Calamos Asset Management (CLMS) 10-Q 9 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Apr. 29, 2016
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Calamos Asset Management, Inc. /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	1,299,033
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus (Q1,Q2,Q3,FY)	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Class A Common Stock
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,530,571
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	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 77,797	$ 104,717
Receivables:
Affiliates and affiliated funds	12,021	13,891
Customers	3,608	3,876
Receivable for investment securities sold	11,253	0
Investment securities	59,587	257,057
Derivative assets	5,241	4,311
Consolidated funds and partnership investments	597,909	112,640
Prepaid expenses	4,380	3,709
Deferred tax assets, net	0	8,294
Other current assets	617	631
Total current assets	772,413	509,126
Non-current assets:
Deferred tax assets, net	38,191	30,010
Goodwill and intangible assets, net	7,252	7,301
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization ($61,546 at March 31, 2016 and $60,713 at December 31, 2015)	13,027	13,308
Other non-current assets	1,562	1,717
Total non-current assets	60,032	52,336
Total assets	832,445	561,462
Current liabilities:
Distribution fees payable	6,796	7,641
Accrued compensation and benefits	10,826	28,583
Interest payable	632	1,390
Derivative liabilities	8,370	5,475
Liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments	4,633	75
Equity distributions declared, not yet paid	15,559	0
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	4,254	5,118
Total current liabilities	51,070	48,282
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	45,955	45,955
Deferred rent	8,667	8,788
Other non-current liabilities	1,673	2,043
Total non-current liabilities	56,295	56,786
Total liabilities	107,365	105,068
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments	378,725	77,835
EQUITY
Additional paid-in capital	226,649	224,065
Retained earnings	79,728	81,881
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(64)	1,110
Treasury stock; 8,929,606 shares at March 31, 2016 and 8,409,162 shares at December 31, 2015	(117,542)	(113,579)
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. stockholders’ equity	189,028	193,730
Non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	157,327	184,829
Total equity	346,355	378,559
Total liabilities and equity	832,445	561,462
Class A Common Stock
EQUITY
Common Stock	257	253
Class B Common Stock
EQUITY
Common Stock	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FIN3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ 61,546	$ 60,713
EQUITY
Treasury stock (in shares)	8,929,606	8,409,162
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)	26,658,994	25,326,522
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	16,729,388	16,917,360
Class B Common Stock
EQUITY
Common Stock, par value (in dollar per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000	1,000
Common Stock, shares issued (in shares)	100	100
Common Stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	100	100

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
REVENUES
Investment management fees	$ 39,548	$ 45,948
Distribution and underwriting fees	8,421	10,847
Other	532	622
Total revenues	48,501	57,417
EXPENSES
Employee compensation and benefits	24,417	24,874
Distribution expenses	8,457	10,517
Marketing and sales promotion	2,695	13,405
General and administrative	8,644	10,126
Total operating expenses	44,213	58,922
Operating income (loss)	4,288	(1,505)
NON-OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
Net interest expense	(697)	(730)
Investment and other income (loss)	(13,623)	5,737
Total non-operating income (loss)	(14,320)	5,007
Income (loss) before income taxes	(10,032)	3,502
Income tax provision	758	465
Net income (loss)	(10,790)	3,037
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	2,390	112
Net (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments	7,078	(3,048)
Net income (loss) attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	$ (1,322)	$ 101
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.01
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.01
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	16,740,100	17,872,357
Diluted (in shares)	16,740,100	18,699,641
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.15

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (10,790)	$ 3,037
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities:
Unrealized gains (losses)	(9,008)	9,016
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in net income (loss)	617	(853)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax provision (benefit)	(8,391)	8,163
Income tax provision (benefit) related to other comprehensive income (loss)	(689)	448
Other comprehensive income (loss), after income tax provision (benefit)	(7,702)	7,715
Comprehensive income (loss)	(18,492)	10,752
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)	8,918	(6,839)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments	7,078	(3,048)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Calamos Asset Management, Inc.	$ (2,496)	$ 865

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
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 250	$ 221,208	$ 89,311	$ 1,297	$ (107,129)	$ 216,982	$ 421,919
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 76,167
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	3,037			101			(112)	(11)
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, net income (loss)	3,048
Other comprehensive income (loss)					764		6,951	7,715
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC (520,444 Class A common shares)						(495)	(1,734)	(2,229)
Issuance of common stock (Class A common shares)		1	(1)
Impact of the redemption of common stock from Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (332,472 Class A common shares)			1,438			(1,438)
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC			(71)				(361)	(432)
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC	1
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans			360				1,260	1,620
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock			(320)				320
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans				(52)			(181)	(233)
Equity and tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)							(22,806)	(22,806)
Dividends declared				(2,668)				(2,668)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015		251	222,614	86,692	2,061	(109,062)	200,319	402,875
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	79,216
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Consolidation of funds upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement on January 1, 2016 | Accounting Standards Update 2015-02				1,735			6,079	7,814
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, consolidation of fund upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement | Accounting Standards Update 2015-02	318,154
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	378,559	253	224,065	81,881	1,110	(113,579)	184,829	378,559
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2015	77,835
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income (loss)	(10,790)			(1,322)			(2,390)	(3,712)
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, net income (loss)	(7,078)
Other comprehensive income (loss)					(1,174)		(6,528)	(7,702)
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC (520,444 Class A common shares)						(1,035)	(3,624)	(4,659)
Issuance of common stock (Class A common shares)		4	(4)
Impact of the redemption of common stock from Calamos Investments LLC by Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (332,472 Class A common shares)			2,928			(2,928)
Cumulative impact of changes in ownership of Calamos Investments LLC			(262)				(680)	(942)
Compensation expense recognized under stock incentive plans			361				1,264	1,625
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock			(439)				439
Dividend equivalent accrued under stock incentive plans				(51)			(181)	(232)
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, consolidation (deconsolidation) of funds during period	(7,580)
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, net purchases (sales) of redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments	(2,606)
Equity distributions declared to non-controlling interests in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)							(15,559)	(15,559)
Tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)							(6,322)	(6,322)
Dividends declared				(2,515)				(2,515)
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2016	346,355	$ 257	$ 226,649	$ 79,728	$ (64)	$ (117,542)	$ 157,327	$ 346,355
Redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments, ending balance at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 378,725

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHA7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Parenthetical) - Class A Common Stock - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	520,444	178,141
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	332,472	157,441
Redemption of common stock (in shares)	332,472	157,441

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$ 104,717	$ 35,285
Cash flows used in operating activities:
Net income (loss)	(10,790)	3,037
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Amortization of deferred sales commissions	307	509
Other depreciation and amortization	888	1,115
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	0	26
Deferred rent	(121)	18
Change in unrealized (gains) losses on trading securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities, consolidated funds and partnership investments, net	15,487	(9,467)
Net realized (gains) losses on sale of investment securities, derivative assets, derivative liabilities, consolidated funds and partnership investments, net	(1,027)	3,914
Change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance	628	0
Deferred taxes, net	104	698
Stock-based compensation	1,625	1,620
Employee taxes paid on vesting under stock incentive plans	(877)	(465)
Receivables:
Affiliates and affiliated funds, net	1,870	7
Customers	268	(363)
Other assets	(815)	(1,428)
Decrease in liabilities:
Distribution fees payable	(845)	(1,847)
Accrued compensation and benefits	(17,757)	(13,631)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	(2,154)	(1,078)
Net cash used in operating activities	(13,209)	(17,335)
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities:
Net additions to property and equipment	(552)	(628)
Purchases of investment securities	(13,776)	(4,396)
Proceeds from sale of investment securities	14,581	64,306
Net purchases of derivatives	(403)	0
Distributions from consolidated funds and partnership investments	0	23,249
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(150)	82,531
Cash flows used in financing activities:
Deferred tax benefit (expense) on vesting under stock incentive plans	(65)	34
Repurchase of common stock by Calamos Investments LLC (520,444 at March 31, 2016, and 178,141 at March 31, 2015 Class A common shares)	(4,659)	(2,229)
Equity distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interests)	0	(15,559)
Tax distributions paid to non-controlling interests (Calamos Interests)	(6,322)	(7,247)
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders	(2,515)	(2,668)
Net cash used in financing activities	(13,561)	(27,669)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(26,920)	37,527
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	77,797	72,812
Cash paid (refunded) for:
Income taxes, net	(67)	21
Interest	1,516	1,516
Receivable for investment securities sold	11,253	0
Equity distributions declared, not yet paid	$ 15,559	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Class A Common Stock
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	520,444	178,141

Organization and Description of

Organization and Description of Business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Description of Business	Organization and Description of Business Calamos Asset Management, Inc. (“CAM”), representing the public shares outstanding, as of March 31, 2016 , owned 22.2% of the operating company, Calamos Investments LLC (“Calamos Investments”), with the remaining 77.8% privately owned by Calamos Family Partners, Inc. (“CFP”) , a Delaware corporation, and John P. Calamos, Sr., the Founder, Chairman and Global Chief Investment Officer of CAM. CAM, together with Calamos Investments and Calamos Investments’ subsidiaries (the “Company”) , operates the investment advisory and distribution services businesses reported within these consolidated financial statements. CAM operates and is the sole manager, and thus controls all of the business and affairs of Calamos Investments and, as a result of this control, consolidates the financial results of Calamos Investments with its own financial results. CFP and John P. Calamos, Sr. (collectively "Calamos Interests" ) ownership interest, in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, is reflected and referred to within these consolidated financial statements as "non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC". As shown in the diagram below, CFP also owns all of CAM’s outstanding Class B common stock, which represents 97.4% of the combined voting power of all classes of CAM’s voting stock. The graphic below illustrates our organizational and ownership structure as of March 31, 2016 : (1) Represents combined economic interest of Calamos Family Partners, Inc. and John P. Calamos, Sr. who is also a member of Calamos Investments LLC. (2) Represents combined economic interest of all public stockholders, including John P. Calamos, Sr. and John P. Calamos, Jr.’s combined 20.7% ownership interest of Class A common stock. The calculation of ownership interest includes options and restricted stock units ( "RSUs" ) that vest within 60 days , as well as CFP’s indirect ownership interest in Class A common stock purchased by Calamos Investments LLC, pursuant to the Company’s share repurchase plan. The Company primarily provides investment advisory services to individuals and institutional investors through a number of investment products that include open-end funds, an exchange-traded fund and closed-end funds (the “Funds”), separate accounts, offshore funds, and partnerships, as well as provides model portfolio design and oversight for separately managed accounts. The subsidiaries through which the Company provides these services include: Calamos Advisors LLC (“CAL”) , a Delaware limited liability company and registered investment advisor; Calamos Financial Services LLC (“CFS”) , a Delaware limited liability company and registered broker-dealer; Calamos Wealth Management LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and registered investment advisor; and Calamos Investments LLP, a United Kingdom limited liability partnership, registered investment advisor with the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, and a global distributor of the offshore funds and Company products. For reporting purposes, the offshore funds are included within the open-end funds.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) , which require the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management believes the accounting estimates are appropriate and reasonably stated; however, due to the inherent uncertainties in making estimates, actual amounts could differ from these estimates. The consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2016 and for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , and 2015 have not been audited by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. In the opinion of management, these statements contain all adjustments, including those of a normal recurring nature, necessary for fair presentation of the financial condition and results of operations. The results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be obtained for a full fiscal year. This Form 10-Q filing should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 . New Accounting Guidance The Company implemented Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis , which amended the consolidation requirements under GAAP, on January 1, 2016, using the modified retrospective method. The modified retrospective method did not require the restatement of prior year periods. In connection with the adoption of this guidance, the Company reevaluated all of its investments for consolidation, including its investments in open-end funds. The adoption of the guidance resulted in open-end funds regulated outside the U.S. previously accounted for as voting interest entities ( "VOE" ) to be evaluated as variable interest entities ( "VIE" ) and led to the consolidation of five open-end funds that were previously accounted for as available-for-sale securities. The adoption also resulted in the consolidation of four U.S. regulated open-end funds that were previously accounted for as available-for-sale securities. The impact to the consolidated statements of financial condition upon adoption was the consolidation of $333.6 million of assets, $15.4 million of liabilities, and $318.2 million of redeemable non-controlling interests. In connection with the adoption, the Company reclassified $1.7 million and $6.1 million , respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings and non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments LLC. Additional disclosures related to consolidated voting interest entities and variable interest entities, and the impact the new accounting guidance has had on the quarter are included in Note 5, Consolidated Funds and Partnership Investments . Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of CAM, Calamos Investments, Calamos Investments’ wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company’s partnerships and open-end funds in which it has a controlling financial interest or operating control. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has significant influence, but less than a 50% controlling interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Calamos Interests’ combined 77.8% interest in Calamos Investments at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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. The Company consolidates investments in which the Company’s controlling interest 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, partnership or open-end fund is a VOE or VIE. The analysis involves judgment and considers several factors, including an entity’s legal organization, capital structure, the rights of the equity investment holders, the Company's ownership interest in the entity, and its contractual involvement with the entity. The Company continually reviews and reconsiders its previously reached VIE or VOE conclusions upon the occurrence of certain events, such as changes to its ownership interest, changes to an entity’s organization and legal structure, or amendments to governing documents. CAM owns certain assets to which it has exclusive economic rights. As of March 31, 2016 , these assets included cash and cash equivalents of $59.2 million , net non-current deferred tax assets of $38.2 million , net current income taxes receivable of $288,000 , a dividend receivable of $4.4 million , and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $42.0 million . As of December 31, 2015 , these assets included cash, cash equivalents and investment securities of $77.3 million , net current and non-current deferred tax assets of $38.3 million , net current income taxes receivable of $355,000 , and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $25.0 million . These assets are reported together with Calamos Investments’ consolidated assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Additionally, net loss before income taxes of $10.0 million and net income before income taxes of $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, each included $99,000 and $580,000 , respectively, of interest income, dividend income and realized gains and losses on cash and cash equivalents held solely by CAM. These portions of CAM’s income and expense are not affected by non-controlling interests. The open-end funds that the Company consolidates in its consolidated financial statements are generally those products it provided initial seed capital at the time of their formation and has a controlling interest. The Company's U.S. regulated open-end funds are considered VOEs while those regulated outside the U.S. are considered VIEs. VIEs are entities that, by design (i ) lack sufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities independently, or (ii) have equity holders that do not have the power to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, the obligation to absorb the entity’s losses, or the rights to receive the entity’s residual returns. The Company consolidates a VIE when it is the primary beneficiary, which is the party that has both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant. For the periods the funds and partnerships are consolidated, the assets and liabilities of the funds and partnerships are presented as consolidated funds and partnership investments and liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments, respectively, in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The net income for these funds and partnerships is included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations, and the change in funds and partnership investments is included in contributions to or distributions from consolidated funds and partnership investments in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The combined interests of all of the consolidated funds and partnerships not owned by the Company and that are redeemable at the option of the holder, are presented as redeemable non-controlling interest in consolidated funds and partnership investments in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods those funds and partnerships were consolidated. See Note 5, Consolidated Funds and Partnership Investments , for more discussion regarding these funds. Calamos Investments, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries and affiliates, is indirectly the general partner and controls the operations of Calamos Global Opportunities Fund LP. The results of this partnership are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company holds non-controlling interests in certain other partnership investments that are included in partnership investments and consolidated funds in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These other partnership investments are accounted for under the equity method. Restricted Cash The Company has a $430,000 security deposit related to a property lease that is restricted from the Company’s general corporate use and is being reported in other non-current assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Treasury Stock On November 13, 2014, the Company announced a repurchase of up to an additional 3 million shares of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock primarily to continue to manage the dilution from share issuances under the Company’s incentive compensation plan. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , Calamos Investments repurchased 520,444 shares of Class A common stock, at an average purchase price of $8.95 and a total cost of $4.7 million under this repurchase program. As Calamos Investments is consolidated with CAM, the repurchased shares are reported as treasury shares. As such, CAM’s 22.2% ownership interest in these shares totaling $1.1 million is reported in treasury stock, with Calamos Interests’ 77.8% ownership interest in these shares totaling $3.6 million reported in non-controlling interest in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The total shares repurchased are not included in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share in accordance with GAAP. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , CAM redeemed 332,472 Class A common shares from Calamos Investments for a value of $3.8 million , which represents the fair value of the shares on the date of redemption. As Calamos Investments is consolidated with CAM, the impact of the distribution reflecting the non-controlling interest is $2.9 million . During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , dividends on shares held by Calamos Investments totaled $565,000 . The payment of these dividends increased Calamos Investments' equity resulting in a $439,000 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. For a comprehensive disclosure of the Company's significant accounting policies, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 .

Investment Securities

Investment Securities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investment Securities	Investment Securities The Company carries all investment securities it owns at fair value and record all changes in fair value in current earnings. As such, unrealized gains and losses on trading securities, as well as realized gains and losses on all investment securities, are included in investment and other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are reported, net of CAM's deferred income tax, as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in equity until realized. The following table provides a summary of investment securities as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : (in thousands) March 31, 2016 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds U.S. Equity $ 618 $ 44 $ (2 ) $ 660 Global Equity 9,911 731 (20 ) 10,622 Convertible 35 — (5 ) 30 Fixed Income 5,259 174 (3 ) 5,430 Alternative 51 — — 51 Multi-Strategy 20,506 776 (664 ) 20,618 Total Funds 36,380 1,725 (694 ) 37,411 Common stock 141 226 — 367 Total available-for-sale securities $ 36,521 $ 1,951 $ (694 ) $ 37,778 Trading securities: Funds U.S. Equity $ 15,760 $ 75 $ (1,609 ) $ 14,226 Global Equity 4,781 15 (35 ) 4,761 Convertible 1,785 14 — 1,799 Fixed Income 52 — — 52 Alternative 971 — — 971 Total trading securities $ 23,349 $ 104 $ (1,644 ) $ 21,809 Total investment securities $ 59,587 (in thousands) December 31, 2015 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds U.S. Equity $ 62,839 $ 2,914 $ (44 ) $ 65,709 Global Equity 124,929 6,606 (46 ) 131,489 Convertible 5,093 — (14 ) 5,079 Fixed Income 16,922 58 (15 ) 16,965 Alternative 14,153 125 (191 ) 14,087 Multi-Strategy 16,150 208 (133 ) 16,225 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 The investments in Funds at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 of $59.2 million and $256.7 million , respectively, were invested in affiliated funds that are not consolidated and accounts that are separately managed. In connection with the adoption of the new consolidation accounting guidance on January 1, 2016, the Company reevaluated all of its investments for consolidation, including its investments in open-end funds. The Company determined that its interests in certain available-for-sale securities with a fair value of $197.5 million at December 31, 2015 , were deemed controlling interests under the new accounting guidance and resulted in these open-end funds being consolidated on January 1, 2016. The aggregate fair value of available-for-sale investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $16.1 million and $12.5 million , respectively. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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 $251,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 on certain available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses. No other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2015 . The other-than-temporary impairment charges were reported in non-operating income (loss), in the consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company believes that the remaining $694,000 and $443,000 , respectively, in unrealized losses on certain available-for-sale securities are only temporary in nature, as these losses are a result of short-term declines in the net asset value of the funds. Further, the Company has the intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of the fair value. The Company also considered current market conditions and the nature of the securities held when determining the recoverability of those securities' fair value. The following table provides a summary of changes in investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 Available-for-sale securities: Proceeds from sales $ 14,630 $ 15,000 Gross realized gains (losses) on sales $ (307 ) $ 545 Trading securities: Changes in unrealized gains (losses) $ (3,723 ) $ 7,820 The table below summarizes the tax provision on unrealized gains (losses) and (gains) losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended Three Months Ended (in thousands) Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Available-for-sale securities: Changes in unrealized gains (losses) $ (1,194 ) $ (98 ) $ (1,096 ) $ 9,016 $ 764 $ 8,252 Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in income 617 51 566 (853 ) (316 ) (537 ) Unrealized gains on consolidation of funds upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement (7,814 ) (642 ) (7,172 ) — — — Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (8,391 ) $ (689 ) $ (7,702 ) $ 8,163 $ 448 $ 7,715 Reclassification of realized (gains) losses out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reported in non-operating income (loss), in investment income (loss), in the consolidated statement of operations. See Note 9, Non-Operating Income (Loss) .

Derivative Assets and Liabiliti

Derivative Assets and Liabilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Assets and Liabilities	Derivative Assets and Liabilities The Company used exchange-traded option contracts as an economic hedge of price changes in its investment securities portfolio in order to reduce the volatility equity markets have on the fair value of the Company's corporate investment portfolio and that could result in realized or unrealized gains and losses. The Company's investment securities and consolidated funds, net of redeemable non-controlling interest, totaling $238.8 million at March 31, 2016 , consist primarily of positions in several Calamos equity and fixed income funds. The equity price risk in the investment portfolio may be hedged using exchange-traded option contracts that correlate most closely with the change in value of the portfolio being hedged. The use of these option contracts are part of a hedge overlay strategy to minimize downside risk in the hedged portfolio. The Company may adjust its hedge position in response to movement and volatility in prices and changes in the composition of the hedged portfolio, but generally is not actively buying and selling contracts. The Company has elected not to offset its derivative assets with its derivative liabilities even if a right of offset exists. When applicable, the fair value of option contracts is reported on a gross basis in derivative assets and derivative liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Net gains and losses on these contracts are reported in investment and other income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company recorded a net loss of $2.4 million on these contracts for the three months ended March 31, 2016 . The Company did not record any gain or loss for the period ended March 31, 2015 . The Company may use these derivatives for risk management purposes but does not designate the contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. The Company had $5.2 million and $4.3 million , respectively, of derivative assets outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , the Company had $8.4 million and $5.5 million , respectively, of derivative liabilities outstanding.

Consolidated Funds and Partners

Consolidated Funds and Partnership Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Partnership Investments [Abstract]
Consolidated Funds and Partnership Investments	Consolidated Funds and Partnership Investments Presented below are the underlying assets and liabilities of the funds and partnership investments 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 consolidated funds and partnership investments and liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments, respectively, in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . (in thousands) March 31, 2016 Consolidated Funds Partnership Investments Total Assets Securities owned $ 458,464 $ 109,158 $ 567,622 Cash and cash equivalents 15,180 5,791 20,971 Receivables for securities sold 3,418 1,410 4,828 Other current assets 2,561 232 2,793 Exchange-traded option contracts 1,618 57 1,675 Total assets of consolidated funds and partnership investments $ 481,241 $ 116,648 $ 597,889 Liabilities Payables on redemptions $ (1,581 ) $ — $ (1,581 ) Payables for securities purchased (1,147 ) (79 ) (1,226 ) Securities sold not yet purchased (160 ) — (160 ) Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (1,401 ) (763 ) (2,164 ) Exchange-traded option contracts (502 ) — (502 ) Adjustment for elimination of receivable for investment securities sold 1,000 — 1,000 Total liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments $ (3,791 ) $ (842 ) $ (4,633 ) Equity method investment in partnerships $ — $ 20 $ 20 (in thousands) December 31, 2015 Consolidated Funds Partnership Investments Total Assets Securities owned $ — $ 106,667 $ 106,667 Cash and cash equivalents — 5,356 5,356 Other current assets — 500 500 Exchange-traded option contracts — 87 87 Total assets of consolidated partnership investments $ — $ 112,610 $ 112,610 Liabilities Accrued expenses and other current liabilities — (75 ) (75 ) Total $ — $ (75 ) $ (75 ) Equity method investment in partnerships $ — $ 30 $ 30 The open-end funds included in the Company's consolidated financial statements are generally those products for which it provided initial seed capital at the time of their formation and for which the Company has a controlling interest. The Company's U.S. regulated open-end funds are considered voting interest entities while those regulated outside the U.S. are considered variable interest entities. The Company is required to recognize the valuation changes associated with all underlying investments held by these funds in its consolidated financial statements of operations, and disclose the portion attributable to third party investors as net income attributable to redeemable 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. This investment is presented as a consolidated partnership in the table above. 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.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements The Company utilizes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets; Level 2 — inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly (including quoted prices of similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, fair value adjustments to quoted foreign securities, etc.); and Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, and require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. For each period presented, the Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value using Level 3 measurements. Transfers between levels are measured at the end of the reporting period. The Company had no transfers between levels during the period. Investments are presented in the consolidated financial statements at fair value in accordance with GAAP. Investments in open-end funds are stated at fair value based on end of day published net asset values of shares owned by the Company. The fair value of investment securities and consolidated funds, net of redeemable non-controlling interest, in open-end funds was $205.5 million and $228.1 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. There are no unfunded commitments related to these investments. These investments may be redeemed daily with a redemption notice period of up to seven days . Investments in securities traded on a national securities exchange are stated at the last reported sales price on the day of valuation. Other securities, including derivatives, traded in the over-the-counter market and listed securities for which no sale was reported on that date are stated at the last quoted bid price. However, short sales positions and call options written are reported at the last quoted ask price. Convertible bonds, fixed income securities and other securities for which quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value based on observable inputs such as market prices for similar instruments as validated by third party pricing agencies and the Company’s prime broker. Debt securities are valued based upon prices received from an independent pricing service or from a dealer or broker who makes markets in such securities. Pricing services utilize various observable market data and as such, debt securities are generally categorized as Level 2. The following tables provide the hierarchy of inputs used to derive the fair value of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Foreign currency contracts are carried in the Company's consolidated funds and partnership investments and are presented on a net basis where the right of offset exists, and had an insignificant impact for the periods presented. Fair Value Measurements Using (in thousands) Description March 31, 2016 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 $ 26,156 $ 26,156 $ — Investment securities (Note 3) Funds U.S. Equity 14,886 14,886 — Global Equity 15,383 15,383 — Convertible 1,829 1,829 — Fixed Income 5,482 509 4,973 Alternative 1,022 1,022 — Multi-Strategy 20,618 20,618 — Total Funds 59,220 54,247 4,973 Common stock 367 367 — Total investment securities 59,587 54,614 4,973 Derivative assets (Note 4) Exchange-traded option contracts 5,241 5,241 — Securities and derivative assets owned by consolidated funds and partnership investments (Note 5) Common stocks 296,206 172,345 123,861 Preferred stocks 31,607 31,607 — Convertible bonds 212,362 — 212,362 Corporate bonds 27,447 — 27,447 Money market funds 20,892 20,892 — Exchange-traded option contracts 1,675 1,675 — Total securities and derivative assets owned by consolidated funds and partnership investments 590,189 226,519 363,670 Derivative liabilities (Note 4) Exchange-traded option contracts (8,370 ) (8,370 ) — Derivative liabilities owned by consolidated funds (Note 5) Exchange-traded option contracts (502 ) (502 ) — Total $ 672,301 $ 303,658 $ 368,643 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 3) Funds U.S. Equity 70,425 70,425 — Global Equity 133,954 133,954 — Convertible 5,079 5,079 — Fixed Income 16,965 12,097 4,868 Alternative 14,087 14,087 — Multi-Strategy 16,225 16,225 — Total Funds 256,735 251,867 4,868 Common stock 322 322 — Total investment securities 257,057 252,189 4,868 Derivative assets (Note 4) Exchange-traded option contracts 4,311 4,311 — Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5) 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 option contracts 87 87 — Total securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments 112,064 37,170 74,894 Derivative liabilities (Note 4) Exchange-traded option contracts (5,475 ) (5,475 ) — Total $ 393,197 $ 313,435 $ 79,762 The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt, which has a total carrying value of $46.0 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , was approximately $50.7 million and $51.6 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. The fair value and carrying value of the Company's contingent consideration at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , was $916,000 and $998,000 , respectively. This contingent consideration is associated with the Company's purchase of Phineus Partners LP in 2015, reported in other current and non-current liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 , 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 carrying value of all other financial instruments approximates fair value due to the short maturities of these financial instruments.

Loans Payable

Loans Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Loans Payable [Abstract]
Loans Payable	Loans Payable The Company has access to margin loans for the settlement of option liabilities, 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Under the Company’s incentive compensation plan, certain employees of the Company receive stock-based compensation comprised of stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) . Historically, RSUs have been settled with newly issued shares so that no cash was used by the Company to settle awards; however, the Company may also use treasury shares upon the exercise of stock options and upon conversion of RSUs. The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 provides details of this plan and its provisions. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , the Company granted 2,364,892 RSUs and there were 61,953 RSUs forfeited. During the same period, the Company granted no stock options and there were 274,904 stock options forfeited. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , 434,506 RSUs vested with 102,034 units withheld for taxes and 332,472 RSUs converted into an equal number of shares of CAM’s Class A common stock. The total intrinsic value and the fair value of the converted shares was $2.9 million . The total tax benefit realized in connection with the vesting of the RSUs during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $379,000 , as the Company receives tax benefits based upon the portion of Calamos Investments’ expense that it recognizes. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , compensation expense recorded in connection with the RSUs and stock options was $1.6 million , of which $361,000 and $360,000 , respectively, was credited as additional paid-in capital after giving effect to the non-controlling interests. The amount of deferred tax asset created was $134,000 and $133,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. As of March 31, 2016 , $24.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock option and RSU awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4.2 years.

Non-Operating Income (Loss)

Non-Operating Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Non-Operating Income (Loss)	Non-Operating Income (Loss) Non-operating income (loss) was comprised of the following components for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 Interest income $ 67 $ 44 Interest expense (764 ) (774 ) Net interest expense (697 ) (730 ) Investment income (loss) (14,144 ) 5,526 Dividend income 435 227 Miscellaneous other income (loss) 86 (16 ) Investment and other income (loss) (13,623 ) 5,737 Non-operating income (loss) $ (14,320 ) $ 5,007

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Calamos Investments is subject to certain income-based state taxes; therefore, income taxes reflect not only the portion attributed to CAM stockholders but also a portion of income taxes attributable to non-controlling interests. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Income tax provision (benefit) $ 758 $ 465 Income tax (provision) benefit attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments (16 ) (14 ) Income tax provision (benefit) attributable to CAM 742 451 Net income (loss) attributable to CAM (1,322 ) 101 Income (loss) before taxes attributable to CAM $ (580 ) $ 552 CAM’s effective income tax rate * 81.7 % ________________ * Not meaningful CAM's income tax provision for the first quarter of 2016 exceeded income before income tax provision attributable to CAM, resulting in an income tax rate that was not meaningful. The income tax provision for the first quarter of 2016 included $964,000 of deferred tax expense related to expired employee stock options and an allowance for employee stock options expected to expire in future periods. As of March 31, 2016 , the Company's valuation allowance on this deferred tax asset was $628,000 . CAM's effective income tax rate was 81.7% for the first quarter of 2015 , a result of $238,000 of deferred tax expense related to expired employee options. On January 1, 2016 the Company early adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes , which requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current on the balance sheet. The Company has applied the requirements of this standard prospectively, which resulted in the reclassification of $8.3 million from current deferred tax assets to non-current deferred tax assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of January 1, 2016.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings (Loss) Per Share	Earnings (Loss) Per Share The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Three Months Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 Earnings (loss) per share – basic: Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders $ (1,322 ) $ 101 Weighted average shares outstanding 16,740 17,872 Earnings (loss) per share – basic $ (0.08 ) $ 0.01 Earnings (loss) per share – diluted: Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders $ (1,322 ) $ 101 Weighted average shares outstanding 16,740 17,872 Dilutive impact of restricted stock units — 828 Weighted average shares outstanding (1) 16,740 18,700 Earnings (loss) per share – diluted $ (0.08 ) $ 0.01 ________________ (1) Dilutive securities are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share when a company is in a loss position. As such, the numerator and the denominator used in computing both basic and diluted net loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were the same. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding were 17,145,967 for the three months ended March 31, 2016. When dilutive, diluted shares outstanding are calculated (a) assuming that Calamos Interests exchanged all of their ownership interest in Calamos Investments and their CAM Class B common stock for shares of CAM’s Class A common stock (the " Exchange ") and (b) including the effect of outstanding dilutive equity incentive compensation awards. As of March 31, 2016 , and 2015 , 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 (loss) 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 (loss) per share as they were anti-dilutive: Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments* 3,485,999 27,631,947 Stock options 873,581 1,177,361 Total 4,359,580 28,809,308 * Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments determined by using the closing price of our shares as of March 31, 2016 ( $8.49 ) and March 31, 2015 ( $13.45 ) 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 March 31, 2016 and 2015 . The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments, with the result divided by the applicable period-end closing price. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation, for a description of certain assets owned by CAM.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies 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, implemented a share purchase program pursuant to which CAL, through a plan agent, purchased 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 provided increased liquidity for the fund's common shares, commenced on July 7, 2015. CAL purchased $4.4 million of common shares of the fund under this program during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . The purchase plan was completed on February 25, 2016 for a total cost of $20.0 million .

Recently Issued Accounting Pron

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements The Company has reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to its business and to the preparation of its consolidated financial statements, including those not yet required to be adopted. Accounting guidance that will become effective in future years, with respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, is described below: In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( "FASB" ) issued an accounting update related to employee share-based payment accounting. The amendment includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements, including: income tax effects of share-based payments, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and forfeitures. The amendment is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The provisions may be applied using various transition approaches, including prospective, retrospective and modified retrospective. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the 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 May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption being permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company's effective date is January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event Calamos Investments repaid $2.0 million of the short-term, interest-bearing loan from CAM on April 29, 2016.

Summary of Significant Accoun24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
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 consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of CAM, Calamos Investments, Calamos Investments’ wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company’s partnerships and open-end funds in which it has a controlling financial interest or operating control. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in which the Company has significant influence, but less than a 50% controlling interest. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Calamos Interests’ combined 77.8% interest in Calamos Investments at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , 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. The Company consolidates investments in which the Company’s controlling interest 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, partnership or open-end fund is a VOE or VIE. The analysis involves judgment and considers several factors, including an entity’s legal organization, capital structure, the rights of the equity investment holders, the Company's ownership interest in the entity, and its contractual involvement with the entity. The Company continually reviews and reconsiders its previously reached VIE or VOE conclusions upon the occurrence of certain events, such as changes to its ownership interest, changes to an entity’s organization and legal structure, or amendments to governing documents. CAM owns certain assets to which it has exclusive economic rights. As of March 31, 2016 , these assets included cash and cash equivalents of $59.2 million , net non-current deferred tax assets of $38.2 million , net current income taxes receivable of $288,000 , a dividend receivable of $4.4 million , and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $42.0 million . As of December 31, 2015 , these assets included cash, cash equivalents and investment securities of $77.3 million , net current and non-current deferred tax assets of $38.3 million , net current income taxes receivable of $355,000 , and a loan receivable from Calamos Investments of $25.0 million . These assets are reported together with Calamos Investments’ consolidated assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition. Additionally, net loss before income taxes of $10.0 million and net income before income taxes of $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively, each included $99,000 and $580,000 , respectively, of interest income, dividend income and realized gains and losses on cash and cash equivalents held solely by CAM. These portions of CAM’s income and expense are not affected by non-controlling interests.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash The Company has a $430,000 security deposit related to a property lease that is restricted from the Company’s general corporate use and is being reported in other non-current assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements The Company has reviewed all newly issued accounting pronouncements that are applicable to its business and to the preparation of its consolidated financial statements, including those not yet required to be adopted. Accounting guidance that will become effective in future years, with respect to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, is described below: In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ( "FASB" ) issued an accounting update related to employee share-based payment accounting. The amendment includes provisions intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements, including: income tax effects of share-based payments, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements and forfeitures. The amendment is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The provisions may be applied using various transition approaches, including prospective, retrospective and modified retrospective. The Company is evaluating the impact that the adoption of this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the 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 May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on revenue from contracts with customers. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB decided to defer the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption being permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company's effective date is January 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance but does not expect adoption will have a material impact on its results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Investment Securities (Tables)

Investment Securities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Summary of Investment Securities	The following table provides a summary of investment securities as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 : (in thousands) March 31, 2016 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds U.S. Equity $ 618 $ 44 $ (2 ) $ 660 Global Equity 9,911 731 (20 ) 10,622 Convertible 35 — (5 ) 30 Fixed Income 5,259 174 (3 ) 5,430 Alternative 51 — — 51 Multi-Strategy 20,506 776 (664 ) 20,618 Total Funds 36,380 1,725 (694 ) 37,411 Common stock 141 226 — 367 Total available-for-sale securities $ 36,521 $ 1,951 $ (694 ) $ 37,778 Trading securities: Funds U.S. Equity $ 15,760 $ 75 $ (1,609 ) $ 14,226 Global Equity 4,781 15 (35 ) 4,761 Convertible 1,785 14 — 1,799 Fixed Income 52 — — 52 Alternative 971 — — 971 Total trading securities $ 23,349 $ 104 $ (1,644 ) $ 21,809 Total investment securities $ 59,587 (in thousands) December 31, 2015 Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Available-for-sale securities: Funds U.S. Equity $ 62,839 $ 2,914 $ (44 ) $ 65,709 Global Equity 124,929 6,606 (46 ) 131,489 Convertible 5,093 — (14 ) 5,079 Fixed Income 16,922 58 (15 ) 16,965 Alternative 14,153 125 (191 ) 14,087 Multi-Strategy 16,150 208 (133 ) 16,225 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
Changes in Investment Securities	The following table provides a summary of changes in investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 Available-for-sale securities: Proceeds from sales $ 14,630 $ 15,000 Gross realized gains (losses) on sales $ (307 ) $ 545 Trading securities: Changes in unrealized gains (losses) $ (3,723 ) $ 7,820
Summary of Tax Provision on Unrealized Gains (Losses)	The table below summarizes the tax provision on unrealized gains (losses) and (gains) losses reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on available-for-sale securities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended Three Months Ended (in thousands) Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Before-Tax Amount Tax Provision After-Tax Available-for-sale securities: Changes in unrealized gains (losses) $ (1,194 ) $ (98 ) $ (1,096 ) $ 9,016 $ 764 $ 8,252 Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in income 617 51 566 (853 ) (316 ) (537 ) Unrealized gains on consolidation of funds upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement (7,814 ) (642 ) (7,172 ) — — — Other comprehensive income (loss) $ (8,391 ) $ (689 ) $ (7,702 ) $ 8,163 $ 448 $ 7,715

Consolidated Funds and Partne26

Consolidated Funds and Partnership Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Partnership Investments [Abstract]
Partnership Investments	These investments are presented as consolidated funds and partnership investments and liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments, respectively, in its consolidated statements of financial condition as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . (in thousands) March 31, 2016 Consolidated Funds Partnership Investments Total Assets Securities owned $ 458,464 $ 109,158 $ 567,622 Cash and cash equivalents 15,180 5,791 20,971 Receivables for securities sold 3,418 1,410 4,828 Other current assets 2,561 232 2,793 Exchange-traded option contracts 1,618 57 1,675 Total assets of consolidated funds and partnership investments $ 481,241 $ 116,648 $ 597,889 Liabilities Payables on redemptions $ (1,581 ) $ — $ (1,581 ) Payables for securities purchased (1,147 ) (79 ) (1,226 ) Securities sold not yet purchased (160 ) — (160 ) Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (1,401 ) (763 ) (2,164 ) Exchange-traded option contracts (502 ) — (502 ) Adjustment for elimination of receivable for investment securities sold 1,000 — 1,000 Total liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments $ (3,791 ) $ (842 ) $ (4,633 ) Equity method investment in partnerships $ — $ 20 $ 20

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on a 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 March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , respectively. Foreign currency contracts are carried in the Company's consolidated funds and partnership investments and are presented on a net basis where the right of offset exists, and had an insignificant impact for the periods presented. Fair Value Measurements Using (in thousands) Description March 31, 2016 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 $ 26,156 $ 26,156 $ — Investment securities (Note 3) Funds U.S. Equity 14,886 14,886 — Global Equity 15,383 15,383 — Convertible 1,829 1,829 — Fixed Income 5,482 509 4,973 Alternative 1,022 1,022 — Multi-Strategy 20,618 20,618 — Total Funds 59,220 54,247 4,973 Common stock 367 367 — Total investment securities 59,587 54,614 4,973 Derivative assets (Note 4) Exchange-traded option contracts 5,241 5,241 — Securities and derivative assets owned by consolidated funds and partnership investments (Note 5) Common stocks 296,206 172,345 123,861 Preferred stocks 31,607 31,607 — Convertible bonds 212,362 — 212,362 Corporate bonds 27,447 — 27,447 Money market funds 20,892 20,892 — Exchange-traded option contracts 1,675 1,675 — Total securities and derivative assets owned by consolidated funds and partnership investments 590,189 226,519 363,670 Derivative liabilities (Note 4) Exchange-traded option contracts (8,370 ) (8,370 ) — Derivative liabilities owned by consolidated funds (Note 5) Exchange-traded option contracts (502 ) (502 ) — Total $ 672,301 $ 303,658 $ 368,643 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 3) Funds U.S. Equity 70,425 70,425 — Global Equity 133,954 133,954 — Convertible 5,079 5,079 — Fixed Income 16,965 12,097 4,868 Alternative 14,087 14,087 — Multi-Strategy 16,225 16,225 — Total Funds 256,735 251,867 4,868 Common stock 322 322 — Total investment securities 257,057 252,189 4,868 Derivative assets (Note 4) Exchange-traded option contracts 4,311 4,311 — Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments (Note 5) 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 option contracts 87 87 — Total securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments 112,064 37,170 74,894 Derivative liabilities (Note 4) Exchange-traded option contracts (5,475 ) (5,475 ) — Total $ 393,197 $ 313,435 $ 79,762

Non-Operating Income (Loss) (Ta

Non-Operating Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Non-Operating Income (Loss)	Non-operating income (loss) was comprised of the following components for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 : Three Months Ended March 31, (in thousands) 2016 2015 Interest income $ 67 $ 44 Interest expense (764 ) (774 ) Net interest expense (697 ) (730 ) Investment income (loss) (14,144 ) 5,526 Dividend income 435 227 Miscellaneous other income (loss) 86 (16 ) Investment and other income (loss) (13,623 ) 5,737 Non-operating income (loss) $ (14,320 ) $ 5,007

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Calamos Investments is subject to certain income-based state taxes; therefore, income taxes reflect not only the portion attributed to CAM stockholders but also a portion of income taxes attributable to non-controlling interests. Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 2015 (in thousands) Income tax provision (benefit) $ 758 $ 465 Income tax (provision) benefit attributable to non-controlling interest in Calamos Investments (16 ) (14 ) Income tax provision (benefit) attributable to CAM 742 451 Net income (loss) attributable to CAM (1,322 ) 101 Income (loss) before taxes attributable to CAM $ (580 ) $ 552 CAM’s effective income tax rate * 81.7 %

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tabl

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Calculation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share: Three Months Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 Earnings (loss) per share – basic: Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders $ (1,322 ) $ 101 Weighted average shares outstanding 16,740 17,872 Earnings (loss) per share – basic $ (0.08 ) $ 0.01 Earnings (loss) per share – diluted: Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders $ (1,322 ) $ 101 Weighted average shares outstanding 16,740 17,872 Dilutive impact of restricted stock units — 828 Weighted average shares outstanding (1) 16,740 18,700 Earnings (loss) per share – diluted $ (0.08 ) $ 0.01
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 (loss) per share as they were anti-dilutive: Three Months Ended 2016 2015 Shares of Class A common stock issuable upon an Exchange of Calamos Interests’ ownership in Calamos Investments* 3,485,999 27,631,947 Stock options 873,581 1,177,361 Total 4,359,580 28,809,308 * Number of shares calculated with the value of Calamos Investments determined by using the closing price of our shares as of March 31, 2016 ( $8.49 ) and March 31, 2015 ( $13.45 ) 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 March 31, 2016 and 2015 . The value of Calamos Investments is then multiplied by Calamos Interests' percentage ownership in Calamos Investments, with the result divided by the applicable period-end closing price. See Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principles of Consolidation, for a description of certain assets owned by CAM.

Organization and Description 31

Organization and Description of Business (Details)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Options and RSU awards vesting period	60 days
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC	22.20%
Calamos Family Partners, Inc.
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Percentage ownership interest in Calamos Investments LLC	77.80%	77.80%
Class A Common Stock
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership (including vested stock options) by noncontrolling owners	20.70%
Class B Common Stock | Calamos Family Partners, Inc.
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Percentage of voting power owned in Calamos Asset Management	97.40%
Percentage of economic interest (less than)	1.00%
Public Stockholders | Class A Common Stock
Corporate Structure [Line Items]
Percentage of public shareholders voting power	2.60%
Percentage of public shareholders economic interest (greater than)	99.00%

Summary of Significant Accoun32

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets	$ 832,445		$ 561,462
Liabilities	107,365		105,068
Cash and cash equivalents	77,797	$ 72,812	$ 104,717	$ 35,285
Current and non-current deferred tax assets, net	134	133
Interest income	67	44
Security deposit	$ 430
Calamos Family Partners, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Calamos Interests' combined interest in Calamos Investments	77.80%		77.80%
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Calamos Interests' combined interest in Calamos Investments	22.20%
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 59,200
Non-current deferred tax assets, net	38,200
Current income taxes receivable, net	288
Dividends receivable	4,400
Loan receivable from Calamos Investments	42,000		$ 25,000
Cash, cash equivalents and investment securities			77,300
Current and non-current deferred tax assets, net			38,300
Current income taxes receivable, net			355
Net income before income taxes	10,000	3,500
Interest income	$ 99	$ 580
Accounting Standards Update 2015-02
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets			333,600
Liabilities			15,400
Redeemable non-controlling interest, consolidation of fund upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement			318,154
Retained Earnings | Accounting Standards Update 2015-02
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Effect of consolidation of funds upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement			1,735
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests) | Accounting Standards Update 2015-02
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Effect of consolidation of funds upon adoption of new accounting pronouncement			$ 6,079

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Treasury Stock (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 13, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividends on shares held	$ 565
Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)				3,000,000
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	520,444	178,141
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	332,472	157,441
Calamos Asset Management, Inc.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Calamos Interests' combined interest in Calamos Investments	22.20%
Calamos Asset Management, Inc. | Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock (in shares)	332,472
Issuance of common stock (class A common shares)	$ 3,800
Calamos Family Partners, Inc.
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Calamos Interests' combined interest in Calamos Investments	77.80%		77.80%
Treasury Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	$ 1,035	$ 495
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC (Calamos Interests)
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	3,624	1,734
Impact on non-controlling interests as a result of dividends paid to Calamos Investments LLC on repurchased common stock	439	$ 320
Noncontrolling Interest | Calamos Asset Management, Inc. | Class A Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Issuance of common stock (class A common shares)	$ 2,900
2014 Share Repurchase Program | Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC | Common Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	520,444
Average purchase price of shares (in dollars per share)	$ 8.95
Shares repurchased	$ 4,700

Investment Securities - Summary

Investment Securities - Summary (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Trading securities:
Total investment securities	$ 59,587	$ 257,057
Available-for-sale Securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	36,521	240,227
Unrealized Gains	1,951	10,092
Unrealized Losses	(694)	(443)
Fair Value	37,778	249,876
Available-for-sale Securities | Convertible
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	618	62,839
Unrealized Gains	44	2,914
Unrealized Losses	(2)	(44)
Fair Value	660	65,709
Available-for-sale Securities | Global Equity
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	9,911	124,929
Unrealized Gains	731	6,606
Unrealized Losses	(20)	(46)
Fair Value	10,622	131,489
Available-for-sale Securities | Common stock
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	35	5,093
Unrealized Gains	0	0
Unrealized Losses	(5)	(14)
Fair Value	30	5,079
Available-for-sale Securities | Fixed Income
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	5,259	16,922
Unrealized Gains	174	58
Unrealized Losses	(3)	(15)
Fair Value	5,430	16,965
Available-for-sale Securities | Alternative
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	51	14,153
Unrealized Gains	0	125
Unrealized Losses	0	(191)
Fair Value	51	14,087
Available-for-sale Securities | Multi-Strategy
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	20,506	16,150
Unrealized Gains	776	208
Unrealized Losses	(664)	(133)
Fair Value	20,618	16,225
Available-for-sale Securities | Total available-for-sale securities
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	36,380	240,086
Unrealized Gains	1,725	9,911
Unrealized Losses	(694)	(443)
Fair Value	37,411	249,554
Available-for-sale Securities | Common stock
Available-for-sale securities:
Cost	141	141
Unrealized Gains	226	181
Unrealized Losses	0	0
Fair Value	367	322
Trading securities
Trading securities:
Cost	23,349	7,694
Unrealized Gains	104	0
Unrealized Losses	(1,644)	(513)
Fair Value	21,809	7,181
Trading securities | Convertible
Trading securities:
Cost	15,760	5,194
Unrealized Gains	75	0
Unrealized Losses	(1,609)	(478)
Fair Value	14,226	4,716
Trading securities | Global Equity
Trading securities:
Cost	4,781	2,500
Unrealized Gains	15	0
Unrealized Losses	(35)	(35)
Fair Value	4,761	$ 2,465
Trading securities | Common stock
Trading securities:
Cost	1,785
Unrealized Gains	14
Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Value	1,799
Trading securities | Fixed Income
Trading securities:
Cost	52
Unrealized Gains	0
Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Value	52
Trading securities | Alternative
Trading securities:
Cost	971
Unrealized Gains	0
Unrealized Losses	0
Fair Value	$ 971

Investment Securities - Narrati

Investment Securities - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Investment in funds	$ 59,220,000		$ 256,735,000
Aggregate fair value of available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss position	16,100,000		12,500,000
Other than temporary impairment losses	251,000,000	$ 0
Available-for-sale Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	37,778,000		249,876,000
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities	$ 694,000		443,000
Available-for-sale Securities | Consolidated Funds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities			$ 197,500,000

Investment Securities - Changes

Investment Securities - Changes in Investment Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale securities:
Proceeds from sales	$ 14,630	$ 15,000
Gross realized gains (losses) on sales	(307)	545
Trading securities:
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)	$ (3,723)	$ 7,820

Investment Securities - Tax Pro

Investment Securities - Tax Provision on Unrealized Gains (Losses) and Gains (Losses) Reclassified out of AOCI (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)
Unrealized gains (losses)	$ (9,008)	$ 9,016
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gains) losses included in income
Before-Tax Amount	617	(853)
Tax Provision (Benefit)	51	(316)
After-Tax Amount	566	(537)
Unrealized Gains on Consolidation of Funds Upon Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses)	(9,008)	9,016
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Before-Tax Amount	(8,391)	8,163
Tax Provision (Benefit)	(689)	448
Other comprehensive income (loss), after income tax provision (benefit)	(7,702)	7,715
Previous Accounting Guidance
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)
Unrealized gains (losses)	(1,194)	9,016
Tax Provision	(98)	764
After-Tax Amount	(1,096)	8,252
Unrealized Gains on Consolidation of Funds Upon Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses)	(1,194)	9,016
After-Tax Amount	(1,096)	8,252
Tax Provision	(98)	764
Accounting Standards Update 2015-02
Changes in unrealized gains (losses)
Unrealized gains (losses)	(7,814)	0
Tax Provision	(642)	0
After-Tax Amount	(7,172)	0
Unrealized Gains on Consolidation of Funds Upon Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]
Unrealized gains (losses)	(7,814)	0
After-Tax Amount	(7,172)	0
Tax Provision	$ (642)	$ 0

Derivative Assets and Liabili38

Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Loss on derivatives	$ 2,400	$ 0
Derivative assets outstanding	5,241		$ 4,311
Derivative liabilities outstanding	8,370		$ 5,475
Parent
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Total investment securities and consolidated funds	$ 238,800

Consolidated Funds and Partne39

Consolidated Funds and Partnership Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Consolidated partnerships:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 77,797	$ 104,717	$ 72,812	$ 35,285
Total liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments	(107,365)	(105,068)
Consolidated Funds
Consolidated partnerships:
Securities owned	458,464	0
Cash and cash equivalents	15,180	0
Receivables for securities sold	3,418
Other current assets	2,561	0
Exchange-traded option contracts	1,618	0
Total assets of consolidated funds and partnership investments	481,241	0
Payables on redemptions	(1,581)
Payables for securities purchased	(1,147)
Securities sold not yet purchased	(160)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(1,401)	0
Exchange-traded option contracts	(502)
Adjustment for elimination of receivable for investment securities sold	1,000
Total liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments	(3,791)	0
Equity method investment in partnerships	0	0
Partnership Investments
Consolidated partnerships:
Securities owned	109,158	106,667
Cash and cash equivalents	5,791	5,356
Receivables for securities sold	1,410
Other current assets	232	500
Exchange-traded option contracts	57	87
Total assets of consolidated funds and partnership investments	116,648	112,610
Payables on redemptions	0
Payables for securities purchased	(79)
Securities sold not yet purchased	0
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(763)	(75)
Exchange-traded option contracts	0
Adjustment for elimination of receivable for investment securities sold	0
Total liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments	(842)	(75)
Equity method investment in partnerships	20	30
Total
Consolidated partnerships:
Securities owned	567,622	106,667
Cash and cash equivalents	20,971	5,356
Receivables for securities sold	4,828
Other current assets	2,793	500
Exchange-traded option contracts	1,675	87
Total assets of consolidated funds and partnership investments	597,889	112,610
Payables on redemptions	(1,581)
Payables for securities purchased	(1,226)
Securities sold not yet purchased	(160)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(2,164)	(75)
Exchange-traded option contracts	(502)
Adjustment for elimination of receivable for investment securities sold	1,000
Total liabilities of consolidated funds and partnership investments	(4,633)	(75)
Equity method investment in partnerships	$ 20	$ 30

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Open-end funds	$ 205,500	$ 228,100
Redemption period	7 days
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	$ 597,909	112,640
Carrying value of long-term debt	46,000	46,000
Long-term debt fair value	50,700	51,600
Phineus Partners LP
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration	916	998
Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds	26,156	25,240
Available-for-sale securities	59,587	257,057
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	590,189	112,064
Total	672,301	393,197
Recurring | U.S. Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	14,886	70,425
Recurring | Global Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	15,383	133,954
Recurring | Convertible
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,829	5,079
Recurring | Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	5,482	16,965
Recurring | Alternative
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	1,022	14,087
Recurring | Multi-Strategy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	20,618	16,225
Recurring | Total Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	59,220	256,735
Recurring | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	367	322
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	296,206	53,467
Recurring | Preferred stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	31,607	3,875
Recurring | Convertible bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	212,362	48,369
Recurring | Corporate bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	27,447	957
Recurring | Money market funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	20,892	5,309
Recurring | Exchange-traded option contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	1,675	87
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]
Money market funds	26,156	25,240
Available-for-sale securities	54,614	252,189
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	226,519	37,170
Total	303,658	313,435
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]
Available-for-sale securities	14,886	70,425
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]
Available-for-sale securities	15,383	133,954
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]
Available-for-sale securities	1,829	5,079
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]
Available-for-sale securities	509	12,097
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]
Available-for-sale securities	1,022	14,087
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]
Available-for-sale securities	20,618	16,225
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]
Available-for-sale securities	54,247	251,867
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]
Available-for-sale securities	367	322
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	172,345	27,899
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	31,607	3,875
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	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	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	20,892	5,309
Recurring | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1) | Exchange-traded option contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	1,675	87
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Money market funds	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	4,973	4,868
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	363,670	74,894
Total	368,643	79,762
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | U.S. Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Global Equity
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Convertible
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Fixed Income
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	4,973	4,868
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Alternative
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Multi-Strategy
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Total Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	4,973	4,868
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Common stock
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	123,861	25,568
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	0	0
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	212,362	48,369
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	27,447	957
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	0	0
Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Exchange-traded option contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Securities and derivatives owned by partnership investments	0	0
Exchange Traded Options | Recurring
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	5,241	4,311
Exchange-traded option contracts	(8,370)	(5,475)
Exchange Traded Options | 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	5,241	4,311
Exchange-traded option contracts	(8,370)	(5,475)
Exchange Traded Options | Recurring | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Exchange-traded option contracts	0	$ 0
Consolidated Funds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Exchange-traded option contracts	(502)
Consolidated Funds | 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]
Exchange-traded option contracts	(502)
Consolidated Funds | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Exchange-traded option contracts	$ 0

Loans Payable (Details)

Loans Payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Margin loans	$ 0	$ 0
Margin Loan
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Margin loan interest rate effective percentage rate, maximum (as a percent)	1.75%

Stock-Based Compensation (Detai

Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense recorded in connection with RSUs and stock options	$ 1,625	$ 1,620
Deferred tax assets	134	133
Total unrecognized compensation expense	$ 24,600
Unrecognized compensation expense, expected weighted-average period to be recognized (in years)	4 years 2 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	$ 361	$ 360
RSU
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units, granted (in shares)	2,364,892
Restricted stock units, forfeited (in shares)	61,953
Restricted stock units, vested (in shares)	434,506
Number of RSUs withheld for taxes (in shares)	102,034
Number of RSUs converted on a one-for-one basis for shares of company's Class A common stock (in shares)	332,472
Total intrinsic value and fair value of converted shares	$ 2,900
Total tax benefit realized in connection with the vesting of RSUs	$ 379
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	0
Stock options forfeited (in shares)	274,904

Non-Operating Income (Loss) (De

Non-Operating Income (Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Interest income	$ 67	$ 44
Interest expense	(764)	(774)
Net interest expense	(697)	(730)
Investment income (loss)	(14,144)	5,526
Dividend income	435	227
Miscellaneous other income (loss)	86	(16)
Investment and other income (loss)	(13,623)	5,737
Total non-operating income (loss)	$ (14,320)	$ 5,007

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ 758	$ 465
Net income (loss) attributable to CAM	(1,322)	101
Income (loss) before taxes attributable to CAM	(580)	$ 552
CAM’s effective income tax rate (as a percent)		81.70%
Non-controlling Interest in Calamos Investments LLC
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Income tax provision (benefit)	(16)	$ (14)
Parent
Income tax expense (benefit) [Abstract]
Income tax provision (benefit)	$ 742	$ 451

Income Taxes - Narrative (Detai

Income Taxes - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2016
Disclosures Related to Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Deferred tax expense, expired employee stock options	$ 238	$ 964
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance		$ 628
CAM’s effective income tax rate (as a percent)	81.70%
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17
Disclosures Related to Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Line Items]
Reclassification from current deferred tax assets			$ 8,300

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Deta

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings (loss) per share – basic:
Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders	$ (1,322)	$ 101
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	16,740,100	17,872,357
Earnings per share – basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.01
Earnings (loss) per share – diluted:
Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders	$ (1,322)	$ 101
Weighted average basic shares outstanding (in shares)	16,740,100	17,872,357
Dilutive impact of restricted stock units (in shares)	0	828,000
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)	17,145,967
Earnings per share – diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.08)	$ 0.01
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	4,359,580	28,809,308
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)	3,485,999	27,631,947
Closing price of shares (in dollars per share)	$ 8.49	$ 13.45
Discount rate (as a percent)	12.00%	12.00%
Stock options
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive (in shares)	873,581	1,177,361

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	8 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Feb. 25, 2016
Calamos Advisors LLC
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	$ 4.4	$ 20

Subsequent Event (Details)

Subsequent Event (Details) $ in Millions	Apr. 29, 2016USD ($)
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Repayments of short-term loan from CAM	$ 2