per year over 15 years expiring during 2019 . This deferred income tax asset was created as a result of the Company purchasing 20,000,000 membership units from CFP in 2004, whereby the Company made an election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code to mark-to-market all qualified assets that it purchased, of which 17,000,000 membership units qualified for the stepped-up basis. Most of the assets receiving the stepped-up basis for tax purposes are in the form of intangible assets, such as management contracts, distribution contracts and intellectual property. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company’s federal capital loss carryforward was $5.2 million , of which $237,000 will expire in 2017 and $5.0 million will expire in 2020, if not used before the expiration dates. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company did not have a valuation allowance on this deferred tax asset. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company's federal net operating loss carryforward was $12.1 million , which will expire in 2035, if not used before the expiration date. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company's total state net operating loss carryforward was $10.4 million , which will expire following each state's varying income tax statues and regulations. As a result of Calamos Investments' acquisitions, the Company is amortizing goodwill in the amount of $7.4 million over 15 years, creating a deferred income tax liability. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had no material unrecognized tax benefits and it does not anticipate any unrecognized tax benefits arising in the next 12 months that would result in a material change to its financial position. A reconciliation is not provided, as the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized benefits are zero with no interim additions, reductions or settlements.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share: (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013 Earnings per share – basic: Earnings available to common shareholders $ 3,327 $ 13,530 $ 18,628 Weighted average shares outstanding 17,518 18,275 19,904 Earnings per share – basic $ 0.19 $ 0.74 $ 0.94 Earnings per share – diluted: Earnings available to common shareholders $ 3,327 $ 13,530 $ 18,628 Weighted average shares outstanding 17,518 18,275 19,904 Dilutive impact of restricted stock units 727 714 448 Weighted average shares outstanding 18,245 18,989 20,352 Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.18 $ 0.71 $ 0.92 When dilutive, diluted shares outstanding for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 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 December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the impact of the Exchange was anti-dilutive and, therefore, excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. The Company uses the treasury stock method to reflect the dilutive effect of unvested RSUs and unexercised stock options on diluted earnings per share. Under the treasury stock method, if the average market price of common stock increases above the option’s exercise price, the proceeds that would be assumed to be realized from the exercise of the option would be used to acquire outstanding shares of common stock. However, the awards may be anti-dilutive even when the market price of the underlying stock exceeds the option’s exercise price. This result is possible because compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized is included as a component of the assumed proceeds upon exercise. The dilutive effect of such options and RSUs would increase the weighted average number of shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. The Company amended its certificate of incorporation requiring that the Exchange be based on a fair value approach (details of the amendment are set forth in the Company’s Schedule 14C filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 12, 2009). The amendment results in the same or fewer shares of Class A common stock being issuable at the time of the Exchange. The shares issuable upon the Exchange as presented are estimated solely on the formula as described in Schedule 14C that does not necessarily reflect all inputs used in a fair valuation. It is critical to note that this formula does not incorporate certain economic factors and as such, in the event of an actual Exchange, the majority of the Company’s independent directors may determine the fair market value of CAM’s net assets and its ownership in Calamos Investments. For example, premiums and/or discounts for control and marketability as well as a different discount rate for future cash flows may be applied. Therefore, the directors’ valuation may result in the actual number of shares being materially different from the shares presented. Further, based upon currently available information, the Company believes it is unlikely that any Exchange would transpire without a fair market valuation of CAM’s net assets and possibly an agreement by Calamos Interests to Exchange, based upon that fair market valuation. The following table shows the number of shares which were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as they were anti-dilutive: 2015 2014 2013 Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments* 11,537,504 27,916,544 34,594,896 Restricted stock units — 174,523 558,473 Stock options 1,148,485 1,429,167 2,101,568 Total 12,685,989 29,520,234 37,254,937 * Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments determined by using the closing price of our shares as of December 31, 2015 ( $9.68 ), December 31, 2014 ( $13.32 ) and December 31, 2013 ( $11.84 ) 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 December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments, with the result divided by the applicable year-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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies In the normal course of business, the Company enters into agreements that include indemnities in favor of third parties, such as engagement letters with advisors and consultants, distribution agreements and service agreements. In accordance with the Company’s by-laws, the Company has also agreed to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and agents in certain cases. Certain agreements do not contain any limits on the Company’s liability and, therefore, it is not possible to estimate the Company’s potential liability under these indemnities. In certain cases, the Company may have recourse against third parties with respect to these indemnities. Further, the Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims under these indemnities. 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 complaint 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. 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. CAL purchased $15.6 million of common shares of the fund under this program during the year ended December 31, 2015 . The purchase program was completed on February 25, 2016 for a total cost of $20.0 million . The Company leases office space and computer equipment under long-term operating leases expiring at various dates through fiscal year 2025. Lease expenses were $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 , and $5.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 . As of December 31, 2015 , the Company’s aggregate future minimum payments for operating leases having initial or non-cancelable terms greater than one year are payable as follows: (in thousands) Minimum Payments Year ended December 31: 2016 $ 5,252 2017 5,403 2018 5,520 2019 5,530 2020 5,314 Thereafter 22,799 Total minimum lease payments $ 49,818

Regulatory and Net Capital Requ

Regulatory and Net Capital Requirements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
Regulatory and Net Capital Requirements	Regulatory and Net Capital Requirements As a broker-dealer, CFS is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1), which requires the maintenance of minimum net capital, as defined, and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital (net capital ratio), as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1 . As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the net capital, the excess of the required net capital and the net capital ratio were as follows: (in thousands) 2015 2014 Net capital $ 5,433 $ 1,791 Excess of required net capital $ 4,636 $ 1,003 Net capital ratio 2.20 : 1.0 6.60 : 1.0

Concentration Risk

Concentration Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration Risk	Concentration Risk For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the percentage of revenues derived from services provided to three Company-sponsored open-end funds, the Calamos Growth Fund, the Calamos Market Neutral Fund and the Calamos Growth and Income Fund were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Calamos Growth Fund 17 % 18 % 21 % Calamos Market Neutral Fund 14 % 14 % 10 % Calamos Growth and Income Fund 13 % 14 % 15 %

Quarterly Financial Information

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) As of or for the Quarter Ended 2015 2014 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 (in millions) Assets under management* $ 21,908 $ 22,454 $ 24,432 $ 24,476 $ 23,506 $ 24,514 $ 25,755 $ 26,147 (in thousands, except share data) Total revenue $ 55,494 $ 57,618 $ 60,351 $ 57,417 $ 60,495 $ 63,532 $ 63,005 $ 63,930 Total operating expenses 46,369 48,991 46,259 58,922 45,868 47,679 46,371 49,854 Operating income (loss) $ 9,125 $ 8,627 $ 14,092 $ (1,505 ) $ 14,627 $ 15,853 $ 16,634 $ 14,076 Net income attributable to CAM $ 830 $ 363 $ 2,033 $ 101 $ 4,794 $ 3,369 $ 3,228 $ 2,139 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.05 $ 0.02 $ 0.11 $ 0.01 $ 0.25 $ 0.18 $ 0.17 $ 0.11 Diluted shares outstanding 17,858,985 18,208,850 18,635,798 18,699,641 18,808,798 18,781,856 19,048,456 19,805,828 *Assets under management do not include assets for which the Company provides model portfolio design and oversight.

Recently Issued Accounting Pron

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements We have reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to our business and to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, including those not yet required to be adopted. Accounting guidance that will become effective in future years, with respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, is described below: In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( "FASB" ) issued an accounting update related to the accounting for leases. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position. In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update that addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The new guidance will require the change in fair value of equity instruments with readily determinable fair values to be recognized through the statements of operations. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the full impact of the standard, however, upon adoption the change in the fair value of available-for-sale securities will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations instead of accumulated other comprehensive income on the statements of financial position. In February 2015, the 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 does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position. 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 Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On March 3, 2016, the Board of Directors of CAM approved a distribution of $20.0 million from Calamos Investments to its members, payable in the first quarter of 2016, of which $4.4 million will be distributed to CAM, and $15.6 million will be distributed to the Calamos Interests. The distribution will be funded from cash on hand. Subsequent to December 31, 2015 , the balance of the loan from CAM to Calamos Investments was $40.0 million .

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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- and majority-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. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. 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 years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . 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. See Note 8, 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 8, 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. 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 common stockholders have exclusive economic rights.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents All highly liquid financial instruments with maturities of three months or less from date of purchase, consisting primarily of investments in insured money market accounts and money market funds are considered cash equivalents
Receivables from Customers	Receivables from Customers Receivables from customers represent balances arising from contractual investment advisory services provided to separate account customers and are recorded on an accrual basis.
Investment Securities	Investment Securities The Company carries its investment securities at fair value. For a majority of the Company’s investments, fair values are determined based upon quoted prices in active markets. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company uses matrix, model or other similar pricing methods to determine fair value. Investment securities transactions are recorded on a trade-date basis. Investment securities are classified as available-for-sale as the Company does not intend to trade these securities in the near term. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and are reported, net of income tax, as a separate component of equity until realized. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific identification basis and are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Investment securities that are classified as trading securities are carried at fair value with all changes in the value of the securities going through current earnings. Therefore, both realized and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. On a quarterly basis, the Company conducts reviews to assess whether an other-than-temporary impairment exists on its available-for-sale investment securities. Other-than-temporary declines in value may exist when the fair value of an investment security has been below the carrying value for an extended period of time. If an other-than-temporary decline in value is determined to exist, the unrealized investment loss, net of tax is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the other-than-temporary decline in value occurs, as well as an accompanying permanent adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income.
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	Derivative Assets and Liabilities From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts to mitigate the negative impact that changes in security prices may have on the investment portfolio. The Company does not measure effectiveness or meet the criteria for hedge accounting and therefore, records the changes in the fair value of these instruments in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company classifies derivatives as derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net	Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net The Company’s goodwill represents the future economic benefits arising from Calamos Investments’ acquisitions of Black Capital LLC ( "Black Capital" ) and Phineus Partners LLC ( "Phineus" ), that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill is assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level, Calamos Investments, at least annually, or whenever events or circumstances occur indicating that an impairment may have occurred. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. The first step requires the Company to estimate the fair value of its reporting unit and compare the fair value to the reporting unit’s carrying amount. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, the goodwill is not considered impaired. To the extent the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, the reporting unit’s goodwill may be impaired and the second step of the impairment test must be performed. The second step involves assigning the reporting unit’s fair value to all of its recognized and unrecognized assets and liabilities as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill. The implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is then compared to the carrying amount of goodwill to quantify an impairment loss, if any, which would equal the excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the goodwill’s implied fair value.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to twenty years . Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining term of the lease, ranging from five to twenty years . Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment when there is an indication that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Carrying values are not recoverable when the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by the assets are less than their carrying value. When an asset is determined to not be recoverable, the impairment loss is measured based on the excess, if any, of the carrying value of the asset over its respective fair value. Fair value is determined by discounted cash flows models, appraisals or other applicable methods.
Internally Developed Software	Internally Developed Software Certain internal and external development costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized. These capitalized costs are included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated statements of financial condition and are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from three to five years. On an annual basis, the Company conducts reviews to assess the functionality and remaining useful lives of the capitalized software. Impairments of these assets, if any, are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the impairment occurs.
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.
Compensation Plans	Compensation Plans The Company has an incentive stock plan that provides for certain employees of the Company to receive stock based compensation in the form of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock options. RSUs are convertible on a one-for-one basis into shares of the Company’s common stock. Stock option awards are based on shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company estimates the fair value of the options as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Stock based compensation expense is recognized based on the grant-date fair value of the award. The Company records compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the service period.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition The Company earns investment management fees by providing services pursuant to the terms of the underlying advisory contract. Fees are based on a contractual investment advisory fee applied to the assets in each portfolio. Any fees collected in advance are deferred and recognized over the period earned. Performance-based advisory fees from certain separate accounts are recognized annually upon completion of the contract year and based upon either (1) the difference between the investment returns on a client’s portfolio compared to a benchmark index or (2) the absolute percentage of gain in the client’s account. Performance-based advisory fees from the open-end funds are recognized monthly when earned and are based upon the differences between the investment returns of the respective fund compared to a benchmark index. Distribution and underwriting fees consist primarily of Rule 12b-1 distribution and/or service fees from the open-end funds, contingent deferred sales charges on the redemption of open-end fund shares and sales charges earned on open-end funds. Distribution service fees are accrued monthly as services are performed and are based on the average daily assets of the open-end funds. Contingent deferred sales charges are recorded on a trade-date basis when earned, and sales charges are recorded on the settlement date.
Net Interest Expense	Net Interest Expense Net interest expense represents interest expense incurred on debt net of interest income generated from cash and cash equivalents. Interest income is recognized when earned, and interest expense is recorded when incurred.
Investment and Other Income (Loss)	Investment and Other Income (Loss) Investment and other income (loss) is primarily comprised of: realized gains (losses) from all investment securities and partnership investments; unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities and partnership investments; other-than-temporary impairment charges on available-for-sale securities, if any; realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives; gains (losses) on foreign currency translation; and dividend income. Dividend income is recognized on the ex-dividend date.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency Foreign currency balances are revalued into U.S. dollars, which is the functional currency of the Company, at prevailing exchange rates on the reporting date. Revenues earned and expenses incurred in foreign currency are revalued at average exchange rates during the reporting period. Gains and losses arising from the revaluation of account balances denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. During 2014, the Company recorded a valuation allowance adjustment to reduce its deferred income tax assets to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on available evidence at the time estimates are made. Although valuation allowances may be established to reduce the amounts expected to be realized, there was no deferred tax asset valuation allowance at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Future interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions are recognized in income tax provision when determined. The Company did not record any accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions through December 31, 2015 .
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are included in marketing and sales promotion expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to CAM by the weighted average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during each year. Shares issued or repurchased during the year are weighted for the portion of the year that they were outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if RSUs and stock options granted to participants of the Company incentive compensation plan were exercised and if the Calamos Interests exchanged all of their ownership interest in Calamos Investments and their Class B common stock for shares of Class A common stock. Diluted shares which result in anti-dilution are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation and are detailed in Note 18, Earnings Per Share .
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements We have reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to our business and to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, including those not yet required to be adopted. Accounting guidance that will become effective in future years, with respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, is described below: In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( "FASB" ) issued an accounting update related to the accounting for leases. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term, and a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance on its results of operations, cash flows and financial position. In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update that addresses certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The new guidance will require the change in fair value of equity instruments with readily determinable fair values to be recognized through the statements of operations. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and requires a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the full impact of the standard, however, upon adoption the change in the fair value of available-for-sale securities will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations instead of accumulated other comprehensive income on the statements of financial position. In February 2015, the 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 does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position. 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.

Goodwill and Intangible Asset35

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill	The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2015 : (in thousands) Total Balance as of December 31, 2014 $ 6,380 Goodwill acquired during the period 375 Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 6,755
Summary of Future Estimated Amortization Expense	The following table summarizes the estimated amortization expense for 2016 through 2018: (in thousands) 2016 $ 199 2017 198 2018 149 $ 546

Related-Party Transactions (Tab

Related-Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary of total fees earned from affiliates	The table below summarizes the total fees earned from affiliates identified above during the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Investment management fees from: Open-end funds $ 104,690 $ 119,898 $ 124,875 Closed-end funds 61,316 57,911 53,981 Totals $ 166,006 $ 177,809 $ 178,856 Distribution fees from open-end funds $ 41,006 $ 48,942 $ 53,143 Portfolio accounting fees from: Open-end funds $ 1,529 $ 1,756 $ 1,810 Closed-end funds 766 727 679 Totals $ 2,295 $ 2,483 $ 2,489
Fees that have been recorded as expense allocations	The following table summarizes fees that have been recorded as expense allocations during the twelve months ended and the net receivable balance as of December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Expense allocated from the Company to CPH $ 507 $ 590 $ 556 Expense allocated from the Company to CFP 254 243 236 Expense allocated from the Company to Dragon 15 16 16 Total expenses allocated from the Company to affiliates 776 849 808 Expense allocated from CPH and CFP to the Company 638 173 151 Net expense allocated from the Company to affiliates $ 138 $ 676 $ 657 Net receivable for management services from CPH $ 35 $ 40 $ 43 Net receivable (payable) for management services from CFP $ (7 ) $ (11 ) $ 9 Net receivable for management services from Dragon $ 1 $ 1 $ 1

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Summary of investment securities	The following table provides a summary of investment securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (in thousands) December 31, 2015 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds Global Equity $ 124,929 $ 6,606 $ (46 ) $ 131,489 U.S. Equity 62,839 2,914 (44 ) 65,709 Fixed Income 16,922 58 (15 ) 16,965 Multi-Strategy 16,150 208 (133 ) 16,225 Alternative 14,153 125 (191 ) 14,087 Convertible 5,093 — (14 ) 5,079 Total Funds 240,086 9,911 (443 ) 249,554 Common stock 141 181 — 322 Total available-for-sale securities $ 240,227 $ 10,092 $ (443 ) $ 249,876 Trading securities: Funds U.S. Equity $ 5,194 $ — $ (478 ) $ 4,716 Global Equity 2,500 — (35 ) 2,465 Total trading securities $ 7,694 $ — $ (513 ) $ 7,181 Total investment securities $ 257,057 (in thousands) December 31, 2014 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds Global Equity $ 142,610 $ 5,275 $ (1,872 ) $ 146,013 U.S. Equity 74,505 3,480 (581 ) 77,404 Fixed Income 17,596 1 (423 ) 17,174 Multi-Strategy 1,494 198 (9 ) 1,683 Alternative 40,752 1,283 (4 ) 42,031 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 U.S. Equity $ 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 years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Available-for-sale securities: Proceeds from sales $ 70,642 $ 293,662 $ 524,968 Gross realized gains on sales $ 3,946 $ 11,024 $ 25,882 Trading securities: Change in unrealized gains (losses) $ 6,418 $ 1,315 $ (8,813 )
Summary of tax (provision) benefit on unrealized gains	The table below summarizes the tax provision (benefit) on unrealized gains (losses) and gains reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : 2015 2014 2013 (in thousands) Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision (Benefit) After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision (Benefit) After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision (Benefit) After-Tax Available-for-sale securities: Changes in unrealized gains $ 4,817 $ 395 $ 4,422 $ 3,173 $ 404 $ 2,769 $ 39,630 $ 3,793 $ 35,837 Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income (2,654 ) (505 ) (2,149 ) (12,012 ) (1,324 ) (10,688 ) (19,732 ) (1,679 ) (18,053 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) $ 2,163 $ (110 ) $ 2,273 $ (8,839 ) $ (920 ) $ (7,919 ) $ 19,898 $ 2,114 $ 17,784

Partnership Investments (Tables

Partnership Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Partnership Investments [Abstract]
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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 . (in thousands) 2015 2014 Consolidated partnerships: Assets Securities owned $ 106,667 $ 103,079 Cash and cash equivalents 5,356 39,205 Other current assets 500 1,188 Exchange-traded option contracts 87 201 Total assets of consolidated partnerships $ 112,610 $ 143,673 Liabilities Payables for securities purchased $ — $ (2,256 ) Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments — (7,719 ) Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (75 ) (142 ) Total liabilities of consolidated partnerships $ (75 ) $ (10,117 ) Equity method investment in partnerships $ 30 $ 50

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value of assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis	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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 . 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 December 31, 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 $ 25,240 $ 25,240 $ — Investment securities (Note 6) Funds Global Equity 133,954 133,954 — U.S. Equity 70,425 70,425 — Fixed Income 16,965 12,097 4,868 Multi-Strategy 16,225 16,225 — Alternative 14,087 14,087 — Convertible 5,079 5,079 — Total Funds 256,735 251,867 4,868 Common stock 322 322 — Total investment securities 257,057 252,189 4,868 Derivative assets (Note 7) Exchange-traded option contracts 4,311 4,311 — Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8) Common stocks 53,467 27,899 25,568 Preferred stocks 3,875 3,875 — Convertible bonds 48,369 — 48,369 Corporate bonds 957 — 957 Money market funds 5,309 5,309 — Exchange-traded put option contracts 87 87 — Total securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments 112,064 37,170 74,894 Derivative liabilities (Note 7) Exchange-traded option contracts (5,475 ) (5,475 ) — Total $ 393,197 $ 313,435 $ 79,762 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 6) Funds Global Equity 146,013 146,013 — U.S. Equity 124,744 124,744 — Fixed Income 17,174 12,203 4,971 Multi-Strategy 1,683 1,683 — Alternative 42,031 42,031 — Convertible 11,021 11,021 — Total Funds 342,666 337,695 4,971 Common stock 261 261 — Total investment securities 342,927 337,956 4,971 Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8) 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 Exchange-traded put option contracts 201 201 — Total securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments 140,340 36,570 103,770 Securities sold but not yet purchased (Note 7) Common stocks (2,968 ) (2,968 ) — Total $ 481,508 $ 372,767 $ 108,741

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and equipment and related accumulated depreciation	As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , property and equipment and related accumulated depreciation were as follows: (in thousands) 2015 2014 Property and equipment: Furniture, fixtures and equipment $ 25,829 $ 25,421 Leasehold improvements 29,553 32,062 Computer software 18,639 17,908 Total costs 74,021 75,391 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (60,713 ) (61,145 ) Property and equipment, net $ 13,308 $ 14,246

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of long-term debt	The table below summarizes the debt balance at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 Senior unsecured notes: 6.52% notes due July 15, 2017 $ 22,100 $ 22,100 6.67% notes due July 15, 2019 23,855 23,855 Total long-term debt $ 45,955 $ 45,955
Aggregate contractual annual maturities for long-term debt	The table below summarizes the aggregate contractual annual maturities for the total debt balance at December 31, 2015 : (in thousands) Contractual Maturities 2016 $ — 2017 22,100 2018 — 2019 23,855 2020 — Thereafter — Total long-term debt $ 45,955

Stock Based Compensation (Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of the RSU activity	A summary of the RSU activity follows: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding at December 31, 2012 2,612,106 $ 12.26 Granted 838,663 10.66 Forfeited (407,656 ) 12.14 Exercised upon vesting (458,138 ) 14.96 Outstanding at December 31, 2013 2,584,975 11.58 Granted 897,082 11.89 Forfeited (501,194 ) 11.00 Exercised upon vesting (413,298 ) 12.27 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 2,567,565 11.69 Granted 782,474 12.46 Forfeited (702,363 ) 11.71 Exercised upon vesting (461,430 ) 11.46 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 2,186,246 12.01 Converted during the year ended December 31: 2013 310,080 $ 10.87 2014 294,686 12.23 2015 335,741 11.79
Information on the Company's outstanding stock options	Summarized information on the Company’s outstanding stock options at December 31, 2015 was as follows: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number of Shares Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted Average Option Price Number of Shares Weighted Average Option Price $17.80 136,330 0.9 $ 17.80 136,330 $ 17.80 $18.00 - $29.11 756,330 1.8 $ 22.37 756,330 $ 22.37 $35.43 255,825 0.1 $ 35.43 255,825 $ 35.43 1,148,485 1.4 $ 24.73 1,148,485 $ 24.73
Summary of the stock option activity	A summary of the stock option activity was as follows: Number of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2012 2,195,414 $ 23.36 Forfeited/expired (93,846 ) 21.94 Outstanding at December 31, 2013 2,101,568 23.42 Forfeited/expired (672,401 ) 19.49 Outstanding at December 31, 2014 1,429,167 25.27 Forfeited/expired (280,682 ) 27.80 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 1,148,485 24.73 Exercisable at December 31: 2013 1,910,292 $ 23.76 2014 1,429,167 25.27 2015 1,148,485 24.73

Non-Operating Income (Tables)

Non-Operating Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Non-operating income (loss)	Non-operating income (loss) was comprised of the following components for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Interest income $ 199 $ 160 $ 257 Interest expense (3,070 ) (4,669 ) (6,021 ) Net interest expense (2,871 ) (4,509 ) (5,764 ) Investment income (loss) (5,513 ) 17,585 29,891 Dividend income 1,589 1,987 5,355 Miscellaneous other income 177 341 193 Investment and other income (loss) (3,747 ) 19,913 35,439 Non-operating income (loss) $ (6,618 ) $ 15,404 $ 29,675

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax provision	The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 consists of the following: (in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ (4,158 ) $ (1,767 ) $ (216 ) State: CAM portion (485 ) (92 ) 23 Calamos Interests portion 42 178 56 Foreign 17 15 — Total current income tax benefit (4,584 ) (1,666 ) (137 ) Deferred: Federal 6,330 6,833 5,867 State 574 620 532 Total deferred income tax provision 6,904 7,453 6,399 Total income tax provision $ 2,320 $ 5,787 $ 6,262
Reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate	The following table reconciles the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. 2015 2014 2013 Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits 2.1 % 2.0 % 2.0 % Impact of expiring employee stock options 4.6 % 2.4 % — % Calamos Investments’ foreign and state income taxes 1.0 % 1.1 % 0.3 % Impact of deferred tax assets valuation allowance reversal (2.8 )% (10.4 )% (12.2 )% Other non-deductible items 2.0 % 0.7 % 0.4 % Impact on net deferred tax assets from change in statutory income tax rate (0.5 )% (0.6 )% (0.3 )% Effective income tax rate 41.4 % 30.2 % 25.2 % Calamos Interests state income taxes (0.8 )% (0.9 )% (0.2 )% CAM effective income tax rate 40.6 % 29.3 % 25.0 %
Significant components of deferred income taxes	The significant components of deferred income taxes at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (in thousands) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Intangible assets $ 26,545 $ 34,459 Federal capital loss carryforward 1,942 169 Federal net operating loss carryforward 4,120 — State net operating loss carryforward 624 — Differences between book basis and tax basis of investments 3,202 4,165 Stock-based compensation 1,921 2,098 Other 1,208 698 Total deferred tax assets 39,562 41,589 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized net holding gains on investments of available-for-sale securities 793 902 Deferred sales commission 49 85 Goodwill 113 81 Other 303 260 Total deferred tax liabilities 1,258 1,328 Net deferred tax assets $ 38,304 $ 40,261

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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: (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013 Earnings per share – basic: Earnings available to common shareholders $ 3,327 $ 13,530 $ 18,628 Weighted average shares outstanding 17,518 18,275 19,904 Earnings per share – basic $ 0.19 $ 0.74 $ 0.94 Earnings per share – diluted: Earnings available to common shareholders $ 3,327 $ 13,530 $ 18,628 Weighted average shares outstanding 17,518 18,275 19,904 Dilutive impact of restricted stock units 727 714 448 Weighted average shares outstanding 18,245 18,989 20,352 Earnings per share – diluted $ 0.18 $ 0.71 $ 0.92
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: 2015 2014 2013 Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments* 11,537,504 27,916,544 34,594,896 Restricted stock units — 174,523 558,473 Stock options 1,148,485 1,429,167 2,101,568 Total 12,685,989 29,520,234 37,254,937 * Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments determined by using the closing price of our shares as of December 31, 2015 ( $9.68 ), December 31, 2014 ( $13.32 ) and December 31, 2013 ( $11.84 ) 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 December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments, with the result divided by the applicable year-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 (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate future minimum payments for operating leases	As of December 31, 2015 , the Company’s aggregate future minimum payments for operating leases having initial or non-cancelable terms greater than one year are payable as follows: (in thousands) Minimum Payments Year ended December 31: 2016 $ 5,252 2017 5,403 2018 5,520 2019 5,530 2020 5,314 Thereafter 22,799 Total minimum lease payments $ 49,818

Regulatory and Net Capital Re47

Regulatory and Net Capital Requirements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
The net capital, the excess of the required net capital and the net capital ratio	As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the net capital, the excess of the required net capital and the net capital ratio were as follows: (in thousands) 2015 2014 Net capital $ 5,433 $ 1,791 Excess of required net capital $ 4,636 $ 1,003 Net capital ratio 2.20 : 1.0 6.60 : 1.0

Concentration Risk (Tables)

Concentration Risk (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Percentage of revenues derived from services provided to two Company-sponsored open-end funds	For the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the percentage of revenues derived from services provided to three Company-sponsored open-end funds, the Calamos Growth Fund, the Calamos Market Neutral Fund and the Calamos Growth and Income Fund were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Calamos Growth Fund 17 % 18 % 21 % Calamos Market Neutral Fund 14 % 14 % 10 % Calamos Growth and Income Fund 13 % 14 % 15 %

Quarterly Financial Informati49

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	As of or for the Quarter Ended 2015 2014 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 June 30 March 31 (in millions) Assets under management* $ 21,908 $ 22,454 $ 24,432 $ 24,476 $ 23,506 $ 24,514 $ 25,755 $ 26,147 (in thousands, except share data) Total revenue $ 55,494 $ 57,618 $ 60,351 $ 57,417 $ 60,495 $ 63,532 $ 63,005 $ 63,930 Total operating expenses 46,369 48,991 46,259 58,922 45,868 47,679 46,371 49,854 Operating income (loss) $ 9,125 $ 8,627 $ 14,092 $ (1,505 ) $ 14,627 $ 15,853 $ 16,634 $ 14,076 Net income attributable to CAM $ 830 $ 363 $ 2,033 $ 101 $ 4,794 $ 3,369 $ 3,228 $ 2,139 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.05 $ 0.02 $ 0.11 $ 0.01 $ 0.25 $ 0.18 $ 0.17 $ 0.11 Diluted shares outstanding 17,858,985 18,208,850 18,635,798 18,699,641 18,808,798 18,781,856 19,048,456 19,805,828 *Assets under management do not include assets for which the Company provides model portfolio design and oversight.

Organization and Description 50

Organization and Description of Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC	22.20%	22.20%
Calamos Family Partners, Inc.
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC	77.80%	77.80%

Summary of Significant Accoun51

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total deferred tax assets	$ 38,304	$ 40,261
Net Income before income taxes	23,721	76,594	$ 107,561
Interest income on cash and cash equivalent held	1,000	3,600	2,000
Liabilities of partnership investments	75	10,117
Affiliated Entity
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Loan receivable	$ 25,000	$ 21,000
Calamos Family Partners, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC	77.80%	77.80%
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC	22.20%	22.20%
Cash and cash equivalent	$ 77,300	$ 79,300	78,300
Total deferred tax assets	38,300	40,300	46,700
Current income tax receivable, net	355	2,400	$ 2,300
Calamos Investments | Subsidiary
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Proceeds from partnership redemptions	$ 23,100
Liabilities of partnership investments		$ 7,700

Summary of Significant Accoun52

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other(Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted cash	$ 430,000
Conversion basis	one-for-one
Conversion basis in shares	1
Advertising expense	$ 3,900,000	3,800,000	3,700,000
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life (in years)	3 years
Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life (in years)	20 years
Leasehold improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life (in years)	5 years
Leasehold improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life (in years)	20 years
Internally Developed Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment on internally developed software		$ 0	$ 199,000
Internally Developed Software | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life (in years)	3 years
Internally Developed Software | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life (in years)	5 years
Phineus Partners LP | Customer-Related Intangible Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets acquired, useful life	3 years

Summary of Significant Accoun53

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Treasury Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jun. 13, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Nov. 13, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends on shares held		$ 1,800	$ 1,200
Common stock, conversion basis		one-for-one
Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		1,339,103	1,849,729	1,220,330
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)	3,000,000				3,000,000
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		335,741	294,686	310,080
Calamos Investments | Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		1,339,103	1,849,729
Average purchase price of shares (in dollars per share)		$ 11.38	$ 12.15
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC		$ 15,200	$ 22,500
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC		22.20%	22.20%
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. | Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		335,741	294,686
Issuance of common stock (Class A common shares)		$ 3,900	$ 3,400
Calamos Family Partners, Inc.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC		77.80%	77.80%
Treasury Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC		$ 3,386	$ 4,990	$ 2,930
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC		11,857	17,480	10,266
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock		1,388	935	$ 221
Calamos Family Partners, Inc. | Calamos Asset Management, Inc. | Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock (Class A common shares)		$ 3,100	$ 2,600
2013 Share Repurchase Program | Calamos Investments | Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			1,779,670
Average purchase price of shares (in dollars per share)			$ 12.13
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC	$ 34,800		$ 21,600
2014 Share Repurchase Program | Calamos Investments | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)			70,059
Average purchase price of shares (in dollars per share)			$ 12.54
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC			$ 879

Acquisition (Details)

Acquisition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill and intangible assets, net			$ 6,755	$ 6,380
Phineus Partners LP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total purchase price	$ 1,000
Purchase price, cash	55
Contingent consideration repayment period		3 years
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	375	$ 375
Customer Relationships | Phineus Partners LP
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets	$ 596	$ 596
Definite-lived intangible assets acquired, useful life		3 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset55

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2014	$ 6,380
Goodwill acquired during the period	375
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$ 6,755

Goodwill and Intangible Asset56

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense		$ 50
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		546
Phineus Partners LP
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, net		$ 546
Customer Relationships | Phineus Partners LP
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Definite-lived intangible assets, gross	$ 596
Definite-lived intangible assets acquired, useful life	3 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset57

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net - Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 199
2,017	198
2,018	149
Definite-lived intangible assets, net	$ 546

Related Party Transactions - Fe

Related Party Transactions - Fees Earned from Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment management fees from:	$ 186,826	$ 198,539	$ 212,398
Distribution fees from open-end funds	41,583	49,764	54,068
CAL
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment management fees from:	166,006	177,809	178,856
Distribution fees from open-end funds	41,006	48,942	53,143
Portfolio accounting fees from:	2,295	2,483	2,489
CAL | Open-end funds
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment management fees from:	104,690	119,898	124,875
Portfolio accounting fees from:	1,529	1,756	1,810
CAL | Closed-end funds
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment management fees from:	61,316	57,911	53,981
Portfolio accounting fees from:	$ 766	$ 727	$ 679

Related-Party Transactions (Det

Related-Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment management services		$ 58	$ 85
1111 Warrenville Road LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease extension period (in years)	2 years
Lease automatic renewal period (in years)	1 year
Annual base rent and operating expense	$ 765	774	712
2020 Calamos Court LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease period (in years)	20 years
Annual base rent payments	$ 3,800	3,700	3,600
Percentage increase in annual base rent (as a percent)	3.00%
Primary Business Center LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Sublease rental income		275	277
2020 Calamos Court Annex LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual base rent and operating expense	$ 310	321	300
Lease period (in years)	20 years
Percentage increase in annual base rent (as a percent)	3.00%
CF Restaurant Enterprises LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses incurred for food and beverage	$ 959	940	956
CityGate Centre 1 LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual base rent and operating expense	$ 343	990	943
Lease period (in years)	7 years 6 months
Percentage increase in annual base rent (as a percent)	2.50%
CFP, CPH and Dragon
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expenses related to hotel accommodations, restaurants and event planning services	$ 662	$ 530	$ 533
Agreements term (in years)	1 year
Notice period to terminate agreement (in days)	30 days

Related-Party Transactions - Fe

Related-Party Transactions - Fees Recorded as Expense Allocations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total expenses allocated from the Company to affiliates	$ 776	$ 849	$ 808
Net expense allocated from the Company to affiliates	138	676	657
CPH
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total expenses allocated from the Company to affiliates	507	590	556
CFP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total expenses allocated from the Company to affiliates	254	243	236
Dragon Leasing Corporation
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total expenses allocated from the Company to affiliates	15	16	16
Calamos
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Expense allocated from CPH and CFP to the Company	638	173	151
Management Services Agreement | CPH
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivables (payables)	35	40	43
Management Services Agreement | CFP
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivables (payables)	(7)	(11)	9
Management Services Agreement | Dragon Leasing Corporation
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts receivables (payables)	$ 1	$ 1	$ 1

Investment Securities - Summary

Investment Securities - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Trading securities:
Total investment securities	$ 257,057	$ 339,959
Available-for-sale securities:
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	240,227	287,256
Unrealized Gains	10,092	10,377
Unrealized Losses	(443)	(2,890)
Fair Value	249,876	294,743
Available-for-sale securities: | Global Equity
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	124,929	142,610
Unrealized Gains	6,606	5,275
Unrealized Losses	(46)	(1,872)
Fair Value	131,489	146,013
Available-for-sale securities: | U.S. Equity
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	62,839	74,505
Unrealized Gains	2,914	3,480
Unrealized Losses	(44)	(581)
Fair Value	65,709	77,404
Available-for-sale securities: | Fixed Income
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	16,922	17,596
Unrealized Gains	58	1
Unrealized Losses	(15)	(423)
Fair Value	16,965	17,174
Available-for-sale securities: | Multi-Strategy
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	16,150	1,494
Unrealized Gains	208	198
Unrealized Losses	(133)	(9)
Fair Value	16,225	1,683
Available-for-sale securities: | Alternative
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	14,153	40,752
Unrealized Gains	125	1,283
Unrealized Losses	(191)	(4)
Fair Value	14,087	42,031
Available-for-sale securities: | Convertible
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	5,093	10,163
Unrealized Gains	0	15
Unrealized Losses	(14)	(1)
Fair Value	5,079	10,177
Available-for-sale securities: | Total Funds
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	240,086	287,120
Unrealized Gains	9,911	10,252
Unrealized Losses	(443)	(2,890)
Fair Value	249,554	294,482
Available-for-sale securities: | Common stock
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	141	136
Unrealized Gains	181	125
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	322	261
Trading securities: | Global Equity
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	2,500
Unrealized Gains	0
Unrealized Losses	(35)
Fair Value	2,465
Trading securities: | U.S. Equity
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	5,194
Unrealized Gains	0
Unrealized Losses	(478)
Fair Value	4,716
Trading securities:
Cost	7,694	52,147
Unrealized Gains	0	33
Unrealized Losses	(513)	(6,964)
Fair Value	$ 7,181	$ 45,216

Investment Securities - Changes

Investment Securities - Changes in Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Available-for-sale securities:
Proceeds from sales	$ 70,642	$ 293,662	$ 524,968
Gross realized gains on sales	3,946	11,024	25,882
Trading securities:
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	$ 6,418	$ 1,315	$ (8,813)

Investment Securities - Tax (Pr

Investment Securities - Tax (Provision) Benefit on Unrealized Gains (Losses) and Gains (Losses) Reclassified out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in unrealized gains
Before-Tax Amount	$ 4,817	$ 3,173	$ 39,630
Tax Provision (Benefit)	395	404	3,793
After-Tax Amount	4,422	2,769	35,837
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in income
Before-Tax Amount	(2,654)	(12,012)	(19,732)
Tax Provision (Benefit)	(505)	(1,324)	(1,679)
After-Tax Amount	(2,149)	(10,688)	(18,053)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax provision (benefit)	2,163	(8,839)	19,898
Tax Provision (Benefit)	(110)	(920)	2,114
Other comprehensive income (loss), after income tax provision (benefit)	$ 2,273	$ (7,919)	$ 17,784

Investment Securities - Narrati

Investment Securities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments in Funds	$ 256,700	$ 339,700
Aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss position	12,500	98,100
Other than temporary impairment charge	12,900	667
Unrealized losses, temporary in nature	$ 443	$ 2,900

Derivative Assets and Liabili65

Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Investment securities	$ 257,057,000	$ 339,959,000
Derivative assets	4,311,000	0
Derivative liabilities	5,475,000	0
Derivative instruments		0
Investment and other income (loss)
Derivative [Line Items]
Net loss on derivatives	$ 544,000	$ 1,800,000	$ 1,900,000

Partnership Investments (Detail

Partnership Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated partnerships:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 104,717	$ 35,285	$ 39,078	$ 106,796
Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments	(75)	(10,117)
Total liabilities of consolidated partnerships	(105,068)	(109,070)
Consolidated partnerships:
Consolidated partnerships:
Securities owned	106,667	103,079
Cash and cash equivalents	5,356	39,205
Other current assets	500	1,188
Exchange-traded option contracts	87	201
Total assets of consolidated partnerships	112,610	143,673
Payables for securities purchased	0	(2,256)
Due to non-controlling interest in partnership investments	0	(7,719)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(75)	(142)
Total liabilities of consolidated partnerships	(75)	(10,117)
Equity method investment in partnerships	30	$ 50
Consolidated partnerships: | Affiliated Entity
Consolidated partnerships:
Total assets of consolidated partnerships	$ 30,800

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	$ 112,640	$ 143,723
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	25,240	1,209
Investment securities (Note 6)	252,189	337,956
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	37,170	36,570
Total	313,435	372,767
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Global Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	133,954	146,013
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | U.S. Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	70,425	124,744
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	12,097	12,203
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 6)	16,225	1,683
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 6)	14,087	42,031
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 6)	5,079	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 6)	251,867	337,695
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 6)	322	261
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	27,899	26,237
Corporate bonds		(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 8)	3,875	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 8)	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 8)	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 8)	5,309	7,851
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 8)	87	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
Investment securities (Note 6)	4,868	4,971
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	74,894	103,770
Total	79,762	108,741
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Global Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	4,868	4,971
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 6)	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 6)	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 6)	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 6)	4,868	4,971
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 6)	0	0
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	25,568	25,166
Corporate bonds		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 8)	0	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 8)	48,369	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 8)	957	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 8)	0	29,209
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 8)	0	0
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	25,240	1,209
Investment securities (Note 6)	257,057	342,927
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	112,064	140,340
Total	393,197	481,508
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Global Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	133,954	146,013
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | U.S. Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	70,425	124,744
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	16,965	17,174
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Multi-Strategy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	16,225	1,683
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Alternative
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	14,087	42,031
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Convertible
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	5,079	11,021
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Total Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	256,735	342,666
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Common Stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investment securities (Note 6)	322	261
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	53,467	51,403
Corporate bonds		(2,968)
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	3,875	5,736
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Convertible bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	48,369	41,119
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	957	4,821
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 8)	5,309	37,060
Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement | 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 8)	87	$ 201
Exchange-traded option contracts | 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]
Derivative asset	4,311
Corporate bonds	(5,475)
Exchange-traded option contracts | Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	0
Corporate bonds	0
Exchange-traded option contracts | Recurring | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative asset	4,311
Corporate bonds	$ (5,475)

Fair Value Measurements - Narra

Fair Value Measurements - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of investments in open-end funds	$ 228,100	$ 312,800
Total long-term debt	45,955	45,955
Fair value of long-term debt	51,600	54,200
Carrying value of payment obligation		$ 1,700
Phineus Partners LP
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, liability	$ 998

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total costs	$ 74,021	$ 75,391
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(60,713)	(61,145)
Property and equipment, net	13,308	14,246
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total costs	25,829	25,421
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total costs	29,553	32,062
Computer software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total costs	$ 18,639	$ 17,908

Loans Payable (Details)

Loans Payable (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015
Margin Loan
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Margin loan interest rate effective percentage rate, maximum (as a percent)	1.75%

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Jul. 15, 2014	Jul. 31, 2007
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	$ 45,955,000	$ 45,955,000
Weighted average interest rate on the notes (as a percent)	6.60%
Senior unsecured notes:
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument				$ 375,000,000
6.33% notes due July 15, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes			$ 46,200,000
6.33% notes due July 15, 2014 | Series 1
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument				$ 197,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)				6.33%
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 15, 2014
6.52% notes due July 15, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	$ 22,100,000	22,100,000
6.52% notes due July 15, 2017 | Series 2
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument				$ 85,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)				6.52%
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 15, 2017
6.67% notes due July 15, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total senior unsecured notes	$ 23,855,000	$ 23,855,000
6.67% notes due July 15, 2019 | Series 3
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument				$ 93,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate (as a percent)				6.67%
Debt instrument maturity date	Jul. 15, 2019

Debt - Summary of Debt (Details

Debt - Summary of Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 45,955	$ 45,955
6.52% notes due July 15, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	22,100	22,100
6.67% notes due July 15, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt	$ 23,855	$ 23,855

Debt - Contractual Annual Matur

Debt - Contractual Annual Maturities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 0
2,017	22,100
2,018	0
2,019	23,855
2,020	0
Thereafter	0
Total long-term debt	$ 45,955

Common Stock (Details)

Common Stock (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Percentage of Class B common stock voting rights	97.40%

Profit Sharing Plan (Details)

Profit Sharing Plan (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employer contribution to profit sharing plan	$ 3.6	$ 3.9	$ 2.5

Stock Based Compensation - Narr

Stock Based Compensation - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for grant (in shares)	10,000,000
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	2 years 7 months
Stock options granted	0	0	0
Compensation expense recorded in connection with RSUs and stock options	$ 6,307	$ 6,633	$ 7,025
Stock-based compensation	518	545	577
Total unrecognized compensation expense	$ 12,300
Unrecognized compensation expense, expected weighted-average period to be recognized (in years)	2 years 7 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	$ 1,400	$ 1,500	$ 1,600
RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU awards vesting period (in years)	6 years
Granted (in shares)	782,474	897,082	838,663
Estimated fair value of RSU awards	$ 9,700	$ 10,700	$ 8,900
RSUs outstanding	2,186,246	2,567,565	2,584,975	2,612,106
Aggregate intrinsic value	$ 21,200
Granted (in shares)	$ 12.46	$ 11.89	$ 10.66
Aggregate intrinsic value and the fair value of RSUs that vested and were exercised	$ 5,300	$ 5,100	$ 5,000
Exercised upon vesting (in shares)	461,430	413,298	458,138
Number of RSUs withheld for taxes (in shares)	125,689	118,612	148,058
Shares withheld for taxes	335,741	294,686	310,080
Number of RSUs converted on a one-for-one basis for shares of company's Class A common stock (in shares)	1
Total intrinsic value and fair value of converted shares	$ 4,000	$ 3,600	$ 3,400
Total tax benefit realized in connection with the vesting of RSUs	$ 511	$ 471	$ 443
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
RSU awards vesting period (in years)	10 years
Number of RSUs converted on a one-for-one basis for shares of company's Class A common stock (in shares)	1

Stock Based Compensation - Rest

Stock Based Compensation - Restricted Stock Unit Activity (Details) - RSU - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of Shares
Outstanding, beginning of period	2,567,565	2,584,975	2,612,106
Granted	782,474	897,082	838,663
Forfeited	(702,363)	(501,194)	(407,656)
Exercised upon vesting	(461,430)	(413,298)	(458,138)
Outstanding, end of period	2,186,246	2,567,565	2,584,975
Converted during the year	335,741	294,686	310,080
Weighted Average Fair Value of RSUs Granted (in dollars per share)
Outstanding, beginning of period	$ 11.69	$ 11.58	$ 12.26
Granted	12.46	11.89	10.66
Forfeited	11.71	11	12.14
Exercised upon vesting	11.46	12.27	14.96
Outstanding, end of period	12.01	11.69	11.58
Converted during the year	$ 11.79	$ 12.23	$ 10.87

Stock Based Compensation - Outs

Stock Based Compensation - Outstanding Stock Options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	1,148,485
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.73
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	1,148,485
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.73
Range of Exercise Prices
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	136,330
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	10 months 25 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.80
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	136,330
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.80
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (in dollar per share)	$ 17.80
Range of Exercise Prices
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	756,330
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 9 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 22.37
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	756,330
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 22.37
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (in dollar per share)	18
Range of Exercise Prices, maximum (in dollars per share)	$ 29.11
Range of Exercise Prices
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	255,825
Options Outstanding, Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 month 6 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 35.43
Options Exercisable, Number of Shares (in shares) | shares	255,825
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Option Price (in dollars per share)	$ 35.43
Range of Exercise Prices, minimum (in dollar per share)	$ 35.43

Stock Based Compensation - Stoc

Stock Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of Shares
Outstanding at beginning of the period	1,429,167	2,101,568	2,195,414
Forfeited/expired	(280,682)	(672,401)	(93,846)
Outstanding at end of the period	1,148,485	1,429,167	2,101,568
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 25.27	$ 23.42	$ 23.36
Forfeited/expired	27.80	19.49	21.94
Outstanding at end of period	$ 24.73	$ 25.27	$ 23.42

Stock Based Compensation - Opti

Stock Based Compensation - Options Exercisable (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	1,148,485	1,429,167	1,910,292
Exercisable at the end of period (in dollars per share)	$ 24.73	$ 25.27	$ 23.76

Non-Operating Income (Details)

Non-Operating Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 199	$ 160	$ 257
Interest expense	(3,070)	(4,669)	(6,021)
Net interest expense	(2,871)	(4,509)	(5,764)
Investment income (loss)	(5,513)	17,585	29,891
Dividend income	1,589	1,987	5,355
Miscellaneous other income	177	341	193
Investment and other income (loss)	(3,747)	19,913	35,439
Total non-operating income (loss)	$ (6,618)	$ 15,404	$ 29,675

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provi

Income Taxes - Income Tax Provision (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ (4,158)	$ (1,767)	$ (216)
CAM portion	(485)	(92)	23
Calamos Interests portion	42	178	56
Foreign	17	15	0
Total current income tax benefit	(4,584)	(1,666)	(137)
Deferred:
Federal	6,330	6,833	5,867
State	574	620	532
Total deferred income tax provision	6,904	7,453	6,399
Total income tax provision	$ 2,320	$ 5,787	$ 6,262

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Current portion of net deferred tax assets	$ 8,294	$ 9,194
Non-current portions of the net deferred tax assets	30,010	31,067
Intangible assets	26,545	34,459
Tax benefit per year created from net deferred income tax asset attributable to intangible assets	$ 7,900
Period of tax benefit (in years)	15 years
Tax benefit expiry period	2,019
Number of membership units purchased from CFP (in shares)	20,000,000
Number of membership units that qualified for stepped-up in basis (in shares)	17,000,000
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	$ 7,400
Goodwill amortization period (in years)	15 years
Capital Loss Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Valuation allowance on tax credit carryforward		$ 0
State
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	$ 10,400
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Federal
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Operating loss carryforwards	12,100
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Federal | Capital Loss Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Capital loss carryforward	5,200
Expiration in Tax Year 2017 | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Federal | Capital Loss Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Capital loss carryforward	237
Expiration in Tax Year 2020 | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) | Federal | Capital Loss Carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Capital loss carryforward	$ 5,000

Income Taxes - Income Tax Rate

Income Taxes - Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits	2.10%	2.00%	2.00%
Impact of expiring employee stock options	4.60%	2.40%	0.00%
Calamos Investments’ foreign and state income taxes	1.00%	1.10%	0.30%
Impact of deferred tax assets valuation allowance reversal	(2.80%)	(10.40%)	(12.20%)
Other non-deductible items	2.00%	0.70%	0.40%
Impact on net deferred tax assets from change in statutory income tax rate	(0.50%)	(0.60%)	(0.30%)
Effective income tax rate	41.40%	30.20%	25.20%
Calamos Interests state income taxes	(0.80%)	(0.90%)	(0.20%)
CAM effective income tax rate	40.60%	29.30%	25.00%

Income Taxes - Deferred Income

Income Taxes - Deferred Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Intangible assets	$ 26,545	$ 34,459
Federal capital loss carryforward	1,942	169
Federal net operating loss carryforward	4,120	0
State net operating loss carryforward	624	0
Differences between book basis and tax basis of investments	3,202	4,165
Stock-based compensation	1,921	2,098
Other	1,208	698
Total deferred tax assets	39,562	41,589
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized net holding gains on investments of available-for-sale securities	793	902
Deferred sales commission	49	85
Goodwill	113	81
Other	303	260
Total deferred tax liabilities	1,258	1,328
Net deferred tax assets	$ 38,304	$ 40,261

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings per share – basic:
Earnings available to common shareholders	$ 830	$ 363	$ 2,033	$ 101	$ 4,794	$ 3,369	$ 3,228	$ 2,139	$ 3,327	$ 13,530	$ 18,628
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									17,518,033	18,275,246	19,903,507
Earnings per share - basic (in dollars per share)									$ 0.19	$ 0.74	$ 0.94
Earnings per share – diluted:
Earnings available to common shareholders	$ 830	$ 363	$ 2,033	$ 101	$ 4,794	$ 3,369	$ 3,228	$ 2,139	$ 3,327	$ 13,530	$ 18,628
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)									17,518,033	18,275,246	19,903,507
Dilutive impact of restricted stock units (in shares)									727,000	714,000	448,000
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	17,858,985	18,208,850	18,635,798	18,699,641	18,808,798	18,781,856	19,048,456	19,805,828	18,245,109	18,989,281	20,351,603
Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.02	$ 0.11	$ 0.01	$ 0.25	$ 0.18	$ 0.17	$ 0.11	$ 0.18	$ 0.71	$ 0.92
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)									12,685,989	29,520,234	37,254,937
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)									11,537,504	27,916,544	34,594,896
Closing price of shares (in dollars per share)	$ 9.68				$ 13.32				$ 9.68	$ 13.32	$ 11.84
Discount rate (as a percent)									12.00%	12.00%	12.00%
Restricted stock units
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)									0	174,523	558,473
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)									1,148,485	1,429,167	2,101,568

Commitments and Contingencies87

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 25, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Lease expenses		$ 5,500,000	$ 5,600,000	$ 5,600,000
Year ended December 31: [Abstract]
2,016		5,252,000
2,017		5,403,000
2,018		5,520,000
2,019		5,530,000
2,020		5,314,000
Thereafter		22,799,000
Total minimum lease payments		49,818,000
Calamos Advisors LLC | Purchase of Common Shares
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC		15,600,000
Calamos Advisors LLC | Subsequent Event
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC	$ 20,000,000
Calamos Advisors LLC | Maximum | Purchase of Common Shares
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Share purchase program, maximum shares repurchased		$ 20,000,000

Regulatory and Net Capital Re88

Regulatory and Net Capital Requirements (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
Required ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital	15
The net capital, the excess of the required net capital and the net capital ratio [Abstract]
Net capital	$ 5,433	$ 1,791
Excess of required net capital	$ 4,636	$ 1,003
Net capital ratio	2.20	6.60

Concentration Risk (Details)

Concentration Risk (Details) - fund	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of companies	3
Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk | Calamos Growth Fund
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues derived from services provided to two Company-sponsored open-end funds	17.00%	18.00%	21.00%
Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk | Calamos Market Neutral Fund
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues derived from services provided to two Company-sponsored open-end funds	14.00%	14.00%	10.00%
Revenue | Customer Concentration Risk | Calamos Growth and Income Fund
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of revenues derived from services provided to two Company-sponsored open-end funds	13.00%	14.00%	15.00%

Quarterly Financial Informati90

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Assets under management	$ 21,908,000	$ 22,454,000	$ 24,432,000	$ 24,476,000	$ 23,506,000	$ 24,514,000	$ 25,755,000	$ 26,147,000	$ 21,908,000	$ 23,506,000
Total revenue	55,494	57,618	60,351	57,417	60,495	63,532	63,005	63,930	230,880	250,962	$ 269,130
Total operating expenses	46,369	48,991	46,259	58,922	45,868	47,679	46,371	49,854	200,541	189,772	191,244
Operating income (loss)	9,125	8,627	14,092	(1,505)	14,627	15,853	16,634	14,076	30,339	61,190	77,886
Net income attributable to CAM	$ 830	$ 363	$ 2,033	$ 101	$ 4,794	$ 3,369	$ 3,228	$ 2,139	$ 3,327	$ 13,530	$ 18,628
Earnings per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.05	$ 0.02	$ 0.11	$ 0.01	$ 0.25	$ 0.18	$ 0.17	$ 0.11	$ 0.18	$ 0.71	$ 0.92
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	17,858,985	18,208,850	18,635,798	18,699,641	18,808,798	18,781,856	19,048,456	19,805,828	18,245,109	18,989,281	20,351,603

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 11, 2016
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Loan due from related party		$ 40
Scenario, Forecast
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Approved distribution	$ 20
Scenario, Forecast | Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Approved distribution	4.4
Scenario, Forecast | Calamos Interests
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Approved distribution	$ 15.6