Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Mar. 08, 2017
Jun. 30, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name LADENBURG THALMANN FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001029730    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2016    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Trading Symbol LTS    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   194,026,224  
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Public Float     $ 234,394,947