Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Document and Entity Information

v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Nov. 06, 2017
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-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2017  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol LTS  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   198,392,671