Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2013

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Unless we have indicated otherwise, or the context otherwise requires, references in this report to "GAMCO Investors, Inc.," "GAMCO," "the Company," "GBL," "we," "us" and "our" or similar terms are to GAMCO Investors, Inc., its predecessors and its subsidiaries.

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of GAMCO included herein have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP in the United States for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of GAMCO for the interim periods presented and are not necessarily indicative of a full year's results.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GAMCO and its subsidiaries.  Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.

These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 from which the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were derived.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported on the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Developments

Recent Accounting Developments

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance which creates new disclosure requirements about the nature of an entity's right of offset and related arrangements associated with its financial instruments and derivative instruments.  In January 2013, the FASB issued guidance which clarifies the scope of the disclosure requirements.  The disclosure requirements are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods therein, with retrospective application required. The new disclosures are designed to make financial statements that are prepared under U.S. GAAP more comparable to those prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2013 and now presents the disclosures required by this guidance in Note B.

In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance allowing companies to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired.  If a company determines, on the basis of qualitative factors, that the fair value of such asset is not more likely than not impaired, it would not need to calculate the fair value of such asset.  However, if a company concludes otherwise, it must calculate the fair value of the asset, compare the value with its carrying amount and record an impairment charge, if any.  To perform the qualitative assessment, a company must identify and evaluate events and circumstances that could affect the significant inputs used to determine the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset.  This guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2013 without a material impact to the financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI").  The guidance is intended to help entities improve the transparency of changes in other comprehensive income ("OCI") and items reclassified out of AOCI in their financial statements.  It does not amend any existing requirements for reporting net income or OCI in the financial statements.  The guidance requires entities to disclose additional information about reclassification adjustments, including changes in AOCI balances by component and significant items reclassified out of AOCI.  The guidance requires an entity to present information about significant items reclassified out of AOCI by component either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements.  The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012.  The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2013 and now presents the disclosures required by this guidance in Note B.