CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION UNAUDITED (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 190,608	$ 276,340
Investments in securities	218,843	238,333
Investments in sponsored registered investment companies	61,872	59,214
Investments in partnerships	97,549	100,893
Receivable from brokers	50,655	20,913
Investment advisory fees receivable	42,429	32,156
Receivable from affiliates	4,457	5,048
Capital lease	2,872	3,133
Goodwill and identifiable intangible asset	5,358	5,358
Income tax receivable	1,018	39
Other assets	15,072	15,322
Total assets	690,733	756,749
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Payable to brokers	14,346	10,770
Income taxes payable and deferred tax liabilities	25,398	15,296
Capital lease obligation	4,949	5,072
Compensation payable	10,535	17,695
Securities sold, not yet purchased	3,136	5,488
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests	1,342	1,386
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	26,365	24,441
Sub-total	86,071	80,148
5.5% Senior notes (due May 15, 2013)	99,000	99,000
5.875% Senior notes (due June 1, 2021)	100,000	100,000
Zero coupon subordinated debentures, Face value: $21.7 million at December 31, 2012 and $86.3 million at December 31, 2011 (due December 31, 2015)	17,366	64,119
Total liabilities	302,437	343,267
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	17,362	6,071
Commitments and contingencies (Note J)
Equity
Preferred stock
Additional paid-in capital	280,089	264,409
Retained earnings	408,295	409,191
Accumulated comprehensive income	26,300	22,520
Total GAMCO Investors, Inc. stockholders' equity	367,608	403,972
Noncontrolling interests	3,326	3,439
Total equity	370,934	407,411
Total liabilities and equity	690,733	756,749
Common Class A [Member]
Equity
Common Stock	13	13
Treasury stock, at cost (6,943,248 and 6,492,282 shares, respectively)	(347,109)	(292,181)
Common Class B [Member]
Equity
Common Stock	$ 20	$ 20