Lazard 10-Q 28 Oct 16 2016 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 21, 2016
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	LZD
Entity Registrant Name	Lazard Group LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1,326,141
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	0
Managing Member Interests [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Membership Interests, Shares Outstanding		2

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 833,143	$ 1,025,844
Deposits with banks and short-term investments		534,865	389,861
Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash		35,168	34,948
Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,967 and $12,882 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively):
Fees		440,384	423,817
Customers and other		96,844	73,396
Lazard Ltd subsidiaries		26,768	108,817
Total receivables, net		563,996	606,030
Investments		462,758	530,712
Property (net of accumulated amortization and depreciation of $289,390 and $265,505 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)		204,273	207,165
Goodwill and other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $59,281 and $57,561 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)		330,162	326,976
Deferred tax assets		53,293	52,695
Other assets		209,948	214,823
Total Assets		3,227,606	3,389,054
Liabilities:
Deposits and other customer payables		587,059	506,665
Accrued compensation and benefits		374,796	570,409
Senior debt		990,488	989,358
Payable to Lazard Ltd subsidiaries		63,266	104,893
Deferred tax liabilities		9,377	11,104
Capital lease obligations		8,037	9,028
Other liabilities		498,388	494,697
Total Liabilities		2,531,411	2,686,154
Commitments and contingencies
MEMBERS’ EQUITY
Members' equity (net of 4,847,094 and 3,322,385 shares of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock, at a cost of $174,766 and $161,288 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)		836,010	839,517
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(197,072)	(189,758)
Total Lazard Group LLC Members’ Equity		638,938	649,759
Noncontrolling interests		57,257	53,141
Total Members’ Equity	[1]	696,195	702,900
Total Liabilities and Members' Equity		$ 3,227,606	$ 3,389,054
[1]	At both January 1, 2016 and September 30, 2016, in addition to profit participation interests, there were two managing member interests.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables	$ 12,967	$ 12,882
Property, accumulated amortization and depreciation	289,390	265,505
Goodwill and other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 59,281	$ 57,561
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Lazard Ltd common stock, shares	4,847,094	3,322,385
Lazard Ltd common stock, cost	$ 174,766	$ 161,288

Condensed Consolidated Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
REVENUE
Investment banking and other advisory fees	$ 343,154	$ 330,408	$ 894,906	$ 946,057
Asset management fees	254,551	253,752	729,679	784,461
Interest income	1,146	1,266	3,881	3,556
Other	22,094	54	49,318	65,863
Total revenue	620,945	585,480	1,677,784	1,799,937
Interest expense	13,068	12,628	38,592	42,281
Net revenue	607,877	572,852	1,639,192	1,757,656
OPERATING EXPENSES
Compensation and benefits	353,468	319,478	958,962	984,675
Occupancy and equipment	26,962	26,271	81,114	80,873
Marketing and business development	16,891	18,244	60,456	55,758
Technology and information services	24,175	22,923	71,402	68,849
Professional services	9,672	10,229	29,488	33,699
Fund administration and outsourced services	17,097	14,367	46,427	48,008
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	746	511	1,720	3,401
Other	9,233	10,861	28,609	90,678
Total operating expenses	458,244	422,884	1,278,178	1,365,941
OPERATING INCOME	149,633	149,968	361,014	391,715
Provision for income taxes	21,653	26,987	49,110	52,909
NET INCOME	127,980	122,981	311,904	338,806
LESS - NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	83	1,268	4,989	9,004
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO LAZARD GROUP LLC	$ 127,897	$ 121,713	$ 306,915	$ 329,802

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 127,980	$ 122,981	$ 311,904	$ 338,806
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:
Currency translation adjustments (including a tax expense of $3 for the three months ended September 30, 2016, and $9 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016)	(1,828)	(13,677)	(10,106)	(31,991)
Employee benefit plans:
Actuarial gain (loss) (net of tax expense (benefit) of $(17) and $253 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $(315) and $(7,753) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	(33)	477	(649)	(14,140)
Adjustment for items reclassified to earnings (net of tax expense of $375 and $368 for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $1,171 and $1,469 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively)	1,134	1,381	3,441	3,757
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX	(727)	(11,819)	(7,314)	(42,374)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	127,253	111,162	304,590	296,432
LESS - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	82	1,268	4,989	9,003
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO LAZARD GROUP LLC	$ 127,171	$ 109,894	$ 299,601	$ 287,429

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, tax expense	$ 3		$ 9
Tax expense (benefit) on actuarial gain (loss), employee benefit plans	(17)	$ 253	(315)	$ (7,753)
Tax expense, adjustment for items reclassified to earnings, employee benefit plans	$ 375	$ 368	$ 1,171	$ 1,469

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 311,904	$ 338,806
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property	24,586	24,251
Amortization of deferred expenses and share-based incentive compensation	275,894	245,416
Amortization and other acquisition-related costs	1,720	3,401
Deferred tax benefit	(4,537)	(8,530)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		60,219
Gain on disposal of subsidiaries		(24,388)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Deposits with banks and short-term investments	(135,152)	(84,386)
Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash	115	7,413
Receivables-net	38,482	5,226
Investments	68,499	34,115
Other assets	(54,409)	(104,949)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Deposits and other payables	32,186	83,874
Accrued compensation and benefits and other liabilities	(225,337)	(99,696)
Net cash provided by operating activities	333,951	480,772
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property	(22,070)	(18,479)
Disposals of property	865	471
Net cash used in investing activities	(21,205)	(18,008)
Proceeds from:
Contributions from noncontrolling interests	93	268
Issuance of senior debt, net of expenses		396,272
Excess tax benefits from share-based incentive compensation	2,343	9,516
Other financing activities	30,518
Payments for:
Senior debt		(509,098)
Capital lease obligations	(1,234)	(1,435)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(966)	(15,357)
Purchase of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock	(228,865)	(189,861)
Distribution to members	(248,742)	(85,435)
Settlement of vested share-based incentive compensation	(55,562)	(105,007)
Other financing activities	(3,080)	(2,008)
Net cash used in financing activities	(505,495)	(502,145)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	48	(31,405)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(192,701)	(70,786)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—January 1	1,025,844	917,212
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—September 30	$ 833,143	$ 846,426

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Total	Members' Equity [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Member]	Total Lazard Group LLC Members' Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	[1]	$ 494,139	$ 594,834	$ (163,288)	$ 431,546	$ 62,593
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income		338,806	329,802		329,802	9,004
Other comprehensive income (loss) - net of tax		(42,374)		(42,373)	(42,373)	(1)
Amortization of share-based incentive compensation		174,823	174,823		174,823
Distributions to members and noncontrolling interests, net		(100,524)	(85,435)		(85,435)	(15,089)
Purchase of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock		(189,861)	(189,861)		(189,861)
Delivery of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation and related tax benefit of $9,495 in 2015 and $142 in 2016		(95,512)	(95,512)		(95,512)
Business acquisitions and related equity transactions:
Other		(2,008)	(2,008)		(2,008)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015	[1]	577,489	726,643	(205,661)	520,982	56,507
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	[2]	702,900	839,517	(189,758)	649,759	53,141
Comprehensive income (loss):
Net income		311,904	306,915		306,915	4,989
Other comprehensive income (loss) - net of tax		(7,314)		(7,314)	(7,314)
Amortization of share-based incentive compensation		213,144	213,144		213,144
Distributions to members and noncontrolling interests, net		(249,615)	(248,742)		(248,742)	(873)
Purchase of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock		(228,865)	(228,865)		(228,865)
Delivery of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation and related tax benefit of $9,495 in 2015 and $142 in 2016		(55,422)	(55,422)		(55,422)
Business acquisitions and related equity transactions:
Delivery of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock and tax benefit of $144		2,984	2,984		2,984
Other		6,479	6,479		6,479
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	[2]	$ 696,195	$ 836,010	$ (197,072)	$ 638,938	$ 57,257
[1]	Includes 129,766,090 common membership interests issued at both January 1, 2015 and September 30, 2015. Also includes profit participation interests and two managing member interests.
[2]	At both January 1, 2016 and September 30, 2016, in addition to profit participation interests, there were two managing member interests.

Condensed Consolidated Stateme9

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Tax benefit related to delivery of Class A Common Stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation	$ 140	$ 9,495
Membership Interests, shares issued		129,766,090		129,766,090
Tax benefit related to delivery of Class A Common Stock	$ 144
Managing Member Interests [Member]
Membership Interests, shares issued	2	2	2	2

Organization and Basis of Prese

Organization and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Basis of Presentation	1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are those of Lazard Group LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Lazard Group” or the “Company”). Lazard Group is a Delaware limited liability company and is governed by an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of October 26, 2015, as amended (the “Operating Agreement”). Lazard Ltd, a Bermuda holding company, and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Lazard Ltd”), including its indirect investment in Lazard Group, is one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms and has long specialized in crafting solutions to the complex financial and strategic challenges of our clients. We serve a diverse set of clients around the world, including corporations, governments, institutions, partnerships and individuals. Lazard Ltd indirectly held 100% of all outstanding Lazard Group common membership interests as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Lazard Ltd, through its control of the managing members of Lazard Group, controls Lazard Group. Lazard Group’s principal operating activities are included in two business segments: • Financial Advisory, which offers corporate, partnership, institutional, government, sovereign and individual clients across the globe a wide array of financial advisory services regarding mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) and other strategic matters, restructurings, capital structure, capital raising, corporate preparedness and various other financial matters, and • Asset Management, which offers a broad range of global investment solutions and investment management services in equity and fixed income strategies, alternative investments and private equity funds to corporations, public funds, sovereign entities, endowments and foundations, labor funds, financial intermediaries and private clients. In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including management of cash, investments, deferred tax assets, outstanding indebtedness and assets and liabilities associated with Lazard Group’s Paris-based subsidiary Lazard Frères Banque SA (“LFB”). LFB, as a registered bank, is engaged primarily in commercial and private banking services for clients and funds managed by Lazard Frères Gestion SAS (“LFG”) and other clients, investment banking activities, including participation in underwritten offerings of securities in France, and asset-liability management. Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Lazard Group have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Lazard Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The accompanying December 31, 2015 unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial condition data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statement purposes. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the financial statements and the accompanying disclosures. For example, discretionary compensation and benefits expense for interim periods is accrued based on the year-to-date amount of revenue earned, and an assumed annual ratio of compensation and benefits expense to revenue, with the applicable amounts adjusted for certain items. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions that Lazard may undertake in the future, actual results may differ materially from the estimates. The consolidated results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 are not indicative of the results to be expected for any future interim or annual period. The condensed consolidated financial statements include Lazard Group and Lazard Group’s principal operating subsidiaries: Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“LFNY”), a New York limited liability company, along with its subsidiaries, including Lazard Asset Management LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “LAM”); the French limited liability companies Compagnie Financière Lazard Frères SAS (“CFLF”) along with its subsidiaries, LFB and LFG, and Maison Lazard SAS and its subsidiaries; and Lazard & Co., Limited (“LCL”), through Lazard & Co., Holdings Limited (“LCH”), an English private limited company, together with their jointly owned affiliates and subsidiaries. The Company’s policy is to consolidate entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company consolidates: • Voting interest entities (“VOEs”) where the Company holds a majority of the voting interest in such VOEs, and • Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary having the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. When the Company does not have a controlling interest in an entity, but exerts significant influence over such entity’s operating and financial decisions, the Company applies the equity method of accounting in which it records in earnings its share of earnings or losses of the entity. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, primarily as a result of the adoption of the current guidance on classification of debt issuance costs and the impact of such guidance on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.

Recent Accounting Developments

Recent Accounting Developments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Developments	2. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS Revenue from Contracts with Customers —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued comprehensive new revenue recognition guidance. The guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services and requires enhanced disclosures. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of 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. During 2016, the FASB issued additional clarifications for certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis —In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance for the consolidation of certain legal entities. The updated guidance eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies and modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or VOEs. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance using the modified retrospective method with an effective adoption date of January 1, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. Interest—Imputation of Interest —In April 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance which requires a company to classify debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted and is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this guidance by the Company in the first quarter of 2016 resulted in a reclassification as of December 31, 2015 of $8,992 from “other assets” to “senior debt” on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software : —In April 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance providing clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement that contains a software license should be accounted for as internal-use software. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance by the Company in the first quarter of 2016 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Fair Value Measurement —In May 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance for the classification and disclosure of certain investments using the net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient to measure the fair value of the investment. The guidance removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using NAV as a practical expedient. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and has removed investments that are measured at NAV as a practical expedient from the fair value hierarchy in all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Leases —In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance for leases. The guidance requires a lessee to (i) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial condition, (ii) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis, and (iii) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting —In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance regarding equity-based incentive compensation. The new guidance includes several amendments which affect various aspects of the accounting for equity-based incentive compensation transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments —In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the current guidance with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments— In August 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance which clarifies how a company should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance.

Receivables

Receivables	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Receivables	3. RECEIVABLES The Company’s receivables represent fee receivables, amounts due from customers and other receivables and amounts due from Lazard Ltd subsidiaries. Receivables are stated net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, for past due amounts and for specific accounts deemed uncollectible, which may include situations where a fee is in dispute. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ 13,569 $ 21,071 $ 12,882 $ 23,540 Bad debt expense, net of recoveries 1,545 (256 ) 4,124 3,037 Charge-offs, foreign currency translation and other adjustments (2,147 ) (488 ) (4,039 ) (6,250 ) Ending Balance $ 12,967 $ 20,327 $ 12,967 $ 20,327 Bad debt expense, net of recoveries is included in “investment banking and other advisory fees” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had receivables past due or deemed uncollectible of $21,580 and $19,923, respectively. Of the Company’s fee receivables at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, $77,056 and $81,774, respectively, represented interest-bearing financing receivables. In addition, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had interest-bearing receivables from Lazard Ltd subsidiaries of $16,642 and $106,567, respectively. Based upon our historical loss experience, the credit quality of the counterparties, and the lack of past due or uncollectible amounts, there was no allowance for doubtful accounts required at those dates related to such receivables. The aggregate carrying amount of our non-interest bearing receivables of $470,298 and $417,689 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, approximates fair value.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Investments	4. INVESTMENTS The Company’s investments and securities sold, not yet purchased, consist of the following at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Interest-bearing deposits $ 474 $ 54,885 Debt - 535 Equities 42,656 44,834 Funds: Alternative investments (a) 39,630 67,600 Debt (a) 75,545 55,935 Equity (a) 170,416 197,787 Private equity 126,726 100,219 412,317 421,541 Equity method 7,311 8,917 Total investments 462,758 530,712 Less: Interest-bearing deposits 474 54,885 Equity method 7,311 8,917 Investments, at fair value $ 454,973 $ 466,910 Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value (included in “other liabilities”) $ 3,512 $ 3,239 (a) Interests in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds include investments with fair values of $15,011, $38,071 and $129,530, respectively, at September 30, 2016 and $10,996, $31,598 and $156,081, respectively, at December 31, 2015, held in order to satisfy the Company’s liability upon vesting of previously granted Lazard Fund Interests (“LFI”) and other similar deferred compensation arrangements. LFI represent grants by the Company to eligible employees of actual or notional interests in a number of Lazard-managed funds, subject to service-based vesting conditions (see Notes 6 and 12). Interest-bearing deposits have original maturities of greater than three months but equal to or less than one year and are carried at cost that approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. Equities primarily consist of seed investments invested in marketable equity securities of large-, mid- and small-cap domestic, international and global companies held within separately managed accounts related to our Asset Management business. Alternative investment funds primarily consist of interests in various Lazard-managed hedge funds, funds of funds and mutual funds. Debt funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business that invest in debt securities, amounts related to LFI discussed above and an investment in a Lazard-managed debt fund. Equity funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business that invest in equity securities, and amounts related to LFI discussed above. Private equity investments include those owned by Lazard and those consolidated but not owned by Lazard. Private equity investments owned by Lazard are primarily comprised of investments in private equity funds. Such investments primarily include (i) Edgewater Growth Capital Partners III, L.P. (“EGCP III”), a fund primarily making equity and buyout investments in middle market companies, (ii) until the fourth quarter of 2015, Lazard Australia Corporate Opportunities Fund 2 (“COF2”), an Australian fund targeting Australian mid-market investments, (iii) a mezzanine fund, which invests in mezzanine debt of a diversified selection of small- to mid-cap European companies, and (iv) a fund targeting significant noncontrolling-stake investments in established private companies. The Company disposed of its private equity business in Australia in the second quarter of 2015 in a transaction with the management of the disposed business. Revenue of $24,388 relating to the disposal of the business primarily represents the realization of carried interest at fair value and is included in “revenue-other” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015. Private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard relate to the economic interests that are owned by the management team and other investors in the Edgewater Funds (“Edgewater”). During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company reported in “revenue-other” on its condensed consolidated statements of operations net unrealized investment gains and losses pertaining to “trading” securities still held as of the reporting date as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 9,975 $ (24,805 ) $ 15,221 $ (26,016 )

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Hierarchy of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities —Lazard categorizes its investments and certain other assets and liabilities recorded at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy as follows: Level 1. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that Lazard has the ability to access. Level 2. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, or (ii) inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable or derived principally from, or corroborated by, market data. Level 3. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Items included in Level 3 include securities or other financial assets whose trading volume and level of activity have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity and there is no longer sufficient frequency or volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. The Company’s investments in debt securities and securities sold, not yet purchased are classified as Level 1 when their respective fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of equities is classified as Level 1 or Level 3 as follows: marketable equity securities are classified as Level 1 and are valued based on the last trade price on the primary exchange for that security as provided by external pricing services; equity securities in private companies are generally classified as Level 3. The fair value of investments in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds is classified as Level 1 when the fair values are primarily based on the publicly reported closing price for the fund. The fair value of investments in private equity funds were classified as Level 3 for certain investments that were valued based on a potential transaction value as of September 30, 2015. The fair values of derivatives entered into by the Company are classified as Level 2 and are based on the values of the related underlying assets, indices or reference rates as follows: the fair value of forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts is a function of the spot rate and the interest rate differential of the two currencies from the trade date to settlement date; the fair value of total return swaps is based on the change in fair values of the related underlying equity security, financial instrument or index and a specified notional holding; the fair value of interest rate swaps is based on the interest rate yield curve; and the fair value of derivative liabilities related to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for forfeitures. See Note 6. Investments Measured at Net Asset Value —As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV or its equivalent to measure the fair value of certain investments. NAV is primarily determined based on information provided by external fund administrators. The Company’s investments valued at NAV as a practical expedient in (i) alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds are redeemable in the near term, and (ii) in private equity funds are not redeemable in the near term as a result of redemption restrictions. The following tables present, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the classification of (i) investments and certain other assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy and (ii) investments measured at NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient: September 30, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV (a) Total Assets: Investments: Debt $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Equities 41,335 - 1,321 - 42,656 Funds: Alternative investments 26,472 - - 13,158 39,630 Debt 75,539 - - 6 75,545 Equity 170,372 - - 44 170,416 Private equity - - - 126,726 126,726 Derivatives - 2,269 - - 2,269 Total $ 313,718 $ 2,269 $ 1,321 $ 139,934 $ 457,242 Liabilities: Securities sold, not yet purchased $ 3,512 $ - $ - $ - $ 3,512 Derivatives - 186,196 - - 186,196 Total $ 3,512 $ 186,196 $ - $ - $ 189,708 December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV (a) Total Assets: Investments: Debt $ 535 $ - $ - $ - $ 535 Equities 43,558 - 1,276 - 44,834 Funds: Alternative investments 45,135 - - 22,465 67,600 Debt 55,929 - - 6 55,935 Equity 197,745 - - 42 197,787 Private equity - - - 100,219 100,219 Derivatives - 1,048 - - 1,048 Total $ 342,902 $ 1,048 $ 1,276 $ 122,732 $ 467,958 Liabilities: Securities sold, not yet purchased $ 3,239 $ - $ - $ - $ 3,239 Derivatives - 195,689 - - 195,689 Total $ 3,239 $ 195,689 $ - $ - $ 198,928 (a) Represents certain investments measured at NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient in determining fair value. In accordance with current accounting guidance, these investments have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 2 for additional information. The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (b) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Investments: Equities $ 1,298 $ 2 $ - $ - $ 21 $ 1,321 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,298 $ 2 $ - $ - $ 21 $ 1,321 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (b) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Investments: Equities $ 1,276 $ 12 $ - $ - $ 33 $ 1,321 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,276 $ 12 $ - $ - $ 33 $ 1,321 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (a) Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (b) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Investments: Equities $ 1,299 $ 2 $ - $ - $ (25 ) $ 1,276 Private equity funds 22,267 633 2,291 - - 25,191 Total Level 3 Assets $ 23,566 $ 635 $ 2,291 $ - $ (25 ) $ 26,467 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (a) Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (b) Purchases/ Acquisitions/ Transfers (c) Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Investments: Equities $ 1,315 $ 12 $ - $ - $ (51 ) $ 1,276 Private equity funds - 3,404 22,178 (391 ) - 25,191 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,315 $ 3,416 $ 22,178 $ (391 ) $ (51 ) $ 26,467 (a) The tables for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 reflect the retrospective application of new disclosure guidance adopted by the Company for investments using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient when measuring fair value. See Note 2. (b) Earnings recorded in “other revenue” for investments in equities and private equity funds for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 include net unrealized gains of $2, $7, $635 and $3,416, respectively. (c) Certain investments that were valued at NAV as of December 31, 2014 of $19,255 were transferred to Level 3 from the NAV category in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as these investments were valued based on potential transaction value as of September 30, 2015. There were no transfers between any of the Level 1, 2 and 3 categories in the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The following tables present, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, certain investments that are valued using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient in determining fair value: September 30, 2016 Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable Investments Redeemable Fair Value Unfunded Commitments % of Fair Value Not Redeemable % Next 5 Years % 5-10 Years % Thereafter Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period Alternative Hedge funds $ 11,874 $ - NA NA NA NA (a) <30-60 days Funds of funds 498 - NA NA NA NA (b) <30-90 days Other 786 - NA NA NA NA (c) <30-60 days Debt funds 6 - NA NA NA NA (d) 30 days Equity funds 44 - NA NA NA NA (e) <30-90 days Private equity funds: Equity growth 93,174 9,183 (f) 100 % 12 % 29 % 59 % NA NA Mezzanine debt 33,552 - 100 % - - 100 % NA NA Total $ 139,934 $ 9,183 (a) weekly (80%), monthly (1%) and quarterly (19%) (b) monthly (98%) and quarterly (2%) (c) daily (3%) and monthly (97%) (d) daily (100%) (e) daily (18%), monthly (54%) and quarterly (28%) (f) Unfunded commitments to private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard of $6,724 are excluded. Such commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders. December 31, 2015 Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable Investments Redeemable Fair Value Unfunded Commitments % of Fair Value Not Redeemable % Next 5 Years % 5-10 Years % Thereafter Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period Alternative Hedge funds $ 20,410 $ - NA NA NA NA (a) <30-60 days Funds of funds 465 - NA NA NA NA (b) <30-90 days Other 1,590 - NA NA NA NA (c) <30-60 days Debt funds 6 - NA NA NA NA (d) 30 days Equity funds 42 - NA NA NA NA (e) <30-90 days Private equity funds: Equity growth 67,895 10,242 (f) 100 % 18 % 39 % 43 % NA NA Mezzanine debt 32,324 - 100 % - - 100 % NA NA Total $ 122,732 $ 10,242 (a) weekly (23%), monthly (69%) and quarterly (8%) (b) monthly (98%) and quarterly (2%) (c) daily (20%) and monthly (80%) (d) daily (100%) (e) daily (18%), monthly (54%) and quarterly (28%) (f) Unfunded commitments to private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard of $5,501 are excluded. Such commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders. Investment Capital Funding Commitments —At September 30, 2016, the Company’s maximum unfunded commitments for capital contributions to investment funds primarily arose from commitments to EGCP III, which amounted to $8,613. The investment period for EGCP III ended on October 12, 2016, after which point the Company’s obligation to fund capital contributions for new investments in EGCP III expired. The Company remains obligated until October 12, 2023 (or any earlier liquidation of EGCP III) to make capital contributions necessary to fund follow-on investments and to pay for fund expenses.

Derivatives

Derivatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivatives	6. DERIVATIVES The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, total return swap contracts on various equity and debt indices and other derivative contracts to economically hedge exposures to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity and debt prices. The Company reports its derivative instruments separately as assets and liabilities unless a legal right of set-off exists under a master netting agreement enforceable by law. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded at their fair value, and are included in “other assets” and “other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments not designated as economic hedging instruments are included in “interest income” and “interest expense”, respectively, or “revenue-other”, depending on the nature of the underlying item, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition to the derivative instruments described above, the Company records derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, the fair value of which is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and is included in “accrued compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair value of the derivative liabilities are included in “compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the impact of which equally offsets the changes in the fair value of investments which are currently expected to be delivered upon settlement of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which are reported in “revenue-other” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The tables below present the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments reported within “other assets” and “other liabilities” and the fair values of the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements reported within “accrued compensation and benefits” (see Note 12) on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Derivative Assets: Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 2,269 $ 1,015 Total return swaps and other (a) - 33 $ 2,269 $ 1,048 Derivative Liabilities: Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 1,873 $ 1,584 Total return swaps and other (a) 9,053 531 LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements 175,270 193,574 $ 186,196 $ 195,689 (a) For total return swaps, amounts represent the netting of gross derivative assets and liabilities of $324 and $9,377 as of September 30, 2016, respectively, and $460 and $958 as of December 31, 2015, respectively, for contracts with the same counterparty under legally enforceable master netting agreements. Such amounts are recorded “net” in “other assets”, with receivables for net cash collateral under such contracts of $17,210 and $9,636 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Net gains (losses) with respect to derivative instruments (predominantly reflected in “revenue-other”) and the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (included in “compensation and benefits” expense) as reflected on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ (1,591 ) $ 1,109 $ (8,445 ) $ 12,486 LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (6,909 ) 12,145 (4,707 ) 9,903 Total return swaps and other (3,674 ) 10,824 (3,880 ) 7,760 Total $ (12,174 ) $ 24,078 $ (17,032 ) $ 30,149

Property

Property	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property	7. PROPERTY At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, property consists of the following: Estimated Depreciable Life in Years September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Buildings 33 $ 140,633 $ 137,181 Leasehold improvements 3-20 167,314 167,838 Furniture and equipment 3-10 167,657 160,552 Construction in progress 18,059 7,099 Total 493,663 472,670 Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization 289,390 265,505 Property $ 204,273 $ 207,165

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The components of goodwill and other intangible assets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented below: September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Goodwill $ 325,667 $ 320,761 Other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization) 4,495 6,215 $ 330,162 $ 326,976 At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, goodwill of $261,126 and $256,220, respectively, was attributable to the Company’s Financial Advisory segment and, at each such respective date, $64,541 of goodwill was attributable to the Company’s Asset Management segment. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 320,761 $ 335,402 Foreign currency translation adjustments 4,906 (18,413 ) Balance, September 30 $ 325,667 $ 316,989 All changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are attributable to the Company’s Financial Advisory segment. The gross cost and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, by major intangible asset category, are as follows: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Performance fees $ 30,740 $ 26,245 $ 4,495 $ 30,740 $ 25,192 $ 5,548 Management fees, customer relationships and non-compete agreements 33,036 33,036 - 33,036 32,369 667 $ 63,776 $ 59,281 $ 4,495 $ 63,776 $ 57,561 $ 6,215 Amortization expense of intangible assets included in “amortization and other acquisition-related costs” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 was $746 and $1,720, respectively, and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 was $511 and $3,401, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Amortization Expense (a) 2016 (October 1 through December 31) $ 3,947 2017 548 Total amortization expense $ 4,495 (a) Approximately 47% of intangible asset amortization is attributable to a noncontrolling interest.

Senior Debt

Senior Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Debt	9. SENIOR DEBT Senior debt is comprised of the following as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Outstanding as of Initial Annual September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Principal Amount Maturity Date Interest Rate(b) Principal Unamortized Debt Costs Carrying Value Principal Unamortized Debt Costs Carrying Value Lazard Group 2017 Senior Notes (a) 600,000 6/15/17 6.85 % $ 98,350 $ 77 $ 98,273 $ 98,350 $ 159 $ 98,191 Lazard Group 2020 Senior Notes 500,000 11/14/20 4.25 % 500,000 3,800 496,200 500,000 4,491 495,509 Lazard Group 2025 Senior Notes (a) 400,000 2/13/25 3.75 % 400,000 3,985 396,015 400,000 4,342 395,658 Total $ 998,350 $ 7,862 $ 990,488 $ 998,350 $ 8,992 $ 989,358 (a) During February 2015, Lazard Group completed an offering of $400,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.75% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”). Lazard Group also issued a notice to redeem $450,000 of Lazard Group’s 6.85% senior notes due June 15, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”) in February 2015. Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year beginning September 1, 2015. Lazard Group used the net proceeds of the 2025 Notes, together with cash on hand, to redeem or otherwise retire $450,000 of the 2017 Notes, which, including the recognition of unamortized issuance costs, resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $60,219. Such loss on debt extinguishment was recorded in “operating expenses—other” on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015. (b) The effective interest rates of the 2017 Notes, Lazard Group’s 4.25% senior notes due November 14, 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) and the 2025 Notes are 6.96%, 4.43% and 3.87%, respectively. The table, as of December 31, 2015, reflects the retrospective application of new guidance adopted by the Company for debt issuance costs. See Note 2. On September 25, 2015, Lazard Group entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement for a five-year $150,000 senior revolving credit facility with a group of lenders (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which expires in September 2020. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the previous credit agreement dated September 25, 2012. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement generally will bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin for specific interest periods determined based on Lazard Group’s highest credit rating from an internationally recognized credit agency. At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, no amounts were outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the indenture and the supplemental indentures relating to Lazard Group’s senior notes contain certain covenants, events of default and other customary provisions, including a customary make-whole provision in the event of early redemption, where applicable. As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with such provisions. All of the Company’s senior debt obligations are unsecured. As of September 30, 2016, the Company had approximately $164,000 in unused lines of credit available to it, including the credit facility provided under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and unused lines of credit available to LFB of approximately $11,000 (at September 30, 2016 exchange rates). The Company’s senior debt at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is carried at historical amounts of $990,488 and $989,358, respectively. At those dates, the fair value of such senior debt was approximately $1,061,000 and $994,000, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s senior debt is based on market quotations. The Company’s senior debt would be categorized within Level 2 of the hierarchy of fair value measurements if carried at fair value.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Leases —The Company has various leases and other contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business. Guarantees —In the normal course of business, LFB provides indemnifications to third parties to protect them in the event of non-performance by its clients. At September 30, 2016, LFB had $3,809 of such indemnifications and held $3,723 of collateral/counter-guarantees to secure these commitments. The Company believes the likelihood of loss with respect to these indemnities is remote. Accordingly, no liability is recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Certain Business Acquisitions —On July 15, 2009, the Company established a private equity business with Edgewater. Edgewater manages funds primarily focused on buy-out and growth equity investments in middle market companies. The acquisition was structured as a purchase by Lazard Group of interests in a holding company that in turn owns interests in the general partner and management company entities of the current Edgewater private equity funds (the “Edgewater Acquisition”). Following the Edgewater Acquisition, Edgewater’s leadership team retained a substantial economic interest in such entities. The aggregate fair value of the consideration recognized by the Company at the acquisition date was $61,624. Such consideration consisted of (i) a one-time cash payment, (ii) 1,142,857 shares of Class A common stock (the “Initial Shares”) and (iii) up to 1,142,857 additional shares of Class A common stock (the “Earnout Shares”) that were subject to earnout criteria and payable over time. The Earnout Shares were to be issued only if certain performance thresholds were met. As of December 31, 2015, 913,722 shares were issuable on a contingent basis. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2105, 2,285,714 and 1,371,992 shares, respectively, had been earned and settled because applicable performance thresholds had been satisfied. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, the delivery of 913,722 shares of Class A common stock resulted in a non-cash tax benefit of $12,653 recorded in deferred tax assets. Other Business Acquisitions — For a business acquired in 2012, at December 31, 2012, 170,988 shares of Class A common stock (including dividend equivalent shares) were issuable on a non-contingent basis. Such shares were delivered in the first quarter of 2013. During the second quarter of 2015, the achievement of certain performance thresholds related to the acquired business were satisfied, resulting in the issuance of 27,316 shares of Class A common stock. Other Commitments See Notes 5 and 13 for information regarding commitments relating to investment capital funding commitments and obligations to fund our pension plans, respectively. In the opinion of management, the fulfillment of the commitments described herein will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations. Legal —The Company is involved from time to time in judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings and inquiries concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our businesses, including proceedings initiated by former employees alleging wrongful termination. The Company reviews such matters on a case-by-case basis and establishes any required accrual if a loss is probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company experiences significant variation in its revenue and earnings on a quarterly basis. Accordingly, the results of any pending matter or matters could be significant when compared to the Company’s earnings in any particular fiscal quarter. The Company believes, however, based on currently available information, that the results of any pending matters, in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on its business or financial condition.

Members' Equity

Members' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Members' Equity	11. MEMBERS’ EQUITY Lazard Group Distributions —Distributions in respect of Lazard Group’s common membership interests are allocated to the holders of such interests in accordance with the provisions of the Operating Agreement. Such distributions primarily represent amounts necessary to fund (i) any dividends Lazard Ltd may declare on its Class A common stock and (ii) tax distributions in respect of income taxes that Lazard Ltd’s subsidiaries incur. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, Lazard Group distributed $248,742 and $85,435, respectively, to the subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd. Pursuant to Lazard Group’s Operating Agreement, Lazard Group allocates and distributes to its members a substantial portion of its distributable profits in installments, as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year. Such installment distributions usually begin in February. Share Repurchase Program —During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 and since 2013, the Board of Directors of Lazard authorized the repurchase of Class A common stock as set forth in the table below. Date Repurchase Authorization Expiration October, 2013 $ 100,000 December April, 2014 $ 200,000 December 31, 2015 February, 2015 $ 150,000 December 31, 2016 January, 2016 $ 200,000 December 31, 2017 April, 2016 $ 113,182 December 31, 2017 The Company expects that the share repurchase program will primarily be used to offset a portion of the shares that have been or will be issued under the Lazard Ltd 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the Lazard Ltd 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). Pursuant to the share repurchase program, purchases have been made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The rate at which the Company purchases shares in connection with the share repurchase program may vary from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. Purchases with respect to such program are set forth in the table below: Nine Months Ended September 30: Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Per Share 2015 3,141,526 $ 50.76 2016 6,656,250 $ 34.38 During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, certain of our executive officers received Lazard Ltd Class A common stock in connection with the vesting of previously-granted deferred equity incentive awards. The vesting of such equity awards gave rise to a tax payable by the executive officers, and, consistent with our past practice, the Company purchased shares of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock from the executive officers equal in value to the estimated amount of such tax. In addition, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased shares of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock from an executive officer. The aggregate value of all such purchases during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $4,900 and $17,700, respectively. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2015, Lazard Group purchased 605,192 shares of Lazard Ltd Class A common stock from subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd for $32,601. There were no such purchases during the nine month period ended September 30, 2016. As of September 30, 2016, a total of $190,477 of share repurchase authorization remained available under Lazard Ltd’s share repurchase program, which will expire on December 31, 2017. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016, Lazard Ltd had in place trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, pursuant to which it effected stock repurchases in the open market. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (“AOCI”) —The tables below reflect the balances of each component of AOCI at September 30, 2016 and 2015 and activity during the nine month periods then ended: Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Group AOCI Balance, January 1, 2016 $ (52,687 ) $ (137,073 ) $ (189,760 ) $ (2 ) $ (189,758 ) Activity January 1 to September 30, 2016: Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (10,106 ) (649 ) (10,755 ) - (10,755 ) Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 3,441 3,441 - 3,441 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (10,106 ) 2,792 (7,314 ) - (7,314 ) Balance, September 30, 2016 $ (62,793 ) $ (134,281 ) $ (197,074 ) $ (2 ) $ (197,072 ) Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Group AOCI Balance, January 1, 2015 $ (8,625 ) $ (154,665 ) $ (163,290 ) $ (2 ) $ (163,288 ) Activity January 1 to September 30, 2015: Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (31,991 ) (14,140 ) (46,131 ) (1 ) (46,130 ) Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 3,757 3,757 - 3,757 Net other comprehensive loss (31,991 ) (10,383 ) (42,374 ) (1 ) (42,373 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (40,616 ) $ (165,048 ) $ (205,664 ) $ (3 ) $ (205,661 ) The table below reflects adjustments for items reclassified out of AOCI, by component, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization relating to employee benefit plans (a) $ 1,509 $ 1,749 $ 4,612 $ 5,226 Less – related income taxes 375 368 1,171 1,469 Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 1,134 $ 1,381 $ 3,441 $ 3,757 ( a ) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 13). Such amounts are included in “compensation and benefits” expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Noncontrolling Interests —Noncontrolling interests principally represent interests held in Edgewater’s management vehicles that the Company is deemed to control, but does not own. The tables below summarize net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Edgewater $ 81 $ 1,268 $ 4,988 $ 9,002 Other 2 - 1 2 Total $ 83 $ 1,268 $ 4,989 $ 9,004 Noncontrolling Interests As Of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Edgewater $ 57,249 $ 53,132 Other 8 9 Total $ 57,257 $ 53,141

Incentive Plans

Incentive Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Incentive Plans	12. INCENTIVE PLANS Share-Based Incentive Plan Awards A description of Lazard Ltd’s 2008 Plan and 2005 Plan and activity with respect thereto during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is presented below. Shares Available Under the 2008 Plan and 2005 Plan The 2008 Plan authorizes the issuance of shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other equity-based awards. Under the 2008 Plan, the maximum number of shares available is based on a formula that limits the aggregate number of shares that may, at any time, be subject to awards that are considered “outstanding” under the 2008 Plan to 30% of the then-outstanding shares of Class A common stock. The 2005 Plan authorized the issuance of up to 25,000,000 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs and other equity-based awards. Each RSU or similar award granted under the 2005 Plan represents a contingent right to receive one share of Class A common stock, at no cost to the recipient. The fair value of such awards is generally determined based on the closing market price of Class A common stock at the date of grant. The 2005 Plan expired in the second quarter of 2015, although unvested awards granted under the 2005 Plan remain outstanding and continue to be subject to its terms. The following reflects the amortization expense recorded with respect to share-based incentive plans within “compensation and benefits” expense (with respect to RSUs, performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and restricted stock awards) and “professional services” expense (with respect to deferred stock units (“DSUs”)) within the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Share-based incentive awards: RSUs $ 39,447 $ 38,156 $ 134,419 $ 129,490 PRSUs 11,252 10,207 38,276 24,819 Restricted Stock 7,015 3,635 38,833 19,088 DSUs 53 16 808 713 Total $ 57,767 $ 52,014 $ 212,336 $ 174,110 The ultimate amount of compensation and benefits expense relating to share-based awards is dependent upon the actual number of shares of Class A common stock that vest. The Company periodically assesses the forfeiture rates used for such estimates, including as a result of any applicable performance conditions. A change in estimated forfeiture rates results in a cumulative adjustment to previously recorded compensation and benefits expense and also would cause the aggregate amount of compensation expense recognized in future periods to differ from the estimated unrecognized compensation expense described below. The Company’s share-based incentive plans and awards are described below. RSUs and DSUs RSUs generally require future service as a condition for the delivery of the underlying shares of Class A common stock (unless the recipient is then eligible for retirement under the Company’s retirement policy) and convert into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis after the stipulated vesting periods. PRSUs, which are RSUs that are also subject to service-based vesting conditions, have additional performance conditions, and are described below. The grant date fair value of the RSUs, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, is amortized over the vesting periods or requisite service periods (generally one-third after two years, and the remaining two-thirds after the third year), and is adjusted for actual forfeitures over such period. RSUs generally include a dividend participation right that provides that during vesting periods each RSU is attributed additional RSUs (or fractions thereof) equivalent to any dividends paid on Class A common stock during such period. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, dividend participation rights required the issuance of 969,054 and 603,608 RSUs, respectively. Non-executive members of the Board of Directors of Lazard Group, who are the same Non-Executive Directors of Lazard Ltd (“Non-Executive Directors”), receive approximately 55% of their annual compensation for service on the Board of Directors and its committees in the form of DSUs, which resulted in 38,771 and 23,961 DSUs granted in connection with annual compensation during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Their remaining compensation is payable in cash, which they may elect to receive in the form of additional DSUs under the Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan described below. DSUs are convertible into shares of Class A common stock at the time of cessation of service to the Board of Directors. DSUs include a cash dividend participation right equivalent to dividends paid on Class A common stock. The Company’s Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan permits the Non-Executive Directors to elect to receive additional DSUs in lieu of some or all of their cash fees. The number of DSUs granted to a Non-Executive Director pursuant to this election will equal the value of cash fees that the applicable Non-Executive Director has elected to forego pursuant to such election, divided by the market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date immediately preceding the date of the grant. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, 7,407 and 1,761 DSUs, respectively, had been granted pursuant to such Plan. DSU awards are expensed at their fair value on their date of grant, inclusive of amounts related to the Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan. The following is a summary of activity relating to RSUs and DSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: RSUs DSUs Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2016 9,599,658 $ 44.06 312,670 $ 35.98 Granted (including 969,054 RSUs relating to dividend participation) 6,649,625 $ 34.64 46,178 $ 34.98 Forfeited (181,337 ) $ 39.79 - - Vested (4,527,559 ) $ 39.16 (84,759 ) $ 35.30 Balance, September 30, 2016 11,540,387 $ 40.62 274,089 $ 36.02 Balance, January 1, 2015 13,529,116 $ 35.19 286,227 $ 34.21 Granted (including 603,608 RSUs relating to dividend participation) 4,111,619 $ 48.84 25,722 $ 55.43 Forfeited (461,297 ) $ 43.49 - - Vested (7,159,642 ) $ 30.87 - - Balance, September 30, 2015 10,019,796 $ 43.50 311,949 $ 35.96 In connection with RSUs that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 1,416,643 and 1,940,996 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 3,110,916 and 5,218,646 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of September 30, 2016, estimated unrecognized RSU compensation expense was approximately $174,364, with such expense expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.9 years subsequent to September 30, 2016. Restricted Stock The following is a summary of activity related to shares of restricted Class A common stock associated with compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2016 713,738 $ 47.12 Granted 1,795,258 $ 36.74 Forfeited (33,943 ) $ 40.49 Vested (802,276 ) $ 37.09 Balance, September 30, 2016 1,672,777 $ 40.92 Balance, January 1, 2015 729,827 $ 38.63 Granted 576,886 $ 50.88 Forfeited (45,500 ) $ 50.24 Vested (512,516 ) $ 39.25 Balance, September 30, 2015 748,697 $ 46.94 In connection with shares of restricted Class A common stock that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 132,984 and 94,745 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 669,292 and 417,771 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The restricted stock awards include a cash dividend participation right equivalent to dividends paid on Class A common stock during the period, which will vest concurrently with the underlying restricted stock award. At September 30, 2016, estimated unrecognized restricted stock expense was approximately $38,512, with such expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.0 years subsequent to September 30, 2016. PRSUs PRSUs are subject to both performance-based and service-based vesting conditions. The number of shares of Class A common stock that a recipient will receive upon vesting of a PRSU will be calculated by reference to certain performance metrics that relate to Lazard Ltd’s performance over a three-year period. The target number of shares of Class A common stock subject to each PRSU is one; however, based on the achievement of the performance criteria, the number of shares of Class A common stock that may be received in connection with each PRSU generally can range from zero to two times the target number. PRSUs will vest on a single date three years following the date of the grant, provided the applicable service and performance conditions are satisfied. However, PRSUs granted in 2013 vested 33% in March 2015 and 67% in March 2016. In addition, the performance metrics applicable to each PRSU will be evaluated on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year during the performance period and, if Lazard Ltd has achieved a threshold level of performance with respect to the fiscal year, 25% of the target number of shares of Class A common stock subject to each PRSU will no longer be at risk of forfeiture based on the achievement of performance criteria. PRSUs include dividend participation rights that provide that during vesting periods the target number of PRSUs (or, following the relevant performance period, the actual number of shares of Class A common stock that are no longer subject to performance conditions) receive dividend equivalents at the same rate that dividends are paid on Class A common stock during such period. These dividend equivalents are credited as RSUs that are not subject to the performance-based vesting criteria but are otherwise subject to the same restrictions as the underlying PRSUs to which they relate. The following is a summary of activity relating to PRSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: PRSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2016 1,019,038 $ 44.49 Granted (a) 627,956 $ 32.91 Vested (417,021 ) $ 38.43 Balance, September 30, 2016 1,229,973 $ 40.63 Balance, January 1, 2015 1,347,148 $ 37.79 Granted (a) 368,389 $ 52.85 Vested (696,499 ) $ 35.96 Balance, September 30, 2015 1,019,038 $ 44.49 (a) Represents PRSU awards granted during the relevant year at the target payout level. In connection with PRSUs that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 64,169 and 32,086 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 352,852 and 664,413 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. Compensation expense recognized for PRSU awards is determined by multiplying the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying such awards that, based on the Company’s estimate, are considered probable of vesting, by the grant date fair value. As of September 30, 2016, the total estimated unrecognized compensation expense was approximately $17,330, and the Company expects to amortize such expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.7 years subsequent to September 30, 2016. LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements Commencing in February 2011, the Company granted LFI to eligible employees. In connection with LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which generally require future service as a condition for vesting, the Company recorded a prepaid compensation asset and a corresponding compensation liability on the grant date based upon the fair value of the award. The prepaid asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting periods or requisite service periods (which are generally similar to the comparable periods for RSUs), and is charged to “compensation and benefits” expense within the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. LFI and similar deferred compensation arrangements that do not require future service are expensed immediately. The related compensation liability is accounted for at fair value as a derivative liability, which contemplates the impact of estimated forfeitures, and is adjusted for changes in fair value primarily related to changes in value of the underlying investments. The following is a summary of activity relating to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Prepaid Compensation Asset Compensation Liability Balance, January 1, 2016 $ 75,703 $ 193,574 Granted 51,871 51,871 Settled - (75,583 ) Forfeited (1,967 ) (3,435 ) Amortization (56,784 ) - Change in fair value related to: Increase in fair value of underlying investments - 4,707 Adjustment for estimated forfeitures - 3,551 Other (1,232 ) 585 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ 67,591 $ 175,270 Prepaid Compensation Asset Compensation Liability Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 73,278 $ 207,306 Granted 89,817 89,817 Settled - (94,899 ) Forfeited (3,610 ) (6,873 ) Amortization (64,136 ) - Change in fair value related to: Decrease in fair value of underlying investments - (9,903 ) Adjustment for estimated forfeitures - 5,219 Other (184 ) (2,030 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ 95,165 $ 188,637 The amortization of the prepaid compensation asset will generally be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.8 years subsequent to September 30, 2016. The following is a summary of the impact of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements on “compensation and benefits” expense within the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization, net of forfeitures $ 18,116 $ 21,168 $ 58,867 $ 66,092 Change in the fair value of underlying investments 6,909 (12,145 ) 4,707 (9,903 ) Total $ 25,025 $ 9,023 $ 63,574 $ 56,189

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure Abstract
Employee Benefit Plans	13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company provides retirement and other post-retirement benefits to certain of its employees through defined benefit pension plans (the “pension plans”) and, in the U.S., a partially funded contributory post-retirement plan covering qualifying U.S. employees (the “medical plan” and together with the pension plans, the “post-retirement plans”). The Company also offers defined contribution plans to its employees. The post-retirement plans generally provide benefits to participants based on average levels of compensation. Expenses related to the Company’s employee benefit plans are included in “compensation and benefits” expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Employer Contributions to Pension Plans —The Company’s funding policy for its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans is to fund when required or when applicable upon an agreement with the plans’ trustees. Management also evaluates from time to time whether to make voluntary contributions to the plans. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) related to the Company’s post-retirement plans for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Pension Plans Medical Plan Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 313 $ 440 $ 3 $ 7 Interest cost 4,833 6,237 42 45 Expected return on plan assets (6,648 ) (7,146 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost 599 595 Net actuarial loss (gain) 957 1,154 (47 ) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ 54 $ 1,280 $ (2 ) $ 52 Pension Plans Medical Plan Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 934 $ 1,153 $ 9 $ 20 Interest cost 15,292 18,496 125 135 Expected return on plan assets (21,047 ) (21,236 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost 1,793 1,789 Net actuarial loss (gain) 2,958 3,437 (139 ) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ (70 ) $ 3,639 $ (5 ) $ 155

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	14. INCOME TAXES Although a portion of Lazard Group’s income is subject to U.S. federal income taxes, Lazard Group primarily operates in the U.S. as a limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, Lazard Group’s income from its U.S. operations is generally not subject to U.S. federal income taxes because such income is attributable to its partners. Outside the U.S., Lazard Group operates principally through subsidiary corporations that are subject to local income taxes in foreign jurisdictions. Lazard Group is also subject to New York City Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) attributable to its operations apportioned to New York City. The Company recorded income tax provisions of $21,653 and $49,110 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $26,987 and $52,909 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 14.5%, 13.6%, 18.0% and 13.5%, respectively. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 35.0% and the effective tax rates reflected above principally relates to (i) Lazard Group primarily operating as a limited liability company in the U.S., (ii) change in the valuation allowance affecting the provision for income taxes, (iii) taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions and (iv) U.S. state and local taxes (primarily UBT), which are incremental to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate. Substantially all of Lazard’s operations outside the U.S. are conducted in “pass-through” entities for U.S. income tax purposes. The Company provides for U.S. income taxes on a current basis for the relevant portion of those earnings. The repatriation of prior earnings attributable to “non-pass-through” entities would not result in the recognition of a material amount of additional U.S. income taxes.

Related Parties

Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Parties	15. RELATED PARTIES Receivable from and Payable to Lazard Ltd Subsidiaries Lazard Group’s receivables from subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 included interest- bearing loans of $16,642 and $106,567, respectively, including accrued interest thereon. Interest income relating to interest-bearing loans with subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd amounted to $23 and $233 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and $164 for both the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, Lazard Group’s payables to subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd included interest-bearing loans, including interest thereon, of approximately $63,000 and $102,000, respectively. Interest expense relating to interest-bearing loans with subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd amounted to $875 and $2,604 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 2016, respectively, and $941 and $2,987 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively. Sponsored Funds The Company serves as an investment advisor for certain affiliated investment companies and fund entities and receives management fees and, for the alternative investment funds, performance fees for providing such services. Investment advisory fees relating to such services were $130,546 and $374,250 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $129,524 and $405,145 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015, respectively, and are included in “asset management fees” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Of such amounts, $54,979 and $42,002 remained as receivables at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in “fees receivable” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Other See Note 11 for information regarding related party transactions pertaining to shares repurchased from certain of our executive officers and subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd.

Regulatory Authorities

Regulatory Authorities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
Regulatory Authorities	16. REGULATORY AUTHORITIES LFNY is a U.S. registered broker-dealer and is subject to the net capital requirements of Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the basic method permitted by this rule, the minimum required net capital, as defined, is a specified fixed percentage (6 2/3%) of total aggregate indebtedness recorded in LFNY’s Financial and Operational Combined Uniform Single (“FOCUS”) report filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or $100, whichever is greater. In addition, the ratio of aggregate indebtedness (as defined) to net capital may not exceed 15:1. At September 30, 2016, LFNY’s regulatory net capital was $73,105, which exceeded the minimum requirement by $69,178. LFNY’s aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio was 0.81:1 as of September 30, 2016. Certain U.K. subsidiaries of the Company, including LCL, Lazard Fund Managers Limited and Lazard Asset Management Limited (collectively, the “U.K. Subsidiaries”) are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. At September 30, 2016, the aggregate regulatory net capital of the U.K. Subsidiaries was $131,370, which exceeded the minimum requirement by $116,180. CFLF, under which asset management and commercial banking activities are carried out in France, is subject to regulation by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (“ACPR”) for its banking activities conducted through its subsidiary, LFB. The investment services activities of the Paris group, exercised through LFB and other subsidiaries of CFLF, primarily LFG (asset management), also are subject to regulation and supervision by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. At September 30, 2016, the consolidated regulatory net capital of CFLF was $133,377, which exceeded the minimum requirement set for regulatory capital levels by $88,653. In addition, pursuant to the consolidated supervision rules in the European Union, LFB, in particular, as a French credit institution, is required to be supervised by a regulatory body, either in the U.S. or in the European Union. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company and the ACPR agreed on terms for the consolidated supervision of LFB and certain other non-Financial Advisory European subsidiaries of the Company (referred to herein, on a combined basis, as the “combined European regulated group”) under such rules. Under this supervision, the combined European regulated group is required to comply with minimum requirements for regulatory net capital to be reported on a quarterly basis and satisfy periodic financial and other reporting obligations. At June 30, 2016, the regulatory net capital of the combined European regulated group was $176,187, which exceeded the minimum requirement set for regulatory capital levels by $98,533. Additionally, the combined European regulated group, together with our European Financial Advisory entities, is required to perform an annual risk assessment and provide certain other information on a periodic basis, including financial reports and information relating to financial performance, balance sheet data and capital structure. Certain other U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries are subject to various capital adequacy requirements promulgated by various regulatory and exchange authorities in the countries in which they operate. At September 30, 2016, for those subsidiaries with regulatory capital requirements, their aggregate net capital was $110,833, which exceeded the minimum required capital by $84,709. At September 30, 2016, each of these subsidiaries individually was in compliance with its regulatory capital requirements. Any new or expanded rules and regulations that may be adopted in countries in which we operate (including regulations that have not yet been proposed) could affect us in other ways.

Segment Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	17. SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company’s reportable segments offer different products and services and are managed separately as different levels and types of expertise are required to effectively manage the segments’ transactions. Each segment is reviewed to determine the allocation of resources and to assess its performance. The Company’s principal operating activities are included in its Financial Advisory and Asset Management business segments as described in Note 1. In addition, as described in Note 1 above, the Company records selected other activities in its Corporate segment. The Company’s segment information for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is prepared using the following methodology: • Revenue and expenses directly associated with each segment are included in determining operating income. • Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors. • Segment assets are based on those directly associated with each segment, and include an allocation of certain assets relating to various segments, based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors. The Company allocates investment gains and losses, interest income and interest expense among the various segments based on the segment in which the underlying asset or liability is reported. Each segment’s operating expenses include (i) compensation and benefits expenses incurred directly in support of the businesses and (ii) other operating expenses, which include directly incurred expenses for occupancy and equipment, marketing and business development, technology and information services, professional services, fund administration and outsourced services and indirect support costs (including compensation and other operating expenses related thereto) for administrative services. Such administrative services include, but are not limited to, accounting, tax, human resources, legal, facilities management and senior management activities. Management evaluates segment results based on net revenue and operating income (loss) and believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of each segment’s contribution with respect to net revenue, operating income (loss) and total assets: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Financial Advisory Net Revenue $ 343,488 $ 330,832 $ 896,467 $ 948,735 Operating Expenses 257,561 261,952 718,366 758,108 Operating Income $ 85,927 $ 68,880 $ 178,101 $ 190,627 Asset Management Net Revenue $ 267,725 $ 264,581 $ 767,610 $ 850,226 Operating Expenses 185,753 179,155 543,616 554,738 Operating Income $ 81,972 $ 85,426 $ 223,994 $ 295,488 Corporate Net Revenue $ (3,336 ) $ (22,561 ) $ (24,885 ) $ (41,305 ) Operating Expenses 14,930 (18,223 ) 16,196 53,095 Operating Loss $ (18,266 ) $ (4,338 ) $ (41,081 ) $ (94,400 ) Total Net Revenue $ 607,877 $ 572,852 $ 1,639,192 $ 1,757,656 Operating Expenses 458,244 422,884 1,278,178 1,365,941 Operating Income $ 149,633 $ 149,968 $ 361,014 $ 391,715 As Of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total Assets Financial Advisory $ 733,549 $ 763,374 Asset Management 620,554 640,034 Corporate (a) 1,873,503 1,985,646 Total (a) $ 3,227,606 $ 3,389,054 (a) As of December 31, 2015, reflects the retrospective application of new disclosure guidance adopted by the Company for debt issuance costs. See Note 2.

Organization and Basis of Pre27

Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization	Organization The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are those of Lazard Group LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Lazard Group” or the “Company”). Lazard Group is a Delaware limited liability company and is governed by an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of October 26, 2015, as amended (the “Operating Agreement”). Lazard Ltd, a Bermuda holding company, and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Lazard Ltd”), including its indirect investment in Lazard Group, is one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms and has long specialized in crafting solutions to the complex financial and strategic challenges of our clients. We serve a diverse set of clients around the world, including corporations, governments, institutions, partnerships and individuals. Lazard Ltd indirectly held 100% of all outstanding Lazard Group common membership interests as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Lazard Ltd, through its control of the managing members of Lazard Group, controls Lazard Group. Lazard Group’s principal operating activities are included in two business segments: • Financial Advisory, which offers corporate, partnership, institutional, government, sovereign and individual clients across the globe a wide array of financial advisory services regarding mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) and other strategic matters, restructurings, capital structure, capital raising, corporate preparedness and various other financial matters, and • Asset Management, which offers a broad range of global investment solutions and investment management services in equity and fixed income strategies, alternative investments and private equity funds to corporations, public funds, sovereign entities, endowments and foundations, labor funds, financial intermediaries and private clients. In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including management of cash, investments, deferred tax assets, outstanding indebtedness and assets and liabilities associated with Lazard Group’s Paris-based subsidiary Lazard Frères Banque SA (“LFB”). LFB, as a registered bank, is engaged primarily in commercial and private banking services for clients and funds managed by Lazard Frères Gestion SAS (“LFG”) and other clients, investment banking activities, including participation in underwritten offerings of securities in France, and asset-liability management.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Lazard Group have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Lazard Group’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The accompanying December 31, 2015 unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial condition data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statement purposes. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the financial statements and the accompanying disclosures. For example, discretionary compensation and benefits expense for interim periods is accrued based on the year-to-date amount of revenue earned, and an assumed annual ratio of compensation and benefits expense to revenue, with the applicable amounts adjusted for certain items. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions that Lazard may undertake in the future, actual results may differ materially from the estimates. The consolidated results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 are not indicative of the results to be expected for any future interim or annual period. The condensed consolidated financial statements include Lazard Group and Lazard Group’s principal operating subsidiaries: Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“LFNY”), a New York limited liability company, along with its subsidiaries, including Lazard Asset Management LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “LAM”); the French limited liability companies Compagnie Financière Lazard Frères SAS (“CFLF”) along with its subsidiaries, LFB and LFG, and Maison Lazard SAS and its subsidiaries; and Lazard & Co., Limited (“LCL”), through Lazard & Co., Holdings Limited (“LCH”), an English private limited company, together with their jointly owned affiliates and subsidiaries. The Company’s policy is to consolidate entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company consolidates: • Voting interest entities (“VOEs”) where the Company holds a majority of the voting interest in such VOEs, and • Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary having the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. When the Company does not have a controlling interest in an entity, but exerts significant influence over such entity’s operating and financial decisions, the Company applies the equity method of accounting in which it records in earnings its share of earnings or losses of the entity. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, primarily as a result of the adoption of the current guidance on classification of debt issuance costs and the impact of such guidance on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition.
Recent Accounting Developments	Revenue from Contracts with Customers —In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued comprehensive new revenue recognition guidance. The guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services and requires enhanced disclosures. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of 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. During 2016, the FASB issued additional clarifications for certain aspects of the new revenue recognition guidance. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis —In February 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance for the consolidation of certain legal entities. The updated guidance eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies and modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or VOEs. The new guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this guidance using the modified retrospective method with an effective adoption date of January 1, 2016. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. Interest—Imputation of Interest —In April 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance which requires a company to classify debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted and is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this guidance by the Company in the first quarter of 2016 resulted in a reclassification as of December 31, 2015 of $8,992 from “other assets” to “senior debt” on our condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software : —In April 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance providing clarification on whether a cloud computing arrangement that contains a software license should be accounted for as internal-use software. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance by the Company in the first quarter of 2016 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Fair Value Measurement —In May 2015, the FASB issued updated guidance for the classification and disclosure of certain investments using the net asset value (“NAV”) as a practical expedient to measure the fair value of the investment. The guidance removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using NAV as a practical expedient. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance in the quarter ended September 30, 2015 and has removed investments that are measured at NAV as a practical expedient from the fair value hierarchy in all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. Leases —In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance for leases. The guidance requires a lessee to (i) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial condition, (ii) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis, and (iii) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting —In March 2016, the FASB issued new guidance regarding equity-based incentive compensation. The new guidance includes several amendments which affect various aspects of the accounting for equity-based incentive compensation transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments —In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the current guidance with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments— In August 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance which clarifies how a company should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The new guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance.
Fair Value Measurement Policy	Fair Value Hierarchy of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities —Lazard categorizes its investments and certain other assets and liabilities recorded at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy as follows: Level 1. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that Lazard has the ability to access. Level 2. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, or (ii) inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable or derived principally from, or corroborated by, market data. Level 3. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Items included in Level 3 include securities or other financial assets whose trading volume and level of activity have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity and there is no longer sufficient frequency or volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. The Company’s investments in debt securities and securities sold, not yet purchased are classified as Level 1 when their respective fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of equities is classified as Level 1 or Level 3 as follows: marketable equity securities are classified as Level 1 and are valued based on the last trade price on the primary exchange for that security as provided by external pricing services; equity securities in private companies are generally classified as Level 3. The fair value of investments in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds is classified as Level 1 when the fair values are primarily based on the publicly reported closing price for the fund. The fair value of investments in private equity funds were classified as Level 3 for certain investments that were valued based on a potential transaction value as of September 30, 2015. The fair values of derivatives entered into by the Company are classified as Level 2 and are based on the values of the related underlying assets, indices or reference rates as follows: the fair value of forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts is a function of the spot rate and the interest rate differential of the two currencies from the trade date to settlement date; the fair value of total return swaps is based on the change in fair values of the related underlying equity security, financial instrument or index and a specified notional holding; the fair value of interest rate swaps is based on the interest rate yield curve; and the fair value of derivative liabilities related to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for forfeitures. See Note 6. Investments Measured at Net Asset Value —As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV or its equivalent to measure the fair value of certain investments. NAV is primarily determined based on information provided by external fund administrators. The Company’s investments valued at NAV as a practical expedient in (i) alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds are redeemable in the near term, and (ii) in private equity funds are not redeemable in the near term as a result of redemption restrictions.
Derivative Instruments	The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, total return swap contracts on various equity and debt indices and other derivative contracts to economically hedge exposures to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity and debt prices. The Company reports its derivative instruments separately as assets and liabilities unless a legal right of set-off exists under a master netting agreement enforceable by law. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded at their fair value, and are included in “other assets” and “other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments not designated as economic hedging instruments are included in “interest income” and “interest expense”, respectively, or “revenue-other”, depending on the nature of the underlying item, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition to the derivative instruments described above, the Company records derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, the fair value of which is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and is included in “accrued compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair value of the derivative liabilities are included in “compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the impact of which equally offsets the changes in the fair value of investments which are currently expected to be delivered upon settlement of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which are reported in “revenue-other” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Employer Contributions to Pension Plans	Employer Contributions to Pension Plans —The Company’s funding policy for its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans is to fund when required or when applicable upon an agreement with the plans’ trustees. Management also evaluates from time to time whether to make voluntary contributions to the plans.

Receivables (Tables)

Receivables (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Beginning Balance $ 13,569 $ 21,071 $ 12,882 $ 23,540 Bad debt expense, net of recoveries 1,545 (256 ) 4,124 3,037 Charge-offs, foreign currency translation and other adjustments (2,147 ) (488 ) (4,039 ) (6,250 ) Ending Balance $ 12,967 $ 20,327 $ 12,967 $ 20,327

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Investments Schedule [Abstract]
Company's Investments and Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased	The Company’s investments and securities sold, not yet purchased, consist of the following at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Interest-bearing deposits $ 474 $ 54,885 Debt - 535 Equities 42,656 44,834 Funds: Alternative investments (a) 39,630 67,600 Debt (a) 75,545 55,935 Equity (a) 170,416 197,787 Private equity 126,726 100,219 412,317 421,541 Equity method 7,311 8,917 Total investments 462,758 530,712 Less: Interest-bearing deposits 474 54,885 Equity method 7,311 8,917 Investments, at fair value $ 454,973 $ 466,910 Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value (included in “other liabilities”) $ 3,512 $ 3,239 (a) Interests in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds include investments with fair values of $15,011, $38,071 and $129,530, respectively, at September 30, 2016 and $10,996, $31,598 and $156,081, respectively, at December 31, 2015, held in order to satisfy the Company’s liability upon vesting of previously granted Lazard Fund Interests (“LFI”) and other similar deferred compensation arrangements. LFI represent grants by the Company to eligible employees of actual or notional interests in a number of Lazard-managed funds, subject to service-based vesting conditions (see Notes 6 and 12).
Schedule of Trading Securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses	During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, the Company reported in “revenue-other” on its condensed consolidated statements of operations net unrealized investment gains and losses pertaining to “trading” securities still held as of the reporting date as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 9,975 $ (24,805 ) $ 15,221 $ (26,016 )

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Classification of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis and Investments Measured at NAV	The following tables present, as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the classification of (i) investments and certain other assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy and (ii) investments measured at NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient: September 30, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV (a) Total Assets: Investments: Debt $ - $ - $ - $ - $ - Equities 41,335 - 1,321 - 42,656 Funds: Alternative investments 26,472 - - 13,158 39,630 Debt 75,539 - - 6 75,545 Equity 170,372 - - 44 170,416 Private equity - - - 126,726 126,726 Derivatives - 2,269 - - 2,269 Total $ 313,718 $ 2,269 $ 1,321 $ 139,934 $ 457,242 Liabilities: Securities sold, not yet purchased $ 3,512 $ - $ - $ - $ 3,512 Derivatives - 186,196 - - 186,196 Total $ 3,512 $ 186,196 $ - $ - $ 189,708 December 31, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV (a) Total Assets: Investments: Debt $ 535 $ - $ - $ - $ 535 Equities 43,558 - 1,276 - 44,834 Funds: Alternative investments 45,135 - - 22,465 67,600 Debt 55,929 - - 6 55,935 Equity 197,745 - - 42 197,787 Private equity - - - 100,219 100,219 Derivatives - 1,048 - - 1,048 Total $ 342,902 $ 1,048 $ 1,276 $ 122,732 $ 467,958 Liabilities: Securities sold, not yet purchased $ 3,239 $ - $ - $ - $ 3,239 Derivatives - 195,689 - - 195,689 Total $ 3,239 $ 195,689 $ - $ - $ 198,928 (a) Represents certain investments measured at NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient in determining fair value. In accordance with current accounting guidance, these investments have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. See Note 2 for additional information.
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Company's Level 3 Assets	The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (b) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Investments: Equities $ 1,298 $ 2 $ - $ - $ 21 $ 1,321 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,298 $ 2 $ - $ - $ 21 $ 1,321 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (b) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Investments: Equities $ 1,276 $ 12 $ - $ - $ 33 $ 1,321 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,276 $ 12 $ - $ - $ 33 $ 1,321 Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (a) Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (b) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Investments: Equities $ 1,299 $ 2 $ - $ - $ (25 ) $ 1,276 Private equity funds 22,267 633 2,291 - - 25,191 Total Level 3 Assets $ 23,566 $ 635 $ 2,291 $ - $ (25 ) $ 26,467 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 (a) Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (b) Purchases/ Acquisitions/ Transfers (c) Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Investments: Equities $ 1,315 $ 12 $ - $ - $ (51 ) $ 1,276 Private equity funds - 3,404 22,178 (391 ) - 25,191 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,315 $ 3,416 $ 22,178 $ (391 ) $ (51 ) $ 26,467 (a) The tables for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 reflect the retrospective application of new disclosure guidance adopted by the Company for investments using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient when measuring fair value. See Note 2. (b) Earnings recorded in “other revenue” for investments in equities and private equity funds for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 include net unrealized gains of $2, $7, $635 and $3,416, respectively. (c) Certain investments that were valued at NAV as of December 31, 2014 of $19,255 were transferred to Level 3 from the NAV category in the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as these investments were valued based on potential transaction value as of September 30, 2015.
Fair Value of Certain Investments Based on NAV	The following tables present, at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, certain investments that are valued using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient in determining fair value: September 30, 2016 Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable Investments Redeemable Fair Value Unfunded Commitments % of Fair Value Not Redeemable % Next 5 Years % 5-10 Years % Thereafter Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period Alternative Hedge funds $ 11,874 $ - NA NA NA NA (a) <30-60 days Funds of funds 498 - NA NA NA NA (b) <30-90 days Other 786 - NA NA NA NA (c) <30-60 days Debt funds 6 - NA NA NA NA (d) 30 days Equity funds 44 - NA NA NA NA (e) <30-90 days Private equity funds: Equity growth 93,174 9,183 (f) 100 % 12 % 29 % 59 % NA NA Mezzanine debt 33,552 - 100 % - - 100 % NA NA Total $ 139,934 $ 9,183 (a) weekly (80%), monthly (1%) and quarterly (19%) (b) monthly (98%) and quarterly (2%) (c) daily (3%) and monthly (97%) (d) daily (100%) (e) daily (18%), monthly (54%) and quarterly (28%) (f) Unfunded commitments to private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard of $6,724 are excluded. Such commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders. December 31, 2015 Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable Investments Redeemable Fair Value Unfunded Commitments % of Fair Value Not Redeemable % Next 5 Years % 5-10 Years % Thereafter Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period Alternative Hedge funds $ 20,410 $ - NA NA NA NA (a) <30-60 days Funds of funds 465 - NA NA NA NA (b) <30-90 days Other 1,590 - NA NA NA NA (c) <30-60 days Debt funds 6 - NA NA NA NA (d) 30 days Equity funds 42 - NA NA NA NA (e) <30-90 days Private equity funds: Equity growth 67,895 10,242 (f) 100 % 18 % 39 % 43 % NA NA Mezzanine debt 32,324 - 100 % - - 100 % NA NA Total $ 122,732 $ 10,242 (a) weekly (23%), monthly (69%) and quarterly (8%) (b) monthly (98%) and quarterly (2%) (c) daily (20%) and monthly (80%) (d) daily (100%) (e) daily (18%), monthly (54%) and quarterly (28%) (f) Unfunded commitments to private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard of $5,501 are excluded. Such commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders.

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Values of Derivatives Reported on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	The tables below present the fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments reported within “other assets” and “other liabilities” and the fair values of the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements reported within “accrued compensation and benefits” (see Note 12) on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Derivative Assets: Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 2,269 $ 1,015 Total return swaps and other (a) - 33 $ 2,269 $ 1,048 Derivative Liabilities: Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 1,873 $ 1,584 Total return swaps and other (a) 9,053 531 LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements 175,270 193,574 $ 186,196 $ 195,689 (a) For total return swaps, amounts represent the netting of gross derivative assets and liabilities of $324 and $9,377 as of September 30, 2016, respectively, and $460 and $958 as of December 31, 2015, respectively, for contracts with the same counterparty under legally enforceable master netting agreements. Such amounts are recorded “net” in “other assets”, with receivables for net cash collateral under such contracts of $17,210 and $9,636 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Net Gains (Losses) with Respect to Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Net gains (losses) with respect to derivative instruments (predominantly reflected in “revenue-other”) and the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (included in “compensation and benefits” expense) as reflected on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, were as follows: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ (1,591 ) $ 1,109 $ (8,445 ) $ 12,486 LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (6,909 ) 12,145 (4,707 ) 9,903 Total return swaps and other (3,674 ) 10,824 (3,880 ) 7,760 Total $ (12,174 ) $ 24,078 $ (17,032 ) $ 30,149

Property (Tables)

Property (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Components of Property	At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, property consists of the following: Estimated Depreciable Life in Years September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Buildings 33 $ 140,633 $ 137,181 Leasehold improvements 3-20 167,314 167,838 Furniture and equipment 3-10 167,657 160,552 Construction in progress 18,059 7,099 Total 493,663 472,670 Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization 289,390 265,505 Property $ 204,273 $ 207,165

Goodwill and Other Intangible33

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	The components of goodwill and other intangible assets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are presented below: September 30, December 31, 2016 2015 Goodwill $ 325,667 $ 320,761 Other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization) 4,495 6,215 $ 330,162 $ 326,976
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 Balance, January 1 $ 320,761 $ 335,402 Foreign currency translation adjustments 4,906 (18,413 ) Balance, September 30 $ 325,667 $ 316,989
Gross Cost and Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets	The gross cost and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, by major intangible asset category, are as follows: September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Performance fees $ 30,740 $ 26,245 $ 4,495 $ 30,740 $ 25,192 $ 5,548 Management fees, customer relationships and non-compete agreements 33,036 33,036 - 33,036 32,369 667 $ 63,776 $ 59,281 $ 4,495 $ 63,776 $ 57,561 $ 6,215
Estimated Future Amortization Expense	Estimated future amortization expense is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Amortization Expense (a) 2016 (October 1 through December 31) $ 3,947 2017 548 Total amortization expense $ 4,495 (a) Approximately 47% of intangible asset amortization is attributable to a noncontrolling interest.

Senior Debt (Tables)

Senior Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior Debt	Senior debt is comprised of the following as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015: Outstanding as of Initial Annual September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Principal Amount Maturity Date Interest Rate(b) Principal Unamortized Debt Costs Carrying Value Principal Unamortized Debt Costs Carrying Value Lazard Group 2017 Senior Notes (a) 600,000 6/15/17 6.85 % $ 98,350 $ 77 $ 98,273 $ 98,350 $ 159 $ 98,191 Lazard Group 2020 Senior Notes 500,000 11/14/20 4.25 % 500,000 3,800 496,200 500,000 4,491 495,509 Lazard Group 2025 Senior Notes (a) 400,000 2/13/25 3.75 % 400,000 3,985 396,015 400,000 4,342 395,658 Total $ 998,350 $ 7,862 $ 990,488 $ 998,350 $ 8,992 $ 989,358 (a) During February 2015, Lazard Group completed an offering of $400,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.75% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”). Lazard Group also issued a notice to redeem $450,000 of Lazard Group’s 6.85% senior notes due June 15, 2017 (the “2017 Notes”) in February 2015. Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year beginning September 1, 2015. Lazard Group used the net proceeds of the 2025 Notes, together with cash on hand, to redeem or otherwise retire $450,000 of the 2017 Notes, which, including the recognition of unamortized issuance costs, resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $60,219. Such loss on debt extinguishment was recorded in “operating expenses—other” on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015. (b) The effective interest rates of the 2017 Notes, Lazard Group’s 4.25% senior notes due November 14, 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) and the 2025 Notes are 6.96%, 4.43% and 3.87%, respectively.

Members' Equity (Tables)

Members' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Share Repurchase Authorized by Board of Directors	Share Repurchase Program — During the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 and since 2013, the Board of Directors of Lazard authorized the repurchase of Class A common stock as set forth in the table below. Date Repurchase Authorization Expiration October, 2013 $ 100,000 December April, 2014 $ 200,000 December 31, 2015 February, 2015 $ 150,000 December 31, 2016 January, 2016 $ 200,000 December 31, 2017 April, 2016 $ 113,182 December 31, 2017
Schedule of Share Repurchase Program	The Company expects that the share repurchase program will primarily be used to offset a portion of the shares that have been or will be issued under the Lazard Ltd 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the Lazard Ltd 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). Pursuant to the share repurchase program, purchases have been made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The rate at which the Company purchases shares in connection with the share repurchase program may vary from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. Purchases with respect to such program are set forth in the table below: Nine Months Ended September 30: Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Per Share 2015 3,141,526 $ 50.76 2016 6,656,250 $ 34.38
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (“AOCI”) — The tables below reflect the balances of each component of AOCI at September 30, 2016 and 2015 and activity during the nine month periods then ended: Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Group AOCI Balance, January 1, 2016 $ (52,687 ) $ (137,073 ) $ (189,760 ) $ (2 ) $ (189,758 ) Activity January 1 to September 30, 2016: Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (10,106 ) (649 ) (10,755 ) - (10,755 ) Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 3,441 3,441 - 3,441 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (10,106 ) 2,792 (7,314 ) - (7,314 ) Balance, September 30, 2016 $ (62,793 ) $ (134,281 ) $ (197,074 ) $ (2 ) $ (197,072 ) Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Group AOCI Balance, January 1, 2015 $ (8,625 ) $ (154,665 ) $ (163,290 ) $ (2 ) $ (163,288 ) Activity January 1 to September 30, 2015: Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (31,991 ) (14,140 ) (46,131 ) (1 ) (46,130 ) Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 3,757 3,757 - 3,757 Net other comprehensive loss (31,991 ) (10,383 ) (42,374 ) (1 ) (42,373 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ (40,616 ) $ (165,048 ) $ (205,664 ) $ (3 ) $ (205,661 )
Adjustments for Items Reclassified Out of AOCI	The table below reflects adjustments for items reclassified out of AOCI, by component, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization relating to employee benefit plans (a) $ 1,509 $ 1,749 $ 4,612 $ 5,226 Less – related income taxes 375 368 1,171 1,469 Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 1,134 $ 1,381 $ 3,441 $ 3,757 ( a ) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 13). Such amounts are included in “compensation and benefits” expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	The tables below summarize net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Edgewater $ 81 $ 1,268 $ 4,988 $ 9,002 Other 2 - 1 2 Total $ 83 $ 1,268 $ 4,989 $ 9,004 Noncontrolling Interests As Of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Edgewater $ 57,249 $ 53,132 Other 8 9 Total $ 57,257 $ 53,141

Incentive Plans (Tables)

Incentive Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Summary of Impact of Share-Based Incentive Plans on Compensation and Benefits Expense	The following reflects the amortization expense recorded with respect to share-based incentive plans within “compensation and benefits” expense (with respect to RSUs, performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and restricted stock awards) and “professional services” expense (with respect to deferred stock units (“DSUs”)) within the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Share-based incentive awards: RSUs $ 39,447 $ 38,156 $ 134,419 $ 129,490 PRSUs 11,252 10,207 38,276 24,819 Restricted Stock 7,015 3,635 38,833 19,088 DSUs 53 16 808 713 Total $ 57,767 $ 52,014 $ 212,336 $ 174,110
Summary of LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements	The following is a summary of activity relating to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Prepaid Compensation Asset Compensation Liability Balance, January 1, 2016 $ 75,703 $ 193,574 Granted 51,871 51,871 Settled - (75,583 ) Forfeited (1,967 ) (3,435 ) Amortization (56,784 ) - Change in fair value related to: Increase in fair value of underlying investments - 4,707 Adjustment for estimated forfeitures - 3,551 Other (1,232 ) 585 Balance, September 30, 2016 $ 67,591 $ 175,270 Prepaid Compensation Asset Compensation Liability Balance, January 1, 2015 $ 73,278 $ 207,306 Granted 89,817 89,817 Settled - (94,899 ) Forfeited (3,610 ) (6,873 ) Amortization (64,136 ) - Change in fair value related to: Decrease in fair value of underlying investments - (9,903 ) Adjustment for estimated forfeitures - 5,219 Other (184 ) (2,030 ) Balance, September 30, 2015 $ 95,165 $ 188,637 The amortization of the prepaid compensation asset will generally be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.8 years subsequent to September 30, 2016. The following is a summary of the impact of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements on “compensation and benefits” expense within the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Amortization, net of forfeitures $ 18,116 $ 21,168 $ 58,867 $ 66,092 Change in the fair value of underlying investments 6,909 (12,145 ) 4,707 (9,903 ) Total $ 25,025 $ 9,023 $ 63,574 $ 56,189
Restricted Stock Units And Deferred Stock Units [Member]
Schedule of Activity Relating to Share-based Awards	The following is a summary of activity relating to RSUs and DSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: RSUs DSUs Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2016 9,599,658 $ 44.06 312,670 $ 35.98 Granted (including 969,054 RSUs relating to dividend participation) 6,649,625 $ 34.64 46,178 $ 34.98 Forfeited (181,337 ) $ 39.79 - - Vested (4,527,559 ) $ 39.16 (84,759 ) $ 35.30 Balance, September 30, 2016 11,540,387 $ 40.62 274,089 $ 36.02 Balance, January 1, 2015 13,529,116 $ 35.19 286,227 $ 34.21 Granted (including 603,608 RSUs relating to dividend participation) 4,111,619 $ 48.84 25,722 $ 55.43 Forfeited (461,297 ) $ 43.49 - - Vested (7,159,642 ) $ 30.87 - - Balance, September 30, 2015 10,019,796 $ 43.50 311,949 $ 35.96
Restricted Stock Awards Class A [Member]
Schedule of Activity Relating to Share-based Awards	The following is a summary of activity related to shares of restricted Class A common stock associated with compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2016 713,738 $ 47.12 Granted 1,795,258 $ 36.74 Forfeited (33,943 ) $ 40.49 Vested (802,276 ) $ 37.09 Balance, September 30, 2016 1,672,777 $ 40.92 Balance, January 1, 2015 729,827 $ 38.63 Granted 576,886 $ 50.88 Forfeited (45,500 ) $ 50.24 Vested (512,516 ) $ 39.25 Balance, September 30, 2015 748,697 $ 46.94
PRSUs [Member]
Schedule of Activity Relating to Share-based Awards	The following is a summary of activity relating to PRSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: PRSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2016 1,019,038 $ 44.49 Granted (a) 627,956 $ 32.91 Vested (417,021 ) $ 38.43 Balance, September 30, 2016 1,229,973 $ 40.63 Balance, January 1, 2015 1,347,148 $ 37.79 Granted (a) 368,389 $ 52.85 Vested (696,499 ) $ 35.96 Balance, September 30, 2015 1,019,038 $ 44.49 (a) Represents PRSU awards granted during the relevant year at the target payout level.

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure Abstract
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)	The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) related to the Company’s post-retirement plans for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016 and 2015: Pension Plans Medical Plan Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 313 $ 440 $ 3 $ 7 Interest cost 4,833 6,237 42 45 Expected return on plan assets (6,648 ) (7,146 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost 599 595 Net actuarial loss (gain) 957 1,154 (47 ) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ 54 $ 1,280 $ (2 ) $ 52 Pension Plans Medical Plan Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 934 $ 1,153 $ 9 $ 20 Interest cost 15,292 18,496 125 135 Expected return on plan assets (21,047 ) (21,236 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost 1,793 1,789 Net actuarial loss (gain) 2,958 3,437 (139 ) Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ (70 ) $ 3,639 $ (5 ) $ 155

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment's Contribution with Respect to Net Revenue, Operating Expenses, Operating Income (Loss) and Total Assets	Management evaluates segment results based on net revenue and operating income (loss) and believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of each segment’s contribution with respect to net revenue, operating income (loss) and total assets: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015 2016 2015 Financial Advisory Net Revenue $ 343,488 $ 330,832 $ 896,467 $ 948,735 Operating Expenses 257,561 261,952 718,366 758,108 Operating Income $ 85,927 $ 68,880 $ 178,101 $ 190,627 Asset Management Net Revenue $ 267,725 $ 264,581 $ 767,610 $ 850,226 Operating Expenses 185,753 179,155 543,616 554,738 Operating Income $ 81,972 $ 85,426 $ 223,994 $ 295,488 Corporate Net Revenue $ (3,336 ) $ (22,561 ) $ (24,885 ) $ (41,305 ) Operating Expenses 14,930 (18,223 ) 16,196 53,095 Operating Loss $ (18,266 ) $ (4,338 ) $ (41,081 ) $ (94,400 ) Total Net Revenue $ 607,877 $ 572,852 $ 1,639,192 $ 1,757,656 Operating Expenses 458,244 422,884 1,278,178 1,365,941 Operating Income $ 149,633 $ 149,968 $ 361,014 $ 391,715 As Of September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 Total Assets Financial Advisory $ 733,549 $ 763,374 Asset Management 620,554 640,034 Corporate (a) 1,873,503 1,985,646 Total (a) $ 3,227,606 $ 3,389,054 (a) As of December 31, 2015, reflects the retrospective application of new disclosure guidance adopted by the Company for debt issuance costs. See Note 2.

Organization and Basis of Pre39

Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) - Segment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Governing operating agreement, date	Oct. 26, 2015
Number of business segments	2
Lazard Ltd [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Percentage of common membership interests held	100.00%	100.00%

Recent Accounting Developments

Recent Accounting Developments - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification from other assets to senior debt	$ 8,992

Receivables - Schedule of Activ

Receivables - Schedule of Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Rollforward
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables, Beginning balance	$ 13,569	$ 21,071	$ 12,882	$ 23,540
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries	1,545	(256)	4,124	3,037
Charge-offs, foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(2,147)	(488)	(4,039)	(6,250)
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables, Ending balance	$ 12,967	$ 20,327	$ 12,967	$ 20,327

Receivables - Additional Inform

Receivables - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Interest-bearing financing fee receivables	$ 77,056,000		$ 81,774,000
Receivables from related party	26,768,000		108,817,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables	12,967,000	$ 13,569,000	12,882,000	$ 20,327,000	$ 21,071,000	$ 23,540,000
Aggregate carrying amount of non-interest bearing receivables	470,298,000		417,689,000
Lazard Ltd Subsidiaries [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables from related party	16,642,000		106,567,000
Trade Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables past due or deemed uncollectible	21,580,000		19,923,000
Interest Bearing Receivables [Member] | Lazard Ltd Subsidiaries [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables from related party	16,642,000		106,567,000
Financing Receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables	$ 0		$ 0

Investments - Company's Investm

Investments - Company's Investments and Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	$ 462,758	$ 530,712
Investments, at fair value	454,973	466,910
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value (included in "other liabilities")	3,512	3,239
Equity Method [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	7,311	8,917
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	474	54,885
Debt [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments		535
Investments, at fair value		535
Equities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	42,656	44,834
Alternative Investment Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	39,630	67,600
Investments, at fair value	39,630	67,600
Debt Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	75,545	55,935
Investments, at fair value	75,545	55,935
Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	170,416	197,787
Investments, at fair value	170,416	197,787
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	126,726	100,219
Investments, at fair value	126,726	100,219
Funds Total [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total investments	$ 412,317	$ 421,541

Investments - Company's Inves44

Investments - Company's Investments and Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments	$ 462,758	$ 530,712
Alternative Investment Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments	39,630	67,600
Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | Lazard Fund Interests [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments	15,011	10,996
Debt Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments	75,545	55,935
Debt Funds [Member] | Lazard Fund Interests [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments	38,071	31,598
Equity Funds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments	170,416	197,787
Equity Funds [Member] | Lazard Fund Interests [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Investments	$ 129,530	$ 156,081

Investments - Additional Inform

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Revenue relating to disposal of business		$ 24,388
Minimum [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Interest-bearing deposits maturity period	3 months
Maximum [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Interest-bearing deposits maturity period	1 year

Investments - Schedule of Tradi

Investments - Schedule of Trading Securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net Realized Or Unrealized Gain Loss On Trading Securities [Abstract]
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 9,975	$ (24,805)	$ 15,221	$ (26,016)

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Classification of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis and Investments Measured at NAV (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	$ 454,973	$ 466,910
Total Derivative Assets	2,269	1,048
Total Assets	457,242	467,958
Securities sold, not yet purchased	3,512	3,239
Total Derivative Liabilities	186,196	195,689
Total Liabilities	189,708	198,928
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | NAV [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Assets	139,934	122,732
Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments		535
Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	42,656	44,834
Alternative Investment Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	39,630	67,600
Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | NAV [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	13,158	22,465
Debt Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	75,545	55,935
Debt Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | NAV [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	6	6
Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	170,416	197,787
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | NAV [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	44	42
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	126,726	100,219
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | NAV [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	126,726	100,219
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Assets	313,718	342,902
Securities sold, not yet purchased	3,512	3,239
Total Liabilities	3,512	3,239
Level 1 [Member] | Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments		535
Level 1 [Member] | Equities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	41,335	43,558
Level 1 [Member] | Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	26,472	45,135
Level 1 [Member] | Debt Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	75,539	55,929
Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	170,372	197,745
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Derivative Assets	2,269	1,048
Total Assets	2,269	1,048
Total Derivative Liabilities	186,196	195,689
Total Liabilities	186,196	195,689
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total Assets	1,321	1,276
Level 3 [Member] | Equities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments	$ 1,321	$ 1,276

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Company's Level 3 Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 1,298	$ 23,566	$ 1,276	$ 1,315
Net Unrealized/Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings	2	635	12	3,416
Purchases/Acquisitions/Transfers	0	2,291	0	22,178
Sales/Dispositions	0		0	(391)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	21	(25)	33	(51)
Ending Balance	1,321	26,467	1,321	26,467
Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	1,298	1,299	1,276	1,315
Net Unrealized/Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings	2	2	12	12
Purchases/Acquisitions/Transfers	0		0
Sales/Dispositions	0		0
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments	21	(25)	33	(51)
Ending Balance	$ 1,321	1,276	$ 1,321	1,276
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning Balance		22,267
Net Unrealized/Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings		633		3,404
Purchases/Acquisitions/Transfers		2,291		22,178
Sales/Dispositions				(391)
Ending Balance		$ 25,191		$ 25,191

Fair Value Measurements - Sum49

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Company's Level 3 Assets (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Equities [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Instruments Classified In Shareholders Equity Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Net unrealized gains	$ 2	$ 635	$ 7	$ 3,416
Investments valued at NAV transferred to Level 3					$ 19,255

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3 in fair value measurement hierarchy	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Unfunded commitments	9,183,000		9,183,000		$ 10,242,000
EGCP III [Member]
Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments	$ 8,613,000		$ 8,613,000
End of the investment period			Oct. 12, 2016
Remaining obligation date			Oct. 12, 2023

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Certain Investments Based on NAV (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 139,934	$ 122,732
Unfunded commitments	9,183	10,242
Hedge Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 11,874	$ 20,410
Hedge Funds [Member] | Weekly [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	80.00%	23.00%
Hedge Funds [Member] | Monthly [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	1.00%	69.00%
Hedge Funds [Member] | Quarterly [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	19.00%	8.00%
Hedge Funds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	30 days	30 days
Hedge Funds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	60 days	60 days
Funds of Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 498	$ 465
Funds of Funds [Member] | Monthly [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	98.00%	98.00%
Funds of Funds [Member] | Quarterly [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	2.00%	2.00%
Funds of Funds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	30 days	30 days
Funds of Funds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	90 days	90 days
Other [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 786	$ 1,590
Other [Member] | Monthly [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	97.00%	80.00%
Other [Member] | Daily [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	3.00%	20.00%
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	30 days	30 days
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	60 days	60 days
Debt Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 6	$ 6
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	30 days	30 days
Debt Funds [Member] | Daily [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 44	$ 42
Equity Funds [Member] | Monthly [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	54.00%	54.00%
Equity Funds [Member] | Quarterly [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	28.00%	28.00%
Equity Funds [Member] | Daily [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Percent	18.00%	18.00%
Equity Funds [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	30 days	30 days
Equity Funds [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period	90 days	90 days
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Equity Growth [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 93,174	$ 67,895
Unfunded commitments	$ 9,183	$ 10,242
% of Fair Value Not Redeemable	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable, % Next 5 Years	12.00%	18.00%
Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable, % 5-10 Years	29.00%	39.00%
Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable, % Thereafter	59.00%	43.00%
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Mezzanine Debt [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Fair Value	$ 33,552	$ 32,324
% of Fair Value Not Redeemable	100.00%	100.00%
Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable, % Thereafter	100.00%	100.00%

Fair Value Measurements - Fai52

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Certain Investments Based on NAV (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments	$ 9,183	$ 10,242
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Consolidated But Not Owned [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments	$ 6,724	$ 5,501

Derivatives - Fair Values of De

Derivatives - Fair Values of Derivatives Reported on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	$ 2,269	$ 1,048
Derivative Liabilities	186,196	195,689
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets	2,269	1,015
Derivative Liabilities	1,873	1,584
Total Return Swaps and Other [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets		33
Derivative Liabilities	9,053	531
LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liabilities	$ 175,270	$ 193,574

Derivatives - Fair Values of 54

Derivatives - Fair Values of Derivatives Reported on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross derivative liability	$ 175,270	$ 193,574	$ 188,637	$ 207,306
Total Return Swaps [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross derivative assets	324	460
Gross derivative liability	9,377	958
Cash collateral pledged for total return swaps	$ 17,210	$ 9,636

Derivatives - Net Gains (Losses

Derivatives - Net Gains (Losses) with Respect to Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$ (12,174)	$ 24,078	$ (17,032)	$ 30,149
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	(1,591)	1,109	(8,445)	12,486
LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	(6,909)	12,145	(4,707)	9,903
Total Return Swaps and Other [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	$ (3,674)	$ 10,824	$ (3,880)	$ 7,760

Property - Components of Proper

Property - Components of Property (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 493,663	$ 472,670
Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization	289,390	265,505
Property	204,273	207,165
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 140,633	137,181
Buildings [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	33 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 167,314	167,838
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	20 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Furniture and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 167,657	160,552
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 18,059	$ 7,099

Goodwill and Other Intangible57

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Components of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 325,667	$ 320,761	$ 316,989	$ 335,402
Other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization)	4,495	6,215
Goodwill and other intangible assets, Total	$ 330,162	$ 326,976

Goodwill and Other Intangible58

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 325,667	$ 316,989	$ 325,667	$ 316,989	$ 320,761	$ 335,402
Amortization and Other Acquisition Related Costs [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of intangible assets	746	$ 511	1,720	$ 3,401
Financial Advisory Segment [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	261,126		261,126		256,220
Asset Management Segment [Member]
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 64,541		$ 64,541		$ 64,541

Goodwill and Other Intangible59

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 320,761	$ 335,402
Foreign currency translation adjustments	4,906	(18,413)
Ending Balance	$ 325,667	$ 316,989

Goodwill and Other Intangible60

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Gross Cost and Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, Gross Cost	$ 63,776	$ 63,776
Other intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	59,281	57,561
Other intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	4,495	6,215
Performance Fees [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, Gross Cost	30,740	30,740
Other intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	26,245	25,192
Other intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount	4,495	5,548
Management Fees, Customer Relationships and Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, Gross Cost	33,036	33,036
Other intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	$ 33,036	32,369
Other intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount		$ 667

Goodwill and Other Intangible61

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Detail) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2016 (October 1 through December 31)	$ 3,947
2,017	548
Total amortization expense	$ 4,495

Goodwill and Other Intangible62

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Percentage of intangible asset amortization attributable to non-controlling interests	47.00%

Senior Debt - Senior Debt (Deta

Senior Debt - Senior Debt (Detail) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal	$ 998,350,000	$ 998,350,000
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs	7,862,000	8,992,000
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value	990,488,000	989,358,000
Lazard Group 6.85% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount	$ 600,000,000
Senior Debt, Maturity Date	Jun. 15, 2017
Senior Debt, Annual Interest Rate	6.85%		6.85%
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal	$ 98,350,000	98,350,000
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs	77,000	159,000
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value	98,273,000	98,191,000
Lazard Group 4.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount	$ 500,000,000
Senior Debt, Maturity Date	Nov. 14, 2020
Senior Debt, Annual Interest Rate	4.25%
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal	$ 500,000,000	500,000,000
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs	3,800,000	4,491,000
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value	496,200,000	495,509,000
Lazard Group 3.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount	$ 400,000,000		$ 400,000,000
Senior Debt, Maturity Date	Feb. 13, 2025
Senior Debt, Annual Interest Rate	3.75%		3.75%
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal	$ 400,000,000	400,000,000
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs	3,985,000	4,342,000
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value	$ 396,015,000	$ 395,658,000

Senior Debt - Senior Debt (Pare

Senior Debt - Senior Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 60,219,000
Lazard Group 6.85% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount		$ 600,000,000
Redemption of senior debt	$ 450,000,000
Senior notes interest rate	6.85%	6.85%
Original Maturity Date		Jun. 15, 2017
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ 60,219,000
Effective interest rates of senior notes		6.96%
Lazard Group 3.75% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Senior notes interest rate	3.75%	3.75%
Original Maturity Date		Feb. 13, 2025
Interest rate, payment terms		Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year beginning September 1, 2015.
Effective interest rates of senior notes		3.87%
Lazard Group 4.25% Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount		$ 500,000,000
Senior notes interest rate		4.25%
Original Maturity Date		Nov. 14, 2020
Effective interest rates of senior notes		4.43%

Senior Debt - Additional Inform

Senior Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior debt		$ 990,488,000	$ 989,358,000
Unused Lines of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit		164,000,000
Senior Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior debt		990,488,000	989,358,000
Fair value of senior debt		1,061,000,000	994,000,000
LFB [Member] | Unused Lines of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unused lines of credit		11,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior revolving credit facility	$ 150,000,000
Duration of senior revolving credit facility, in years	5 years
Expiration of credit facility	2020-09
Outstanding credit facility		$ 0	$ 0

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Jul. 15, 2009	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Guarantees indemnifications				$ 3,809,000
Collateral/counter-guarantees				$ 3,723,000
Edgewater Acquisition [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Initial and Earnout shares issuable on contingent basis					913,722
Initial and Earnout shares earned				2,285,714	1,371,992
Edgewater [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of consideration recognized by the company at acquisition date	$ 61,624,000
LFB [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other commitments				$ 0
LFNY [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Other commitments				$ 0
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Edgewater Acquisition [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Additional shares of Class A common stock subject to earnout criteria and payable over time	1,142,857
Contingent shares issued upon satisfaction of performance thresholds				913,722
Non-cash tax benefit recorded as a result of the delivery of earned shares				$ 12,653,000
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Other Business Acquisitions [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Class A common stock issued in acquisition			170,988
Common stock issuable on non-contingent basis						170,988
Common stock issuable due to the achievement of certain performance thresholds		27,316
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Edgewater [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Class A common stock issued in acquisition	1,142,857

Members' Equity - Additional In

Members' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Share repurchase remaining authorization	$ 190,477,000
Share repurchase authorization expiration date	Dec. 31, 2017
Lazard Ltd Subsidiaries [Member]
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Distribution to members	$ 248,742,000	$ 85,435,000
Lazard Ltd Subsidiaries [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Purchase of shares from subsidiaries	0	605,192
Purchase of shares from subsidiaries, value	$ 0	$ 32,601,000
Executive Officers [Member] | Lazard Ltd [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member]
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Shares repurchased, value	$ 4,900,000	$ 17,700,000

Members' Equity - Schedule of S

Members' Equity - Schedule of Share Repurchase Authorized by Board of Directors (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Expiration	Dec. 31, 2017
October, 2013 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Authorization	$ 100,000,000
Expiration	Dec. 31, 2015
April, 2014 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Authorization	$ 200,000,000
Expiration	Dec. 31, 2015
February, 2015 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Authorization	$ 150,000,000
Expiration	Dec. 31, 2016
January, 2016 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Authorization	$ 200,000,000
Expiration	Dec. 31, 2017
April, 2016 [Member]
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Share Repurchase Authorization	$ 113,182,000
Expiration	Dec. 31, 2017

Members' Equity - Schedule of69

Members' Equity - Schedule of Share Repurchase Program (Detail) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Number of Shares Purchased	6,656,250	3,141,526
Average Price Per Share	$ 34.38	$ 50.76

Members' Equity - Accumulated O

Members' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			$ (189,758)	$ (163,288)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(10,755)	(46,130)
Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax	$ 1,134	$ 1,381	3,441	3,757
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX	(727)	(11,819)	(7,314)	(42,374)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX			(7,314)	(42,373)
Ending balance	(197,072)	(205,661)	(197,072)	(205,661)
Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(52,687)	(8,625)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(10,106)	(31,991)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX			(10,106)	(31,991)
Ending balance	(62,793)	(40,616)	(62,793)	(40,616)
Employee Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(137,073)	(154,665)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(649)	(14,140)
Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax			3,441	3,757
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX			2,792	(10,383)
Ending balance	(134,281)	(165,048)	(134,281)	(165,048)
Total AOCI [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(189,760)	(163,290)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(10,755)	(46,131)
Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax			3,441	3,757
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX			(7,314)	(42,374)
Ending balance	(197,074)	(205,664)	(197,074)	(205,664)
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance			(2)	(2)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications				(1)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS, NET OF TAX				(1)
Ending balance	$ (2)	$ (3)	$ (2)	$ (3)

Members' Equity - Adjustments f

Members' Equity - Adjustments for Items Reclassified Out of AOCI (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Amortization relating to employee benefit plans	$ 1,509	$ 1,749	$ 4,612	$ 5,226
Less - related income taxes	375	368	1,171	1,469
Total reclassifications, net of tax	$ 1,134	$ 1,381	$ 3,441	$ 3,757

Members' Equity - Net Income At

Members' Equity - Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Change In Ownership Interest [Line Items]
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	$ 83	$ 1,268	$ 4,989	$ 9,004
Noncontrolling interests	57,257		57,257		$ 53,141
Edgewater [Member]
Change In Ownership Interest [Line Items]
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	81	$ 1,268	4,988	9,002
Noncontrolling interests	57,249		57,249		53,132
Other [Member]
Change In Ownership Interest [Line Items]
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	2		1	$ 2
Noncontrolling interests	$ 8		$ 8		$ 9

Incentive Plans - Additional In

Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend participation rights	969,054	603,608
Lazard Fund Interests [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense, years	9 months 18 days
Non-Executive [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of annual compensation received by directors in the form of DSUs	55.00%
RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock conversion basis	One-for-one
Grant date fair value, amortized periods	Generally one-third after two years, and the remaining two-thirds after the third year
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 174,364
Unrecognized compensation expense, years	10 months 24 days
DSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Annual compensation paid in DSUs	38,771	23,961
Units granted under the directors deferred unit plan	7,407	1,761
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 38,512
Unrecognized compensation expense, years	1 year
PRSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 17,330
Unrecognized compensation expense, years	8 months 12 days
Percentage of target number of shares subject to each PRSU no longer subject to forfeiture due to threshold level of performance being achieved	25.00%
Descriptions of vesting period associated with PRSUs	PRSUs will vest on a single date three years following the date of the grant
Vesting period of PRSUs granted	3 years
PSRU's target share distribution for Class A common stock, description	The target number of shares of Class A common stock subject to each PRSU is one; however, based on the achievement of the performance criteria, the number of shares of Class A common stock that may be received in connection with each PRSU generally can range from zero to two times the target number.
PRSUs [Member] | March 2015 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			33.00%
PRSUs [Member] | March 2016 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			67.00%
Class A Common Stock [Member] | RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Withholding taxes in lieu of share delivery	1,416,643	1,940,996
Delivery of common stock associated with stock awards	3,110,916	5,218,646
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Withholding taxes in lieu of share delivery	132,984	94,745
Delivery of common stock associated with stock awards	669,292	417,771
Class A Common Stock [Member] | PRSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Withholding taxes in lieu of share delivery	64,169	32,086
Delivery of common stock associated with stock awards	352,852	664,413
Class A Common Stock [Member] | 2008 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage maximum outstanding shares available to be awarded	30.00%
Class A Common Stock [Member] | 2005 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized pertaining to share based compensation arrangements	25,000,000

Incentive Plans - Summary of Im

Incentive Plans - Summary of Impact of Share-Based Incentive Plans on Compensation and Benefits Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based incentive awards:
Share-based incentive awards	$ 57,767	$ 52,014	$ 212,336	$ 174,110
RSUs [Member]
Share-based incentive awards:
Share-based incentive awards	39,447	38,156	134,419	129,490
PRSUs [Member]
Share-based incentive awards:
Share-based incentive awards	11,252	10,207	38,276	24,819
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based incentive awards:
Share-based incentive awards	7,015	3,635	38,833	19,088
DSUs [Member]
Share-based incentive awards:
Share-based incentive awards	$ 53	$ 16	$ 808	$ 713

Incentive Plans - Schedule of A

Incentive Plans - Schedule of Activity Relating to RSUs and DSUs (Detail) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
RSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units, Beginning Balance	9,599,658	13,529,116
Units, Granted	6,649,625	4,111,619
Units, Forfeited	(181,337)	(461,297)
Units, Vested	(4,527,559)	(7,159,642)
Units, Ending Balance	11,540,387	10,019,796
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$ 44.06	$ 35.19
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	34.64	48.84
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	39.79	43.49
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	39.16	30.87
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$ 40.62	$ 43.50
DSUs [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units, Beginning Balance	312,670	286,227
Units, Granted	46,178	25,722
Units, Forfeited	0	0
Units, Vested	(84,759)	0
Units, Ending Balance	274,089	311,949
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$ 35.98	$ 34.21
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	34.98	55.43
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	0	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	35.30	0
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$ 36.02	$ 35.96

Incentive Plans - Schedule of76

Incentive Plans - Schedule of Activity Relating to RSUs and DSUs (Parenthetical) (Detail) - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Dividend participation rights	969,054	603,608

Incentive Plans - Summary of Ac

Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Shares of Restricted Class A Common Stock (Detail) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units, Beginning Balance	713,738	729,827
Units, Granted	1,795,258	576,886
Units, Forfeited	(33,943)	(45,500)
Units, Vested	(802,276)	(512,516)
Units, Ending Balance	1,672,777	748,697
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$ 47.12	$ 38.63
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	36.74	50.88
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	40.49	50.24
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	37.09	39.25
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$ 40.92	$ 46.94

Incentive Plans - Summary of 78

Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity Relating to PRSUs (Detail) - PRSUs [Member] - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Units, Beginning Balance	1,019,038	1,347,148
Units, Granted	627,956	368,389
Units, Vested	(417,021)	(696,499)
Units, Ending Balance	1,229,973	1,019,038
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$ 44.49	$ 37.79
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	32.91	52.85
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	38.43	35.96
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance	$ 40.63	$ 44.49

Incentive Plans - Summary of LF

Incentive Plans - Summary of LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Beginning Balance	$ 75,703	$ 73,278
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Granted	51,871	89,817
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Settled	0	0
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Forfeited	(1,967)	(3,610)
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Amortization	(56,784)	(64,136)
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Increase (Decrease) in fair value of underlying investments	0	0
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Adjustment for estimated forfeitures	0	0
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Other	(1,232)	(184)
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Ending Balance	67,591	95,165
Compensation Liability, Beginning Balance	193,574	207,306
Compensation Liability, Granted	51,871	89,817
Compensation Liability, Settled	(75,583)	(94,899)
Compensation Liability, Forfeited	(3,435)	(6,873)
Compensation Liability, Amortization	0	0
Compensation Liability, Increase (Decrease) in fair value of underlying investments	4,707	(9,903)
Compensation Liability, Adjustment for estimated forfeitures	3,551	5,219
Compensation Liability, Other	585	(2,030)
Compensation Liability, Ending Balance	$ 175,270	$ 188,637

Incentive Plans - Summary of 80

Incentive Plans - Summary of Impact of LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Share Based Compensation [Abstract]
Amortization, net of forfeitures	$ 18,116	$ 21,168	$ 58,867	$ 66,092
Change in the fair value of underlying investments	6,909	(12,145)	4,707	(9,903)
Total	$ 25,025	$ 9,023	$ 63,574	$ 56,189

Employee Benefit Plans - Compon

Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Pension Plans [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit):
Service cost	$ 313	$ 440	$ 934	$ 1,153
Interest cost	4,833	6,237	15,292	18,496
Expected return on plan assets	(6,648)	(7,146)	(21,047)	(21,236)
Amortization of:
Prior service cost	599	595	1,793	1,789
Net actuarial loss (gain)	957	1,154	2,958	3,437
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	54	1,280	(70)	3,639
Medical Plan [Member]
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit):
Service cost	3	7	9	20
Interest cost	42	45	125	135
Amortization of:
Net actuarial loss (gain)	(47)		(139)
Net periodic benefit cost (credit)	$ (2)	$ 52	$ (5)	$ 155

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	$ 21,653	$ 26,987	$ 49,110	$ 52,909
Effective income tax rates	14.50%	18.00%	13.60%	13.50%
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate			35.00%

Related Parties - Additional In

Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables from related party	$ 26,768,000		$ 26,768,000		$ 108,817,000
Asset management fees	254,551,000	$ 253,752,000	729,679,000	$ 784,461,000
Fees receivable	440,384,000		440,384,000		423,817,000
Lazard Ltd Subsidiaries [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Receivables from related party	16,642,000		16,642,000		106,567,000
Interest income related to interest-bearing loans	23,000	164,000	233,000	164,000
Notes payable related parties current and noncurrent	63,000,000		63,000,000		102,000,000
Interest expense related to interest-bearing loans with subsidiaries	875,000	941,000	2,604,000	2,987,000
Sponsored Funds [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management fees	130,546,000	$ 129,524,000	374,250,000	$ 405,145,000
Fees receivable	$ 54,979,000		$ 54,979,000		$ 42,002,000

Regulatory Authorities - Additi

Regulatory Authorities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
LFNY [Member]
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items]
Specified fixed percentage, minimum required capital	6.67%
Minimum net capital requirement as defined under securities exchange act	$ 100,000
Regulatory capital	73,105,000
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement	$ 69,178,000
Aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio	0.81
LFNY [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items]
Aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio	15
U.K. Subsidiaries [Member]
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items]
Regulatory capital	$ 131,370,000
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement	116,180,000
CFLF [Member]
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items]
Regulatory capital	133,377,000
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement	88,653,000
Combined European Regulated Group [Member]
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items]
Regulatory capital		$ 176,187,000
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement		$ 98,533,000
Other U.S. and Non-U.S. Subsidiaries [Member]
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items]
Regulatory capital	110,833,000
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement	$ 84,709,000

Segment Information - Segment's

Segment Information - Segment's Contribution with Respect to Net Revenue, Operating Expenses, Operating Income (Loss) and Total Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	$ 607,877	$ 572,852	$ 1,639,192	$ 1,757,656
Operating Expenses	458,244	422,884	1,278,178	1,365,941
Operating Income (Loss)	149,633	149,968	361,014	391,715
Total Assets	3,227,606		3,227,606		$ 3,389,054
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Advisory Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	343,488	330,832	896,467	948,735
Operating Expenses	257,561	261,952	718,366	758,108
Operating Income (Loss)	85,927	68,880	178,101	190,627
Total Assets	733,549		733,549		763,374
Operating Segments [Member] | Asset Management Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	267,725	264,581	767,610	850,226
Operating Expenses	185,753	179,155	543,616	554,738
Operating Income (Loss)	81,972	85,426	223,994	295,488
Total Assets	620,554		620,554		640,034
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Revenue	(3,336)	(22,561)	(24,885)	(41,305)
Operating Expenses	14,930	(18,223)	16,196	53,095
Operating Income (Loss)	(18,266)	$ (4,338)	(41,081)	$ (94,400)
Total Assets	$ 1,873,503		$ 1,873,503		$ 1,985,646