Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Goodwill (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	$ 125,572
Benefit applied to reduce goodwill	(20)
Balance as of March 31, 2016	125,552
Goodwill, impairment loss	20
Ladenburg
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	301
Benefit applied to reduce goodwill	0
Balance as of March 31, 2016	301
Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	112,572
Benefit applied to reduce goodwill	(20)
Balance as of March 31, 2016	112,552
Insurance Brokerage
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015	12,699
Benefit applied to reduce goodwill	0
Balance as of March 31, 2016	$ 12,699