Stockholders' Equity - Lazard Group Distributed Amounts to LAZ-MD Holdings and Subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Group Distributions [Line Items]
Company tax distributions	$ 2,976		$ 17,499
Company other distributions	122,540	140,278	74,955
LAZ-MD Holdings [Member]
Schedule Of Group Distributions [Line Items]
Company tax distributions	80		699
Company other distributions	920	5,170	4,383
Subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd [Member]
Schedule Of Group Distributions [Line Items]
Company tax distributions	2,896		16,800
Company other distributions	$ 121,620	$ 135,108	$ 70,572