Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		$ 125,572
Benefit applied to reduce goodwill		(39)
Balance as of June 30, 2016	$ 125,533	125,533
Goodwill, impairment loss	19	39
Ladenburg
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		301
Benefit applied to reduce goodwill		0
Balance as of June 30, 2016	301	301
Independent Brokerage and Advisory Services
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		112,572
Benefit applied to reduce goodwill		(39)
Balance as of June 30, 2016	112,533	112,533
Insurance Brokerage
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance as of December 31, 2015		12,699
Benefit applied to reduce goodwill		0
Balance as of June 30, 2016	$ 12,699	$ 12,699