Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The computation of earnings per share is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Net income (loss)	$	58,975	$	182,780	$	17,840
Net income (loss) attributable to redeemable non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries and funds	15,246		15,564		13,193
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc.	43,729		167,216		4,647
Preferred stock dividends	4,075		—		—
Net income (loss) attributable to Cowen Group, Inc. common stockholders	$	39,654	$	167,216	4,647
Shares for basic and diluted calculations:
Weighted average shares used in basic computation	110,090		114,926		116,703
Stock options	13		—		—
Performance based restricted stock	263		—		—
Stock appreciation rights	140		60		306
Restricted stock	5,668		4,500		4,108
Weighted average shares used in diluted computation	116,174		119,486		121,117
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.36	$	1.45	$	0.04
Diluted	$	0.34	$	1.40	$	0.04