Document and Entity Information
Document and Entity Information - shares | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Oct. 19, 2018 | |
Document Information [Line Items] | ||
Document Type | 10-Q | |
Amendment Flag | false | |
Document Period End Date | Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2,018 | |
Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
Trading Symbol | LAZ | |
Entity Registrant Name | LAZARD LTD | |
Entity Central Index Key | 1,311,370 | |
Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 | |
Entity Filer Category | Large Accelerated Filer | |
Entity Small Business | false | |
Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 129,766,091 | |
Subsidiaries of Lazard Ltd [Member] | ||
Document Information [Line Items] | ||
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 11,694,113 |
Condensed Consolidated Statemen
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
ASSETS | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,132,395 | $ 1,483,836 |
Deposits with banks and short-term investments | 1,015,872 | 935,431 |
Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash | 37,985 | 35,539 |
Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $34,524 and $23,746 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively): | ||
Fees | 546,808 | 487,800 |
Customers and other | 93,979 | 83,816 |
Total receivables, net | 640,787 | 571,616 |
Investments | 609,595 | 427,186 |
Property (net of accumulated amortization and depreciation of $331,937 and $317,827 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively) | 214,279 | 205,301 |
Goodwill and other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $65,576 and $63,099 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively) | 379,241 | 391,364 |
Deferred tax assets | 610,389 | 650,260 |
Other assets | 304,235 | 228,144 |
Total Assets | 4,944,778 | 4,928,677 |
Liabilities: | ||
Deposits and other customer payables | 1,056,342 | 992,338 |
Accrued compensation and benefits | 489,090 | 593,781 |
Senior debt | 1,433,702 | 1,190,383 |
Deferred tax liabilities | 6,481 | 9,407 |
Other liabilities | 560,415 | 573,588 |
Total Liabilities | 3,823,193 | 3,669,772 |
Commitments and contingencies | ||
Common stock: | ||
Class A, par value $.01 per share (500,000,000 shares authorized; 129,766,091 shares issued at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, including shares held by subsidiaries as indicated below) | 1,298 | 1,298 |
Additional paid-in-capital | 701,849 | 788,140 |
Retained earnings | 1,140,610 | 1,080,413 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax | (260,365) | (232,518) |
Stockholders' equity subtotal before common stock held by subsidiaries and Noncontrolling interests, total | 1,583,392 | 1,637,333 |
Class A common stock held by subsidiaries, at cost (11,293,254 and 10,747,142 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively) | (516,267) | (437,530) |
Total Lazard Ltd Stockholders’ Equity | 1,067,125 | 1,199,803 |
Noncontrolling interests | 54,460 | 59,102 |
Total Stockholders’ Equity | 1,121,585 | 1,258,905 |
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | 4,944,778 | 4,928,677 |
LTBP Trust [Member] | ||
Liabilities: | ||
Tax receivable agreement obligation | 277,163 | 310,275 |
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | ||
Preferred stock: | ||
Preferred stock | ||
Series B Preferred Stock [Member] | ||
Preferred stock: | ||
Preferred stock |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables | $ 34,524 | $ 23,746 |
Property, accumulated amortization and depreciation | 331,937 | 317,827 |
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization | $ 65,576 | $ 63,099 |
Preferred stock, par value | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Preferred stock, shares authorized | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 |
Common stock, par value | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 |
Common stock, shares authorized | 500,000,000 | 500,000,000 |
Common stock, shares issued | 129,766,091 | 129,766,091 |
Common stock held by subsidiaries, shares | 11,293,254 | 10,747,142 |
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | ||
Preferred stock, shares issued | 0 | 0 |
Preferred stock, shares outstanding | 0 | 0 |
Series B Preferred Stock [Member] | ||
Preferred stock, shares issued | 0 | 0 |
Preferred stock, shares outstanding | 0 | 0 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
REVENUE | ||||
Interest income | $ 3,029 | $ 1,630 | $ 7,877 | $ 4,893 |
Total revenue | 640,800 | 638,131 | 2,180,533 | 2,005,497 |
Interest expense | 14,319 | 13,272 | 41,416 | 39,994 |
Net revenue | 626,481 | 624,859 | 2,139,117 | 1,965,503 |
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||
Amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs | (5,851) | 172 | (13,468) | 5,003 |
Other | 14,453 | 9,031 | 51,032 | 30,639 |
Total operating expenses | 487,800 | 480,647 | 1,614,668 | 1,498,593 |
OPERATING INCOME | 138,681 | 144,212 | 524,449 | 466,910 |
Provision for income taxes | 29,956 | 32,742 | 105,684 | 124,109 |
NET INCOME | 108,725 | 111,470 | 418,765 | 342,801 |
LESS - NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | 1,651 | 2,260 | 5,036 | 5,660 |
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO LAZARD LTD | $ 107,074 | $ 109,210 | $ 413,729 | $ 337,141 |
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING: | ||||
Basic | 119,456,516 | 121,243,598 | 119,897,626 | 122,142,303 |
Diluted | 129,859,728 | 132,393,664 | 130,750,392 | 132,407,551 |
NET INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK: | ||||
Basic | $ 0.90 | $ 0.90 | $ 3.45 | $ 2.76 |
Diluted | 0.82 | 0.82 | 3.16 | 2.55 |
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK | $ 0.44 | $ 0.41 | $ 2.59 | $ 2.40 |
Investment Banking and Other Advisory Fees [Member] | ||||
REVENUE | ||||
Revenue | $ 309,690 | $ 305,530 | $ 1,139,860 | $ 1,050,721 |
Asset Management Fees [Member] | ||||
REVENUE | ||||
Revenue | 312,790 | 301,719 | 986,777 | 868,522 |
Other [Member] | ||||
REVENUE | ||||
Revenue | 15,291 | 29,252 | 46,019 | 81,361 |
Compensation and Benefits [Member] | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||
Operating expenses | 343,987 | 361,787 | 1,165,193 | 1,138,200 |
Occupancy and Equipment [Member] | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||
Operating expenses | 28,848 | 29,156 | 88,326 | 87,468 |
Marketing and Business Development [Member] | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||
Operating expenses | 21,868 | 19,798 | 75,755 | 63,577 |
Technology and Information Services [Member] | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||
Operating expenses | 36,394 | 31,373 | 102,173 | 87,429 |
Professional Services [Member] | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||
Operating expenses | 13,353 | 11,005 | 42,498 | 33,701 |
Fund Administration and Outsourced Services [Member] | ||||
OPERATING EXPENSES | ||||
Operating expenses | $ 34,748 | $ 18,325 | $ 103,159 | $ 52,576 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||||
NET INCOME | $ 108,725 | $ 111,470 | $ 418,765 | $ 342,801 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX: | ||||
Currency translation adjustments | (8,676) | 19,748 | (34,783) | 62,847 |
Employee benefit plans: | ||||
Actuarial gain (loss) (net of tax expense (benefit) of $214 and $(1,197) for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $618 and $(3,673) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively) | 863 | (4,715) | 4,149 | (13,819) |
Adjustment for items reclassified to earnings (net of tax expense of $264 and $204 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $948 and $676 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively) | 949 | 1,081 | 2,788 | 3,523 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX | (6,864) | 16,114 | (27,846) | 52,551 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | 101,861 | 127,584 | 390,919 | 395,352 |
LESS - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS | 1,653 | 2,262 | 5,037 | 5,662 |
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO LAZARD LTD | $ 100,208 | $ 125,322 | $ 385,882 | $ 389,690 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] | ||||
Tax expense (benefit) on actuarial gain (loss), employee benefit plans | $ 214 | $ (1,197) | $ 618 | $ (3,673) |
Tax expense, adjustment for items reclassified to earnings, employee benefit plans | $ 264 | $ 204 | $ 948 | $ 676 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||
NET INCOME | $ 418,765 | $ 342,801 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | ||
Depreciation and amortization of property | 25,303 | 23,209 |
Amortization of deferred expenses and share-based incentive compensation | 294,380 | 285,162 |
Amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs | (13,468) | 5,003 |
Deferred tax provision | 27,287 | 50,699 |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | 6,523 | |
(Increase) decrease in operating assets: | ||
Receivables-net | (82,161) | 112,499 |
Investments | (184,542) | 27,927 |
Other assets | (144,592) | (71,053) |
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities: | ||
Accrued compensation and benefits and other liabilities | (56,035) | (70,819) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 291,460 | 705,428 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||
Additions to property | (39,343) | (15,463) |
Disposals of property | 1,365 | 283 |
Net cash used in investing activities | (37,978) | (15,180) |
Proceeds from: | ||
Customer deposits | 79,960 | 149,506 |
Contributions from noncontrolling interests | 553 | |
Issuance of senior debt, net of expenses | 490,970 | |
Payments for: | ||
Senior debt | (255,543) | |
Capital lease obligations | (57) | (7,329) |
Distributions to noncontrolling interests | (10,232) | (3,059) |
Payments under tax receivable agreement | (31,897) | (789) |
Purchase of Class A common stock | (306,591) | (252,538) |
Class A common stock dividends | (307,850) | (292,293) |
Settlement of vested share-based incentive compensation | (109,485) | (67,384) |
Other financing activities | (5,509) | (10,073) |
Net cash used in financing activities | (455,681) | (483,959) |
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | (66,355) | 128,091 |
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | (268,554) | 334,380 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | 2,454,806 | 1,607,483 |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | $ 2,186,252 | $ 1,941,863 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_7
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 |
RECONCILIATION OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH WITHIN THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION: | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 1,132,395 | $ 1,483,836 | ||
Deposits with banks and short-term investments | 1,015,872 | 935,431 | ||
Cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash | 37,985 | 35,539 | ||
TOTAL CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | $ 2,186,252 | $ 2,454,806 | $ 1,941,863 | $ 1,607,483 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_8
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Total | Common Stock [Member] | Additional Paid-In-Capital [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member] | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Member] | Class A Common Stock Held By Subsidiaries [Member] | Total Lazard Ltd Stockholders' Equity [Member] | Noncontrolling Interests [Member] |
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016 | $ 1,293,813 | $ 1,298 | $ 688,231 | $ 1,134,186 | $ (314,222) | $ (273,506) | $ 1,235,987 | $ 57,826 |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016 | 129,766,091 | 7,628,786 | ||||||
Adjustment for the cumulative effect on prior years from the adoption of new accounting guidance related to share-based incentive compensation at Dec. 31, 2016 | 81,544 | 81,544 | 81,544 | |||||
Balance, as adjusted at Dec. 31, 2016 | 1,375,357 | $ 1,298 | 688,231 | 1,215,730 | (314,222) | $ (273,506) | 1,317,531 | 57,826 |
Comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||
Net income | 342,801 | 337,141 | 337,141 | 5,660 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) - net of tax | 52,551 | 52,549 | 52,549 | 2 | ||||
Amortization of share-based incentive compensation | 220,648 | 220,648 | 220,648 | |||||
Dividend equivalents | (4,997) | 36,482 | (41,479) | (4,997) | ||||
Class A common stock dividends | (292,293) | (292,293) | (292,293) | |||||
Purchase of Class A common stock | $ (252,538) | $ (252,538) | (252,538) | |||||
Purchase of Class A common stock (in shares) | 5,838,520 | 5,838,520 | ||||||
Delivery of Class A common stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation and related tax expense | $ (72,203) | (212,271) | $ 140,068 | (72,203) | ||||
Delivery of Class A common stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation and related tax expense (in shares) | (3,772,169) | |||||||
Business acquisitions and related equity transactions: | ||||||||
Delivery of Class A common stock and related tax benefit | 1,437 | (472) | $ 1,909 | 1,437 | ||||
Delivery of Class A common stock and related tax benefit (in shares) | (47,474) | |||||||
Class A common stock issuable (including related amortization) | 363 | 363 | 363 | |||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net | (3,059) | (3,059) | ||||||
Other | 408 | 204 | 204 | 204 | ||||
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017 | 1,368,475 | $ 1,298 | 732,981 | 1,219,303 | (261,673) | $ (384,067) | 1,307,842 | 60,633 |
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017 | 129,766,091 | 9,647,663 | ||||||
Balance at Jun. 30, 2017 | (277,785) | |||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||
Net income | 111,470 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) - net of tax | 16,114 | 16,112 | ||||||
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017 | 1,368,475 | $ 1,298 | 732,981 | 1,219,303 | (261,673) | $ (384,067) | 1,307,842 | 60,633 |
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2017 | 129,766,091 | 9,647,663 | ||||||
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017 | 1,258,905 | $ 1,298 | 788,140 | 1,080,413 | (232,518) | $ (437,530) | 1,199,803 | 59,102 |
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017 | 129,766,091 | 10,747,142 | ||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||
Net income | 418,765 | 413,729 | 413,729 | 5,036 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) - net of tax | (27,846) | (27,847) | (27,847) | 1 | ||||
Amortization of share-based incentive compensation | 218,186 | 218,186 | 218,186 | |||||
Dividend equivalents | (5,509) | 38,923 | (44,432) | (5,509) | ||||
Class A common stock dividends | (307,850) | (307,850) | (307,850) | |||||
Purchase of Class A common stock | $ (306,591) | $ (306,591) | (306,591) | |||||
Purchase of Class A common stock (in shares) | 5,797,789 | 5,797,789 | ||||||
Delivery of Class A common stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation and related tax expense | $ (117,230) | (345,023) | $ 227,793 | (117,230) | ||||
Delivery of Class A common stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation and related tax expense (in shares) | (5,249,819) | |||||||
Business acquisitions and related equity transactions: | ||||||||
Delivery of Class A common stock and related tax benefit | (61) | $ 61 | ||||||
Delivery of Class A common stock and related tax benefit (in shares) | (1,858) | |||||||
Class A common stock issuable (including related amortization) | 434 | 434 | 434 | |||||
Dividend-equivalents | 1,250 | (1,250) | ||||||
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net | (9,679) | (9,679) | ||||||
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018 | 1,121,585 | $ 1,298 | 701,849 | 1,140,610 | (260,365) | $ (516,267) | 1,067,125 | 54,460 |
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018 | 129,766,091 | 11,293,254 | ||||||
Balance at Jun. 30, 2018 | (253,499) | |||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | ||||||||
Net income | 108,725 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) - net of tax | (6,864) | (6,866) | ||||||
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018 | $ 1,121,585 | $ 1,298 | $ 701,849 | $ 1,140,610 | $ (260,365) | $ (516,267) | $ 1,067,125 | $ 54,460 |
Balance (in shares) at Sep. 30, 2018 | 129,766,091 | 11,293,254 |
Condensed Consolidated Statem_9
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] | ||
Tax expense related to delivery of Class A Common Stock in connection with share-based incentive compensation | $ 7,745 | $ 4,819 |
Tax expense (benefit) on delivery of Class A common stock in connection with business acquisitions | $ 832 |
Organization and Basis of Prese
Organization and Basis of Presentation | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Organization and Basis of Presentation | 1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION Organization Lazard Ltd, a Bermuda holding company, and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Lazard Ltd”, “Lazard”, “we” or the “Company”), including Lazard Ltd’s indirect investment in Lazard Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (collectively referred to, together with its subsidiaries, as “Lazard Group”), is one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms and has long specialized in crafting solutions to the complex financial and strategic challenges of our clients. We serve a diverse set of clients around the world, including corporations, governments, institutions, partnerships and individuals. Lazard Ltd indirectly held 100% of all outstanding Lazard Group common membership interests as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Lazard Ltd, through its control of the managing members of Lazard Group, controls Lazard Group, which is governed by an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of October 26, 2015, as amended (the “Operating Agreement”). Lazard Ltd’s primary operating asset is its indirect ownership of the common membership interests of, and managing member interests in, Lazard Group, whose principal operating activities are included in two business segments: • Financial Advisory, which offers corporate, partnership, institutional, government, sovereign and individual clients across the globe a wide array of financial advisory services regarding mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”), capital advisory, capital raising, restructurings, shareholder advisory, sovereign advisory and other strategic advisory, and • Asset Management, which offers a broad range of global investment solutions and investment management services in equity and fixed income strategies, asset allocation strategies, alternative investments and private equity funds to corporations, public funds, sovereign entities, endowments and foundations, labor funds, financial intermediaries and private clients. In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including management of cash, investments, deferred tax assets, outstanding indebtedness, certain contingent obligations, and assets and liabilities associated with Lazard Group’s Paris-based subsidiary Lazard Frères Banque SA (“LFB”). Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Lazard Ltd have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Lazard Ltd’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The accompanying December 31, 2017 unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial condition data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statement purposes. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the financial statements and the accompanying disclosures. For example, discretionary compensation and benefits expense for interim periods is accrued based on the year-to-date amount of revenue earned, and an assumed annual ratio of compensation and benefits expense to revenue, with the applicable amounts adjusted for certain items. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions that Lazard may undertake in the future, actual results may differ materially from the estimates. The consolidated results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not indicative of the results to be expected for any future interim or annual period. The condensed consolidated financial statements include Lazard Ltd, Lazard Group and Lazard Group’s principal operating subsidiaries: Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“LFNY”), a New York limited liability company, along with its subsidiaries, including Lazard Asset Management LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “LAM”); the French limited liability companies Compagnie Financière Lazard Frères SAS (“CFLF”) along with its subsidiaries, LFB and Lazard Frères Gestion SAS (“LFG”), and Maison Lazard SAS and its subsidiaries; and Lazard & Co., Limited (“LCL”), through Lazard & Co., Holdings Limited (“LCH”), an English private limited company, together with their jointly owned affiliates and subsidiaries. The Company’s policy is to consolidate entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company consolidates: • Voting interest entities (“VOEs”) where the Company holds a majority of the voting interest in such VOEs, and • Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary having the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. When the Company does not have a controlling interest in an entity, but exerts significant influence over such entity’s operating and financial decisions, the Company either (i) applies the equity method of accounting in which it records a proportionate share of the entity’s net earnings, or (ii) elects the option to measure at fair value. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, specifically related to the adoption of new guidance impacting the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (see Note 2). |
Recent Accounting Developments
Recent Accounting Developments | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Abstract] | |
Recent Accounting Developments | 2. RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS Revenue from Contracts with Customers— In May 2014, the FASB issued comprehensive new revenue recognition guidance. The guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services and requires enhanced disclosures. The guidance also changes the accounting for certain contract costs, including whether they may be offset against revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance may be adopted using a full retrospective approach or a modified cumulative effect approach. The Company adopted the revenue recognition guidance upon its effective date of January 1, 2018 using the modified cumulative effect approach. The Company applied the new guidance to contracts that have not yet been completed as of the adoption date. The Company’s adoption efforts included the identification of revenue within the scope of the guidance and the evaluation of revenue contracts. The Company evaluated the potential impact of the new guidance, including (i) the timing of revenue recognition for Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees and (ii) the presentation of certain contract costs. With respect to revenue recognition, the Company assessed the impact of the new guidance on the recognition of fees for Financial Advisory (e.g., transaction completion, transaction announcement and retainers), and Asset Management (e.g., management and incentive fees), including the potential requirement under the new guidance to recognize certain transaction completion fees in periods prior to the periods in which the applicable transactions close. The Company’s assessment included an analysis of whether the Company’s fulfillment of its performance obligations would be deemed to occur over time, or at specific points in time, under the new guidance. Specifically, recognition would be deemed to occur over time if the client receives and consumes benefits from the services as the Company performs the services. The Company concluded that Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees would typically be recognized over time as performance occurs, subject to constraints, using an appropriate measure of progress based on resources consumed, which is consistent with when the client receives benefits. There was no material impact to the Company’s recognition of revenue upon adoption of the new guidance. The new guidance requires the Company to prospectively present certain contract costs on a gross basis. The most significant changes with respect to presentation relate to (a) certain distribution costs within our Asset Management business and (b) certain reimbursable deal costs within our Financial Advisory business, both of which were previously presented net against revenues and are now presented as expenses on a gross basis under the new guidance because the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise of the arrangement. For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, the presentation of such costs on a gross basis resulted in an increase to net revenue of $24,392 and $72,006, respectively, primarily comprised of increases to asset management fees and investment banking and other advisory fees. In addition, there was a corresponding increase to operating expenses of $24,392 and $72,006, respectively, primarily comprised of an increase to distribution costs presented within fund administration and outsourced services and an increase to reimbursable deal costs presented within marketing and business development. These amounts would have been presented on a net basis prior to the adoption of the new guidance, and there was no material impact to net income as a result of the gross basis of presentation under the new guidance. See Note 3 for further information on contracts within the scope of the new guidance. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments— In August and November 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance which clarifies how a company should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows and clarifies that restricted cash should be included in the total of cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance for both updates is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance in the first quarter of 2018 resulted in the reclassification of “cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash” and “deposits with banks and short-term investments” from operating activities to components of “cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash” on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. In addition, the Company reclassified cash flows related to customer deposits from operating activities to financing activities. This resulted in changes in deposits with banks and short-term investments and customer deposits no longer being reflected in cash flows from operating activities. Except for the reclassification of these items on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, the new guidance had no impact on the Company’s financial statements. Clarifying the Definition of a Business— In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance to clarify the definition of a business within the context of business combinations. The updated guidance requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, such asset or group of assets is not a business. This updated guidance is expected to reduce the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated as business combinations. If further evaluation is necessary, the updated guidance will require that a business set include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. The updated guidance will remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and it will be applied to business combinations on a prospective basis. Compensation — — — I n March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on the presentation of net benefit cost in the statement of operations and the components eligible for capitalization. The new guidance requires that only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost be presented with other employee compensation costs in operating expenses, applied on a retrospective basis. The other components of net benefit cost, including amortization of prior service cost, and gains and losses from settlements and curtailments, are included in other operating expenses. The new guidance also stipulates that only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization, applied on a prospective basis. This new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and there was no material impact to the Company’s financial statements. Compensation—Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting— In May 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance on modifications to share-based payment awards. The updated guidance requires entities to account for the effects of a modification to a share-based payment award unless the following are all the same immediately before and after the modification: (i) the fair value of the award, (ii) the vesting conditions of the award, and (iii) the classification of the award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument. This new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018, and there was no material impact to the Company’s financial statements. Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income— In February 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance on the tax effects of items in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax” (“AOCI”). Specifically, the new guidance will permit, but not require, a reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (see Note 15). The amount of the reclassification would be the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with an option to apply it in the period of adoption or on a retrospective basis for each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate is recognized. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Leases —In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance for leases. The guidance requires a lessee to (i) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial condition, (ii) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis, and (iii) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Currently, the Company plans to adopt the new guidance as of the effective date, January 1, 2019, and is considering the practical expedients available. The new guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company continues to evaluate the new guidance, and is in the process of evaluating its leasing activities and contracts, as well as processes and internal controls over financial reporting relating to its leasing activities. See Note 11 for further information on the Company's commitments under lease agreements. The population of contracts potentially subject to recognition in the statement of financial condition and their initial measurement remains under evaluation. Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting— In June 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance to simplify the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions. The new guidance generally requires equity-classified nonemployee share-based payment awards to be measured at the grant date, which is the date at which a grantor and grantee reach a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions of a share-based payment award. This update generally aligns the accounting for equity-classified share-based payment awards to nonemployees with the measurement date required for employees. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the new guidance would be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments —In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the current guidance with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment —In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance which eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 is the process of measuring a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The new guidance requires entities to measure a goodwill impairment loss as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill. The FASB also eliminated the requirements for entities that have reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts to perform a qualitative assessment for the goodwill impairment test. Instead, those entities would be required to disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount. The new guidance is effective for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Intangibles—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract —In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance on the accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement. The new guidance requires the capitalization of the implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement to be aligned with the requirements for capitalizing costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the Company may elect to apply the new guidance on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Fair Value Measurement: Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement —In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurement. The updated guidance eliminates or modifies various required disclosures under the current guidance and includes additional requirements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Compensation–Retirement Benefits: Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans —In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements regarding defined benefit plans and other postretirement plans. The updated guidance eliminates or clarifies certain currently required disclosures and includes additional requirements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. |
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Revenue Recognition [Abstract] | |
Revenue Recognition | 3. REVENUE RECOGNITION Investment Banking and Other Advisory —Fees for Financial Advisory services are recorded when: (i) a contract with a client has been identified, (ii) the performance obligations in the contract have been identified, (iii) the fee or other transaction price has been determined, (iv) the fee or other transaction price has been allocated to each performance obligation in the contract, and (v) the Company has satisfied the applicable performance obligation. The expenses that are directly related to such transactions are recorded as incurred and presented within operating expenses when the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise of the arrangement. Revenues associated with the reimbursement of such expenses are recorded when the Company is contractually entitled to reimbursement and presented within investment banking and other advisory fees. Asset Management Fees —Fees for Asset Management services are primarily comprised of management fees and incentive fees. Management fees are derived from fees for investment management and other services provided to clients. Revenue is recorded in accordance with the same five criteria as Financial Advisory fees, which generally results in management fees being recorded on a daily, monthly or quarterly basis, primarily based on a percentage of client assets managed. Fees vary with the type of assets managed, with higher fees earned on equity assets, alternative investment (such as hedge fund) and private equity funds, and lower fees earned on fixed income and money market products. Expenses that are directly related to the sale or distribution of fund interests are recorded as incurred and presented within operating expenses when the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise of the arrangement. Revenues associated with the reimbursement of such expenses are recorded when the Company is contractually entitled to reimbursement and presented within asset management fees. In addition, the Company earns performance-based incentive fees on various investment products, including traditional products and alternative investment funds such as hedge funds and private equity funds. For hedge funds, incentive fees are calculated based on a specific percentage of a fund’s net appreciation, in some cases in excess of established benchmarks or thresholds. The Company records incentive fees on traditional products and hedge funds when a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue to be recognized is not probable, which is typically at the end of the relevant performance measurement period. The incentive fee measurement period is generally an annual period (unless an account is terminated during the year). The incentive fees received at the end of the measurement period are not subject to reversal or payback. Incentive fees on hedge funds generally are subject to loss carryforward provisions in which losses incurred by the hedge funds in any year are applied against certain gains realized by the hedge funds in future periods before any incentive fees can be earned. For private equity funds, incentive fees may be earned in the form of a “carried interest” if profits arising from realized investments exceed a specified threshold. Typically, such carried interest is ultimately calculated on a whole-fund basis and, therefore, clawback of carried interests during the life of the fund can occur. As a result, the Company records incentive fees earned on our private equity funds when a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue to be recognized is not probable, which is typically at the end of the relevant performance period. Receivables relating to asset management and incentive fees are reported in “fees receivable” on the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Company disaggregates revenue based on its business segment results and believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of how performance obligations relate to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (d) September 30, 2018 (d) Net Revenue: Financial Advisory (a) $ 310,418 $ 1,141,628 Asset Management: Management Fees and Other (b) $ 323,283 $ 1,012,127 Incentive Fees (c) 1,957 19,984 Total Asset Management $ 325,240 $ 1,032,111 (a) Financial Advisory is comprised of M&A Advisory, Capital Advisory, Capital Raising, Restructuring, Shareholder Advisory, Sovereign Advisory, and other strategic advisory work for clients. The benefits of these advisory services are generally transferred to the Company’s clients over time, and consideration for these advisory services typically includes transaction completion, transaction announcement and retainer fees. Retainer fees are generally fixed and recognized over the period in which the advisory services are performed. However, transaction announcement and transaction completion fees are variable and subject to constraints, and they are typically not recognized until there is an announcement date or a completion date, respectively, due to the uncertainty associated with those events. The advisory fees that may be unrecognized as of the end of a reporting period, primarily comprised of fees associated with transaction announcements and transaction completions, generally remain unrecognized due to the uncertainty associated with those events. (b) Management fees and other is primarily comprised of management services. The benefits of these management services are transferred to the Company’s clients over time. Consideration for these management services generally includes management fees, which are based on assets under management and recognized over the period in which the management services are performed. The selling or distribution of fund interests is a separate performance obligation within management fees and other, and the benefits of such services are transferred to the Company’s clients at the point in time that such fund interests are sold or distributed. (c) Incentive fees is primarily comprised of management services. The benefits of these management services are transferred to the Company’s clients over time. Consideration for these management services is generally variable and includes performance or incentive fees. The fees allocated to these management services that are unrecognized as of the end of the reporting period are generally amounts that are subject to constraints due to the uncertainty associated with performance targets and clawbacks. ( d ) In addition to the above, contracts with clients include trade-based commission income, which is recognized at the point in time of execution and presented within other revenue. Such income may be earned by providing trade facilitation, execution, clearance and settlement, custody, and trade administration services to clients. With regard to the disclosure requirement for remaining performance obligations, the Company elected the practical expedients permitted in the guidance to (i) exclude contracts with a duration of one year or less; and (ii) exclude variable consideration, such as transaction completion and transaction announcement fees, that is allocated entirely to unsatisfied performance obligations. Excluded variable consideration typically relates to contracts with a duration of one year or less, and is generally constrained due to uncertainties. Therefore, when applying the practical expedients, amounts related to remaining performance obligations are not material to the Company’s financial statements. |
Receivables
Receivables | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Receivables | 4. RECEIVABLES The Company’s receivables represent fee receivables, amounts due from customers and other receivables. Receivables are stated net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, for past due amounts and for specific accounts deemed uncollectible, which may include situations where a fee is in dispute. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Beginning Balance $ 34,956 $ 25,094 $ 23,746 $ 16,386 Bad debt expense, net of recoveries 1,488 4,753 18,106 18,584 Charge-offs, foreign currency translation and other adjustments (1,920 ) (2,383 ) (7,328 ) (7,506 ) Ending Balance $ 34,524 $ 27,464 $ 34,524 $ 27,464 Bad debt expense, net of recoveries is included in “operating expenses — At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had receivables past due or deemed uncollectible of $38,098 and $34,865, respectively. Of the Company’s fee receivables at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $77,540 and $80,536, respectively, represented interest-bearing financing receivables. Based upon our historical loss experience, the credit quality of the counterparties, and the lack of past due or uncollectible amounts, there was no allowance for doubtful accounts required at those dates related to such receivables. The aggregate carrying amount of our non-interest bearing receivables of $563,247 and $491,080 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, approximates fair value. |
Investments
Investments | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Investments Schedule [Abstract] | |
Investments | 5. INVESTMENTS The Company’s investments and securities sold, not yet purchased, consist of the following at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Interest-bearing deposits $ 519 $ 556 Debt 202,592 6 Equities 36,810 45,257 Funds: Alternative investments (a) 18,169 20,993 Debt (a) 89,476 84,077 Equity (a) 202,354 199,618 Private equity 59,675 76,679 369,674 381,367 Total investments 609,595 427,186 Less: Interest-bearing deposits 519 556 Investments, at fair value $ 609,076 $ 426,630 Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value (included in “other liabilities”) $ 6,876 $ 7,338 (a) Interests in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds include investments with fair values of $9,979, $59,282 and $149,813, respectively, at September 30, 2018 and $11,213, $48,391 and $131,893, respectively, at December 31, 2017, held in order to satisfy the Company’s liability upon vesting of previously granted Lazard Fund Interests (“LFI”) and other similar deferred compensation arrangements. LFI represent grants by the Company to eligible employees of actual or notional interests in a number of Lazard-managed funds, subject to service-based vesting conditions (see Notes 7 and 13). Interest-bearing deposits have original maturities of greater than three months but equal to or less than one year and are carried at cost that approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. Debt primarily consists of U.S. Treasury securities with original maturities of greater than three months and less than one year. Equities primarily consist of seed investments invested in marketable equity securities of large-, mid- and small-cap domestic, international and global companies held within separately managed accounts related to our Asset Management business. Alternative investment funds primarily consist of interests in various Lazard-managed hedge funds, funds of funds and mutual funds. Such amounts primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business and amounts related to LFI discussed above. Debt funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business that invest in debt securities, amounts related to LFI discussed above and an investment in a Lazard-managed debt fund. Equity funds primarily consist of seed investments in funds related to our Asset Management business that invest in equity securities, and amounts related to LFI discussed above. Private equity investments include those owned by Lazard and those consolidated but not owned by Lazard. Private equity investments owned by Lazard are primarily comprised of investments in private equity funds. Such investments primarily include (i) Edgewater Growth Capital Partners III, L.P. (“EGCP III”), a fund primarily making equity and buyout investments in middle market companies, (ii) a fund targeting significant noncontrolling-stake investments in established private companies and (iii) until the second quarter of 2017, a mezzanine fund (the “Mezzanine Fund”), which invests in mezzanine debt of a diversified selection of small- to mid-cap European companies. Lazard sold its interest in the Mezzanine Fund in May 2017. Private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard relate to the economic interests that are owned by the management team and other investors in the Edgewater Funds (“Edgewater”). During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company reported in “revenue-other” on its condensed consolidated statements of operations net unrealized investment gains and losses pertaining to “trading” securities still held as of the reporting date as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 1,972 $ 6,949 $ (13,183 ) $ 27,932 |
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Fair Value Measurements | 6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair Value Hierarchy of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities —Lazard categorizes its investments and certain other assets and liabilities recorded at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy as follows: Level 1. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that Lazard has the ability to access. Level 2. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, or (ii) inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable or derived principally from, or corroborated by, market data. Level 3. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Items included in Level 3 include securities or other financial assets whose trading volume and level of activity have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity and there is no longer sufficient frequency or volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. The fair value of equities is classified as Level 1 or Level 3 as follows: marketable equity securities are classified as Level 1 and are valued based on the last trade price on the primary exchange for that security as provided by external pricing services; equity securities in private companies are generally classified as Level 3. The fair value of investments in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds is classified as Level 1 when the fair values are primarily based on the publicly reported closing price for the fund. The fair value of securities sold, not yet purchased, is classified as Level 1 when the fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability is classified as Level 3 and the fair value of the liability is remeasured at each reporting period. The inputs used to derive the fair value of the contingent consideration include the application of probabilities when assessing certain performance thresholds for the relevant periods. The fair value of derivatives entered into by the Company is classified as Level 2 and is based on the values of the related underlying assets, indices or reference rates as follows: the fair value of forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts is a function of the spot rate and the interest rate differential of the two currencies from the trade date to settlement date; the fair value of total return swaps is based on the change in fair value of the related underlying equity security, financial instrument or index and a specified notional holding; the fair value of interest rate swaps is based on the interest rate yield curve; and the fair value of derivative liabilities related to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for forfeitures. See Note 7. Investments Measured at Net Asset Value (“NAV”) —As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV or its equivalent to measure the fair value of certain investments. NAV is primarily determined based on information provided by external fund administrators. The Company’s investments valued at NAV as a practical expedient in (i) alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds are redeemable in the near term, and (ii) private equity funds are not redeemable in the near term as a result of redemption restrictions. The following tables present, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the classification of (i) investments and certain other assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy and (ii) investments measured at NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient: September 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total Assets: Investments: Debt $ 202,592 $ - $ - $ - $ 202,592 Equities 35,182 - 1,628 - 36,810 Funds: Alternative investments 17,254 - - 915 18,169 Debt 89,469 - - 7 89,476 Equity 202,302 - - 52 202,354 Private equity - - - 59,675 59,675 Derivatives - 7,490 - - 7,490 Total $ 546,799 $ 7,490 $ 1,628 $ 60,649 $ 616,566 Liabilities: Securities sold, not yet purchased $ 6,876 $ - $ - $ - $ 6,876 Contingent consideration liability - - 12,921 - 12,921 Derivatives - 206,729 - - 206,729 Total $ 6,876 $ 206,729 $ 12,921 $ - $ 226,526 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total Assets: Investments: Debt $ 6 $ - $ - $ - $ 6 Equities 43,665 - 1,592 - 45,257 Funds: Alternative investments 17,353 - - 3,640 20,993 Debt 84,071 - - 6 84,077 Equity 199,565 - - 53 199,618 Private equity - - - 76,679 76,679 Derivatives - 3,732 - - 3,732 Total $ 344,660 $ 3,732 $ 1,592 $ 80,378 $ 430,362 Liabilities: Securities sold, not yet purchased $ 7,338 $ - $ - $ - $ 7,338 Contingent consideration liability - - 28,941 - 28,941 Derivatives - 198,417 - - 198,417 Total $ 7,338 $ 198,417 $ 28,941 $ - $ 234,696 The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (a) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Assets: Investments: Equities $ 1,629 $ - $ - $ - $ (1 ) $ 1,628 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,629 $ - $ - $ - $ (1 ) $ 1,628 Liabilities: Contingent consideration liability $ 19,628 $ (6,707 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 12,921 Total Level 3 Liabilities $ 19,628 $ (6,707 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 12,921 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (a) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Assets: Investments: Equities $ 1,592 $ 61 $ 1 $ - $ (26 ) $ 1,628 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,592 $ 61 $ 1 $ - $ (26 ) $ 1,628 Liabilities: Contingent consideration liability $ 28,941 $ (16,020 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 12,921 Total Level 3 Liabilities $ 28,941 $ (16,020 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 12,921 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Beginning Balance Net Unrealized/ Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (a) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Assets: Investments: Equities $ 3,072 $ 130 $ - $ (1,661 ) $ 6 $ 1,547 Total Level 3 Assets $ 3,072 $ 130 $ - $ (1,661 ) $ 6 $ 1,547 Liabilities: Contingent consideration liability $ 25,539 $ (612 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 24,927 Total Level 3 Liabilities $ 25,539 $ (612 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 24,927 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Beginning Balance Net Unrealized/ Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (a) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Assets: Investments: Equities $ 1,508 $ 4 $ 1,661 $ (1,669 ) $ 43 $ 1,547 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,508 $ 4 $ 1,661 $ (1,669 ) $ 43 $ 1,547 Liabilities: Contingent consideration liability $ 22,608 $ 2,568 $ - $ (249 ) $ - $ 24,927 Total Level 3 Liabilities $ 22,608 $ 2,568 $ - $ (249 ) $ - $ 24,927 (a) Earnings recorded in “other revenue” for investments in equities for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 include net unrealized gains of $0, $61, $130 and $2, respectively. Earnings recorded in “amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs” for the contingent consideration liability for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 include unrealized (gains) losses of $(6,707), $(16,020), $(612) and $2,568, respectively. There were no transfers between any of the Level 1, 2 and 3 categories in the fair value measurement hierarchy during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The following tables present, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, certain investments that are valued using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient in determining fair value: September 30, 2018 Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable Investments Redeemable Fair Value Unfunded Commitments % of Fair Value Not Redeemable % Next 5 Years % 5-10 Years % Thereafter Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period Alternative Hedge funds $ 330 $ - NA NA NA NA (a) 60 days Funds of funds 23 - NA NA NA NA (b) 90 days Other 562 - NA NA NA NA (c) <30-60 days Debt funds 7 - NA NA NA NA (d) 30 days Equity funds 52 - NA NA NA NA (e) <30-90 days Private equity funds: Equity growth 59,675 8,632 (f) 100 % 15 % 36 % 49 % NA NA Total $ 60,649 $ 8,632 (a) monthly (100%) (b) quarterly (100%) (c) daily (6%) and monthly (94%) (d) daily (100%) (e) daily (18%), monthly (47%), quarterly (31%) and annually (4%) (f) Unfunded commitments to private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard of $15,257 are excluded. Such commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders. December 31, 2017 Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable Investments Redeemable Fair Value Unfunded Commitments % of Fair Value Not Redeemable % Next 5 Years % 5-10 Years % Thereafter Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period Alternative Hedge funds $ 2,517 $ - NA NA NA NA (a) <30-60 days Funds of funds 528 - NA NA NA NA (b) <30-90 days Other 595 - NA NA NA NA (c) <30-60 days Debt funds 6 - NA NA NA NA (d) 30 days Equity funds 53 - NA NA NA NA (e) <30-90 days Private equity funds: Equity growth 76,679 10,300 (f) 100 % 16 % 38 % 46 % NA NA Total $ 80,378 $ 10,300 (a) weekly (3%), monthly (5%) and quarterly (92%) (b) monthly (97%) and quarterly (3%) (c) daily (6%) and monthly (94%) (d) daily (100%) (e) daily (18%), monthly (50%) and quarterly (32%) (f) Unfunded commitments to private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard of $5,902 are excluded. Such commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders. Investment Capital Funding Commitments —At September 30, 2018, the Company’s maximum unfunded commitments for capital contributions to investment funds primarily arose from commitments to EGCP III, which amounted to $7,847. The investment period for EGCP III ended on October 12, 2016, after which point the Company’s obligation to fund capital contributions for new investments in EGCP III expired. The Company remains obligated until October 12, 2023 (or any earlier liquidation of EGCP III) to make capital contributions necessary to fund follow-on investments and to pay for fund expenses. |
Derivatives
Derivatives | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Derivatives | 7. DERIVATIVES The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, total return swap contracts on various equity and debt indices and other derivative contracts to economically hedge exposures to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity and debt prices. The Company reports its derivative instruments separately as assets and liabilities unless a legal right of set-off exists under a master netting agreement enforceable by law. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded at their fair value, and are included in “other assets” and “other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments are generally included in “interest income” and “interest expense”, respectively, or “revenue-other”, depending on the nature of the underlying item, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition to the derivative instruments described above, the Company records derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, the fair value of which is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and is included in “accrued compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair value of the derivative liabilities are included in “compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the impact of which equally offsets the changes in the fair value of investments which are currently expected to be delivered upon settlement of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which are reported in “revenue-other” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments reported within “other assets” and “other liabilities” and the fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements reported within “accrued compensation and benefits” (see Note 13) on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Derivative Assets: Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 4,709 $ 3,314 Total return swaps and other (a) 2,781 418 $ 7,490 $ 3,732 Derivative Liabilities: Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 2,434 $ 4,846 Total return swaps and other (a) 317 11,270 LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements 203,978 182,301 $ 206,729 $ 198,417 (a) For total return swaps, amounts represent the netting of gross derivative assets and liabilities of $3,401 and $937 as of September 30, 2018, respectively, and $469 and $11,321 as of December 31, 2017, respectively, for contracts with the same counterparty under legally enforceable master netting agreements. Such amounts are recorded “net” in “other assets”, with receivables for net cash collateral under such contracts of $2,316 and $17,616 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Net gains (losses) with respect to derivative instruments (predominantly reflected in “revenue-other”) and the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (included in “compensation and benefits” expense) as reflected on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 1,431 $ (2,991 ) $ 5,184 $ (8,149 ) LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (3,647 ) (4,875 ) (1,712 ) (17,981 ) Total return swaps and other (1,847 ) (3,890 ) 599 (12,872 ) Total $ (4,063 ) $ (11,756 ) $ 4,071 $ (39,002 ) |
Property
Property | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | |
Property | 8. PROPERTY At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, property consisted of the following: Estimated Depreciable September 30, December 31, Life in Years 2018 2017 Buildings 33 $ 146,630 $ 151,912 Leasehold improvements 3-20 188,995 173,102 Furniture and equipment 3-10 199,192 183,541 Construction in progress 11,399 14,573 Total 546,216 523,128 Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization 331,937 317,827 Property $ 214,279 $ 205,301 |
Goodwill and Other Intangible A
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets | 9. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The components of goodwill and other intangible assets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are presented below: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Goodwill $ 374,994 $ 385,292 Other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization) 4,247 6,072 $ 379,241 $ 391,364 At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, goodwill of $310,453 and $320,751, respectively, was attributable to the Company’s Financial Advisory segment and, at each such respective date, $64,541 of goodwill was attributable to the Company’s Asset Management segment. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Balance, January 1 $ 385,292 $ 373,117 Foreign currency translation adjustments (10,298 ) 12,369 Balance, September 30 $ 374,994 $ 385,486 All changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are attributable to the Company’s Financial Advisory segment. The gross cost and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, by major intangible asset category, are as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Success/incentive fees $ 35,335 $ 31,922 $ 3,413 $ 35,422 $ 29,723 $ 5,699 Management fees, customer relationships and non-compete agreements 34,488 33,654 834 33,749 33,376 373 $ 69,823 $ 65,576 $ 4,247 $ 69,171 $ 63,099 $ 6,072 Amortization expense of intangible assets, included in “amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 was $856 and $2,552, respectively, and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 was $784 and $2,435, respectively. Estimated future amortization expense is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Amortization Expense (a) 2018 (October 1 through December 31) $ 484 2019 1,724 2020 1,701 2021 150 2022 150 2023 38 Total amortization expense $ 4,247 (a) Approximately 38% of intangible asset amortization is attributable to a noncontrolling interest. |
Senior Debt
Senior Debt | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Senior Debt | 10. SENIOR DEBT Senior debt is comprised of the following as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Outstanding as of Initial Annual September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Principal Amount Maturity Date Interest Rate(a) Principal Unamortized Debt Costs Carrying Value Principal Unamortized Debt Costs Carrying Value Lazard Group 2020 Senior Notes $ 500,000 11/14/20 4.25 % $ 250,000 $ 978 $ 249,022 $ 500,000 $ 2,647 $ 497,353 Lazard Group 2025 Senior Notes 400,000 2/13/25 3.75 % 400,000 3,006 396,994 400,000 3,361 396,639 Lazard Group 2027 Senior Notes 300,000 3/1/27 3.625 % 300,000 3,314 296,686 300,000 3,609 296,391 Lazard Group 2028 Senior Notes (b) 500,000 9/19/28 4.50 % 500,000 9,000 491,000 - - - Total $ 1,450,000 $ 16,298 $ 1,433,702 $ 1,200,000 $ 9,617 $ 1,190,383 (a) The effective interest rates of Lazard Group’s 4.25% senior notes due November 14, 2020 (the “2020 Notes”), Lazard Group’s 3.75% senior notes due February 13, 2025 (the “2025 Notes”), Lazard Group’s 3.625% senior notes due March 1, 2027 (the “2027 Notes”) and Lazard Group’s 4.50% senior notes due September 19, 2028 (the “2028 Notes”) are 4.44%, 3.87%, 3.76% and 4.68%, respectively. (b) In September 2018, Lazard Group completed an offering of $500,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes. Interest on the 2028 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 19 and September 19 of each year, beginning March 19, 2019. Lazard Group used a portion of the net proceeds of the 2028 Notes to redeem or otherwise retire $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes, which, including the recognition of unamortized issuance costs, resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $6,523. Such loss on debt extinguishment was recorded in “operating expenses—other” on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018. On September 25, 2015, Lazard Group entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement for a five-year $150,000 senior revolving credit facility with a group of lenders (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which expires in September 2020. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement amended and restated the previous credit agreement dated September 25, 2012. Borrowings under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement generally will bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin for specific interest periods determined based on Lazard Group’s highest credit rating from an internationally recognized credit agency. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no amounts were outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, the indenture and the supplemental indentures relating to Lazard Group’s senior notes contain certain covenants, events of default and other customary provisions, including a customary make-whole provision in the event of early redemption, where applicable. As of September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with such provisions. All of the Company’s senior debt obligations are unsecured. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had approximately $169,000 in unused lines of credit available to it, including the credit facility provided under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and unused lines of credit available to LFB of approximately $17,000 (at September 30, 2018 exchange rates). The Company’s senior debt at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 is carried at historical amounts of $1,433,702 and $1,190,383, respectively. At those dates, the fair value of such senior debt was approximately $1,407,000 and $1,230,000, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s senior debt is based on market quotations. The Company’s senior debt would be categorized within Level 2 of the hierarchy of fair value measurements if carried at fair value. |
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Commitments and Contingencies | 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Leases —The Company has various leases and other contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business. At September 30, 2018, minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, net of sublease income, are approximately as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2018 (October 1 through December 31) $ 20,992 2019 85,689 2020 87,492 2021 83,164 2022 70,422 Thereafter 545,624 Total minimum rental commitments 893,383 Less - Sublease proceeds 28,796 Net rental commitments $ 864,587 In August 2018, the Company entered into a lease agreement for additional office facilities. Operating lease commitments in the table above include the impact of the new lease agreement. Guarantees —In the normal course of business, LFB provides indemnifications to third parties to protect them in the event of non-performance by its clients. At September 30, 2018, LFB had $4,961 of such indemnifications and held $4,961 of collateral/counter-guarantees to secure these commitments. The Company believes the likelihood of loss with respect to these indemnities is remote. Accordingly, no liability is recorded in the condensed consolidated statement of financial condition. Business Acquisitions —For businesses acquired in 2016, the remaining consideration consists of (i) 60,817 shares of Class A common stock subject to non-compete provisions, and non-contingent interests exchangeable into 202,984 shares of Class A common stock, and (ii) up to 810,742 additional shares of Class A common stock that are subject to certain performance thresholds, as well as applicable related dividend equivalent amounts. As of September 30, 2018, none of the contingent shares had been earned. Other Commitments —The Company has various other contractual commitments arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, from time to time, each of LFB and LFNY may enter into underwriting commitments in which it will participate as an underwriter. At September 30, 2018, LFB and LFNY had no such underwriting commitments. See Notes 6 and 14 for information regarding commitments relating to investment capital funding commitments and obligations to fund our pension plans, respectively. In the opinion of management, the fulfillment of the commitments described herein will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations. Legal —The Company is involved from time to time in judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings and inquiries concerning matters arising in connection with the conduct of our businesses, including proceedings initiated by former employees alleging wrongful termination. The Company reviews such matters on a case-by-case basis and establishes any required accrual if a loss is probable and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company experiences significant variation in its revenue and earnings on a quarterly basis. Accordingly, the results of any pending matter or matters could be significant when compared to the Company’s earnings in any particular fiscal quarter. The Company believes, however, based on currently available information, that the results of any pending matters, in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on its business or financial condition. |
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Stockholders' Equity | 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Share Repurchase Program —During the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 and since 2015, the Board of Directors of Lazard authorized the repurchase of Class A common stock as set forth in the table below: Date Repurchase Authorization Expiration February 2015 $ 150,000 December January 2016 $ 200,000 December April 2016 $ 113,182 December November 2016 $ 236,000 December October 2017 $ 200,000 December April 2018 $ 300,000 December 31, 2020 The Company expects that the share repurchase program will primarily be used to offset a portion of the shares that have been or will be issued under the Lazard Ltd 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the Lazard Ltd 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2018 Plan”). Pursuant to the share repurchase program, purchases have been made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The rate at which the Company purchases shares in connection with the share repurchase program may vary from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. Purchases with respect to such program are set forth in the table below: Nine Months Ended September 30: Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Per Share 2017 5,838,520 $ 43.25 2018 5,797,789 $ 52.88 During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, certain of our executive officers received Class A common stock in connection with the vesting or settlement of previously-granted deferred equity incentive awards. The vesting or settlement of such equity awards gave rise to a tax payable by the executive officers, and, consistent with our past practice, the Company purchased shares of Class A common stock from the executive officers equal in value to all or a portion of the estimated amount of such tax. In addition, during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company purchased shares of Class A common stock from certain of our executive officers. The aggregate value of all such purchases during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $16,400 and $14,700, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, a total of $241,793 of share repurchase authorization remained available under the Company’s share repurchase program, which will expire on December 31, 2020. In addition, on October 24, 2018, the Board of Directors of Lazard authorized the repurchase of up to $300,000 of additional shares of Class A common stock, which authorization will expire on December 31, 2020, bringing the total share repurchase authorization as of October 24, 2018 to approximately $524,000. During the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, the Company had in place trading plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), pursuant to which it effected stock repurchases in the open market. Preferred Stock —Lazard Ltd has 15,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, inclusive of its Series A and Series B preferred stock. Series A and Series B preferred shares were issued in connection with certain prior year business acquisitions and were each non-participating securities convertible into Class A common stock, and had no voting or dividend rights. As of both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no shares of Series A or Series B preferred stock were outstanding. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax —The tables below reflect the balances of each component of AOCI at September 30, 2018 and 2017 and activity during the three month and nine month periods then ended: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Ltd AOCI Balance, July 1, 2018 $ (109,642 ) $ (143,859 ) $ (253,501 ) $ (2 ) $ (253,499 ) Activity: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (8,676 ) 863 (7,813 ) 2 (7,815 ) Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 949 949 - 949 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (8,676 ) 1,812 (6,864 ) 2 (6,866 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 $ (118,318 ) $ (142,047 ) $ (260,365 ) $ - $ (260,365 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Ltd AOCI Balance, January 1, 2018 $ (83,535 ) $ (148,984 ) $ (232,519 ) $ (1 ) $ (232,518 ) Activity: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (34,783 ) 4,149 (30,634 ) 1 (30,635 ) Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 2,788 2,788 - 2,788 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (34,783 ) 6,937 (27,846 ) 1 (27,847 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 $ (118,318 ) $ (142,047 ) $ (260,365 ) $ - $ (260,365 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Ltd AOCI Balance, July 1, 2017 $ (112,105 ) $ (165,682 ) $ (277,787 ) $ (2 ) $ (277,785 ) Activity: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 19,748 (4,715 ) 15,033 2 15,031 Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 1,081 1,081 - 1,081 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 19,748 (3,634 ) 16,114 2 16,112 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ (92,357 ) $ (169,316 ) $ (261,673 ) $ - $ (261,673 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Ltd AOCI Balance, January 1, 2017 $ (155,204 ) $ (159,020 ) $ (314,224 ) $ (2 ) $ (314,222 ) Activity: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 62,847 (13,819 ) 49,028 2 49,026 Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 3,523 3,523 - 3,523 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 62,847 (10,296 ) 52,551 2 52,549 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ (92,357 ) $ (169,316 ) $ (261,673 ) $ - $ (261,673 ) The table below reflects adjustments for items reclassified out of AOCI, by component, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Amortization relating to employee benefit plans (a) $ 1,213 $ 1,285 $ 3,736 $ 4,199 Less - related income taxes 264 204 948 676 Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 949 $ 1,081 $ 2,788 $ 3,523 (a) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 14). Such amounts are included in “operating expenses — Noncontrolling Interests —Noncontrolling interests principally represent interests held in Edgewater’s management vehicles that the Company is deemed to control, but does not own. The tables below summarize net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Edgewater $ 1,651 $ 2,260 $ 5,034 $ 5,657 Other - - 2 3 Total $ 1,651 $ 2,260 $ 5,036 $ 5,660 Noncontrolling Interests as of September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Edgewater $ 53,902 $ 58,568 Other 558 534 Total $ 54,460 $ 59,102 Dividends Declared, October 24, 2018 —On October 24, 2018, the Board of Directors of Lazard declared a quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share on our Class A common stock, payable on November 16, 2018, to stockholders of record on November 5, 2018. |
Incentive Plans
Incentive Plans | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | |
Incentive Plans | 13. INCENTIVE PLANS Share-Based Incentive Plan Awards A description of Lazard Ltd’s 2018 Plan, 2008 Plan and 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and activity with respect thereto during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is presented below. Shares Available Under the 2018 Plan, 2008 Plan and 2005 Plan The 2018 Plan became effective on April 24, 2018 and replaced the 2008 Plan, which was terminated on April 24, 2018. The 2018 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 30,000,000 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and other share-based awards. The 2008 Plan authorized the issuance of shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, PRSUs and other share-based awards. Under the 2008 Plan, the maximum number of shares available was based on a formula that limited the aggregate number of shares that could, at any time, be subject to awards that were considered “outstanding” under the 2008 Plan to 30% of the then-outstanding shares of Class A common stock. The 2008 Plan was terminated on April 24, 2018, and no additional awards have been or will be granted under the 2008 Plan after its termination, although unvested awards granted under the 2008 Plan before its termination remain outstanding and continue to be subject to its terms. The 2005 Plan authorized the issuance of up to 25,000,000 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs and other share-based awards. The 2005 Plan expired in the second quarter of 2015, although unvested deferred stock unit (“DSU”) awards granted under the 2005 Plan before its expiration remain outstanding and continue to be subject to its terms. The following reflects the amortization expense recorded with respect to share-based incentive plans within “compensation and benefits” expense (with respect to RSUs, PRSUs and restricted stock awards) and “professional services” expense (with respect to DSUs) within the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Share-based incentive awards: RSUs $ 38,121 $ 39,898 $ 154,643 $ 150,193 PRSUs 3,107 9,896 31,125 38,095 Restricted Stock 6,950 7,697 30,323 30,507 DSUs 179 156 2,096 1,853 Total $ 48,357 $ 57,647 $ 218,187 $ 220,648 The ultimate amount of compensation and benefits expense relating to share-based awards is dependent upon the actual number of shares of Class A common stock that vest. The Company periodically assesses the forfeiture rates used for such estimates, including as a result of any applicable performance conditions. A change in estimated forfeiture rates or performance results in a cumulative adjustment to compensation and benefits expense and also would cause the aggregate amount of compensation expense recognized in future periods to differ from the estimated unrecognized compensation expense described below. For purposes of calculating diluted net income per share, RSUs, DSUs and restricted stock awards are included in the diluted weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding using the “treasury stock” method. PRSUs are included in the diluted weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding to the extent the performance conditions are met at the end of the reporting period, also using the “treasury stock” method. The Company’s share-based incentive plans and awards are described below. RSUs and DSUs RSUs generally require future service as a condition for the delivery of the underlying shares of Class A common stock (unless the recipient is then eligible for retirement under the Company’s retirement policy) and convert into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis after the stipulated vesting periods. PRSUs, which are RSUs that are also subject to service-based vesting conditions, have additional performance conditions, and are described below. The grant date fair value of the RSUs, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, is amortized over the vesting periods or requisite service periods (generally one-third after two years, and the remaining two-thirds after the third year), and is adjusted for actual forfeitures over such period. RSUs generally include a dividend participation right that provides that during vesting periods each RSU is attributed additional RSUs (or fractions thereof) equivalent to any dividends paid on Class A common stock during such period. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, issuances of RSUs pertaining to such dividend participation rights and respective charges to “retained earnings”, net of estimated forfeitures (with corresponding credits to “additional paid-in-capital”), consisted of the following: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Number of RSUs issued 746,324 866,914 Charges to retained earnings, net of estimated forfeitures $ 38,923 $ 36,482 Non-executive members of the Board of Directors (“Non-Executive Directors”) receive approximately 55% of their annual compensation for service on the Board of Directors and its committees in the form of DSUs, which resulted in 30,463 and 31,280 DSUs granted during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Their remaining compensation is payable in cash, which they may elect to receive in the form of additional DSUs under the Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan described below. DSUs are convertible into shares of Class A common stock at the time of cessation of service to the Board of Directors and, for purposes of calculating diluted net income per share, are included in the diluted weighted average shares of Class A common stock outstanding using the “treasury stock” method. DSUs include a cash dividend participation right equivalent to dividends paid on Class A common stock. The Company’s Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan permits the Non-Executive Directors to elect to receive additional DSUs in lieu of some or all of their cash fees. The number of DSUs granted to a Non-Executive Director pursuant to this election will equal the value of cash fees that the applicable Non-Executive Director has elected to forego pursuant to such election, divided by the market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date immediately preceding the date of the grant. During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, 9,837 and 10,541 DSUs, respectively, had been granted pursuant to such Plan. DSU awards are expensed at their fair value on their date of grant, inclusive of amounts related to the Directors’ Fee Deferral Unit Plan. The following is a summary of activity relating to RSUs and DSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: RSUs DSUs Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2018 12,919,846 $ 40.23 278,422 $ 37.46 Granted (including 746,324 RSUs relating to dividend participation) 4,096,939 $ 53.78 40,300 $ 52.00 Forfeited (130,138 ) $ 45.11 - - Vested (5,603,901 ) $ 42.88 - - Balance, September 30, 2018 11,282,746 $ 43.78 318,722 $ 39.30 Balance, January 1, 2017 11,698,138 $ 40.65 276,725 $ 36.05 Granted (including 866,914 RSUs relating to dividend participation) 5,294,156 $ 43.01 41,821 $ 44.30 Forfeited (162,320 ) $ 39.97 - - Vested (3,977,477 ) $ 45.27 (43,465 ) $ 35.77 Balance, September 30, 2017 12,852,497 $ 40.20 275,081 $ 37.35 In connection with RSUs that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 1,640,513 and 1,282,843 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 3,963,388 and 2,694,634 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, estimated unrecognized RSU compensation expense was approximately $166,534, with such expense expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.8 years subsequent to September 30, 2018. Restricted Stock The following is a summary of activity related to shares of restricted Class A common stock associated with compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2018 1,938,160 $ 40.54 Granted 529,987 $ 54.45 Forfeited (30,950 ) $ 46.31 Vested (869,312 ) $ 44.15 Balance, September 30, 2018 1,567,885 $ 43.13 Balance, January 1, 2017 1,655,073 $ 40.95 Granted 841,355 $ 42.58 Forfeited (65,086 ) $ 40.80 Vested (483,811 ) $ 45.42 Balance, September 30, 2017 1,947,531 $ 40.54 In connection with shares of restricted Class A common stock that vested during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 290,321 and 147,775 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 578,991 and 336,036 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The restricted stock awards include a cash dividend participation right equivalent to dividends paid on Class A common stock during the period, which will vest concurrently with the underlying restricted stock award. At September 30, 2018, estimated unrecognized restricted stock expense was approximately $24,463, with such expense to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.8 years subsequent to September 30, 2018. PRSUs PRSUs are RSUs that are subject to both performance-based and service-based vesting conditions. The number of shares of Class A common stock that a recipient will receive upon vesting of a PRSU will be calculated by reference to certain performance metrics that relate to the Company’s performance over a three-year period. The target number of shares of Class A common stock subject to each PRSU is one; however, based on the achievement of the performance criteria, the number of shares of Class A common stock that may be received in connection with each PRSU generally can range from zero to two times the target number. PRSUs will vest on a single date approximately three years following the date of the grant, provided the applicable service and performance conditions are satisfied. In addition, the performance metrics applicable to each PRSU will be evaluated on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year during the performance period and, if the Company has achieved a threshold level of performance with respect to the fiscal year, 25% of the target number of shares of Class A common stock subject to each PRSU will no longer be at risk of forfeiture based on the achievement of performance criteria. PRSUs include dividend participation rights that provide that during vesting periods, the target number of PRSUs (or, following the relevant performance period, the actual number of shares of Class A common stock that are no longer subject to performance conditions) receive dividend equivalents at the same rate that dividends are paid on Class A common stock during such periods. These dividend equivalents are credited as RSUs that are not subject to the performance-based vesting criteria but are otherwise subject to the same restrictions as the underlying PRSUs to which they relate. The following is a summary of activity relating to PRSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: PRSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2018 1,591,693 $ 42.46 Granted (a) 399,869 $ 56.80 Vested (799,402 ) $ 46.74 Balance, September 30, 2018 1,192,160 $ 44.39 Balance, January 1, 2017 1,590,756 $ 40.76 Granted (a) 458,113 $ 43.76 Vested (825,565 ) $ 42.27 Balance, September 30, 2017 1,223,304 $ 40.86 (a) Represents PRSU awards granted during the relevant year at the target payout level. In connection with certain PRSUs that vested or were settled during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company satisfied its minimum statutory tax withholding requirements in lieu of delivering 91,962 and 127,530 shares of Class A common stock during such respective nine month periods. Accordingly, 707,440 and 698,035 shares of Class A common stock held by the Company were delivered during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Compensation expense recognized for PRSU awards is determined by multiplying the number of shares of Class A common stock underlying such awards that, based on the Company’s estimate, are considered probable of vesting, by the grant date fair value. As of September 30, 2018, the total estimated unrecognized compensation expense was approximately $9,487, and the Company expects to amortize such expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.8 years subsequent to September 30, 2018. LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements Commencing in February 2011, the Company granted LFI to eligible employees. In connection with LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which generally require future service as a condition for vesting, the Company recorded a prepaid compensation asset and a corresponding compensation liability on the grant date based upon the fair value of the award. The prepaid asset is amortized on a straight-line basis over the applicable vesting periods or requisite service periods (which are generally similar to the comparable periods for RSUs), and is charged to “compensation and benefits” expense within the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations. LFI and similar deferred compensation arrangements that do not require future service are expensed immediately. The related compensation liability is accounted for at fair value as a derivative liability, which contemplates the impact of estimated forfeitures, and is adjusted for changes in fair value primarily related to changes in value of the underlying investments. The following is a summary of activity relating to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Prepaid Compensation Asset Compensation Liability Balance, January 1, 2018 $ 60,355 $ 182,301 Granted 104,740 104,740 Settled - (85,335 ) Forfeited (1,166 ) (1,767 ) Amortization (68,145 ) - Change in fair value related to: Increase in fair value of underlying investments - 1,712 Adjustment for estimated forfeitures - 3,730 Other (1,489 ) (1,403 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 $ 94,295 $ 203,978 Prepaid Compensation Asset Compensation Liability Balance, January 1, 2017 $ 49,650 $ 170,388 Granted 77,580 77,580 Settled - (95,718 ) Forfeited (866 ) (1,647 ) Amortization (52,702 ) - Change in fair value related to: Increase in fair value of underlying investments - 17,981 Adjustment for estimated forfeitures - 5,333 Other 1,515 1,833 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ 75,177 $ 175,750 The amortization of the prepaid compensation asset will generally be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.9 years subsequent to September 30, 2018. The following is a summary of the impact of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements on “compensation and benefits” expense within the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Amortization, net of forfeitures $ 19,145 $ 15,961 $ 71,274 $ 57,254 Change in the fair value of underlying investments 3,647 4,875 1,712 17,981 Total $ 22,792 $ 20,836 $ 72,986 $ 75,235 |
Employee Benefit Plans
Employee Benefit Plans | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Employee Benefit Plans | 14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company provides retirement and other post-retirement benefits to certain of its employees through defined benefit pension plans (the “pension plans”). The Company also offers defined contribution plans to its employees. The pension plans generally provide benefits to participants based on average levels of compensation. Expenses related to the Company’s employee benefit plans are included in “compensation and benefits” expense for the service cost component, and “operating expenses — Employer Contributions to Pension Plans —The Company’s funding policy for its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans is to fund when required or when applicable upon an agreement with the plans’ trustees. Management also evaluates from time to time whether to make voluntary contributions to the plans. The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) related to the Company’s pension plans for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 217 $ 373 Interest cost 3,822 4,191 Expected return on plan assets (7,315 ) (6,295 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost - - Net actuarial loss (gain) 1,213 1,285 Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ (2,063 ) $ (446 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 670 $ 1,048 Interest cost 11,861 12,258 Expected return on plan assets (22,681 ) (18,855 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost - 30 Net actuarial loss (gain) 3,736 4,169 Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ (6,414 ) $ (1,350 ) |
Income Taxes
Income Taxes | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Income Taxes | 15. INCOME TAXES Lazard Ltd, through its subsidiaries, is subject to U.S. federal income taxes on all of its U.S. operating income, as well as on the portion of non-U.S. income attributable to its U.S. subsidiaries. In addition, Lazard Ltd, through its subsidiaries, is subject to state and local taxes on its income apportioned to various state and local jurisdictions. Outside the U.S., Lazard Group operates principally through subsidiary corporations that are subject to local income taxes in foreign jurisdictions. Lazard Group is also subject to New York City Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) attributable to its operations apportioned to New York City. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted. The Tax Act significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax system by, among other changes, lowering the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, implementing a partial territorial tax system and imposing a one-time repatriation tax on the deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The Tax Act also includes several provisions that may limit the benefit of the tax rate reduction, such as restricting the deductibility of interest expense and other corporate business expenses. The Tax Act further includes anti-base erosion provisions such as the base erosion and anti-abuse tax and tax on global intangible low-taxed income. As a result of the reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate to 21%, the Company was required to remeasure its deferred tax assets and liabilities at the new federal income tax rate of 21% based on the balances that existed on the date of the enactment of the Tax Act. The lower corporate tax rate resulted in a reduction of our net deferred tax assets by approximately $420,000 in the year ended December 31, 2017. See also Note 17 for the impact of the Tax Act on the tax receivable agreement obligation. The Tax Act also requires companies to pay a one-time repatriation tax on previously unremitted earnings of certain non-U.S. corporate subsidiaries. Most of the Company’s operations outside the U.S. are conducted in “pass-through” entities for U.S. income tax purposes, and, as a result, the deemed repatriation transition tax does not apply to these pass-through entities or their earnings. The Company instead provides for U.S. income taxes on a current basis for those earnings. The Company also conducts operations outside the U.S. through foreign corporate subsidiaries, and the Company recorded a provisional amount of In accordance with the guidance provided by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, the Company has recognized the provisional tax impact related to the one-time deemed repatriation tax on certain foreign earnings and the remeasurement of our deferred tax assets. The impact of the Tax Act on the Company may differ from these provisional estimates, due to, among other items, the issuance of additional regulatory guidance, our interpretations of the provisions of the Tax Act, changes to certain estimates and amounts related to the earnings and profits of certain subsidiaries and the filing of our tax returns. We will recognize any changes to the provisional amounts as we refine our estimates. We expect to complete our analysis of the provisional items, including the one-time repatriation tax, in the fourth quarter of 2018. The Company recorded income tax provisions of $29,956 and $105,684 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $32,742 and $124,109 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, representing effective tax rates of 21.6%, 20.2%, 22.7% and 26.6%, respectively. The difference between the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21.0% and 35.0% for 2018 and 2017, respectively, and the effective tax rates reflected above principally relates to (i) taxes payable to foreign jurisdictions that are not offset against U.S. income taxes, (ii) foreign source income (loss) not subject to U.S. income taxes (including interest on intercompany financings), (iii) change in the U.S. federal valuation allowance affecting the provision for income taxes, (iv) excess net tax benefit for share-based incentive compensation, and (v) U.S. state and local taxes, which are incremental to the U.S. federal statutory tax rate. On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted new accounting guidance on share-based incentive compensation. As a result of the adoption of this new guidance, the Company recognized excess tax benefits of $32,287 and $9,053 from the vesting of share-based incentive compensation in the provision for income taxes in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company also recorded deferred tax assets of $81,544, net of a valuation allowance of $12,090, as of January 1, 2017, for previously unrecognized excess tax benefits (including tax benefits from dividends or dividend equivalents) on share-based incentive compensation, with an offsetting adjustment to retained earnings. |
Net Income Per Share of Class A
Net Income Per Share of Class A Common Stock | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Net Income Per Share of Class A Common Stock | 16. NET INCOME PER SHARE OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK The Company’s basic and diluted net income per share calculations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are computed as described below. Basic Net Income Per Share Numerator —utilizes net income attributable to Lazard Ltd for the respective periods. Denominator —utilizes the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the respective periods, plus applicable adjustments to such shares associated with shares of Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis. Diluted Net Income Per Share Numerator —utilizes net income attributable to Lazard Ltd for the respective periods as in the basic net income per share calculation described above. Denominator —utilizes the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the respective periods as in the basic net income per share calculation described above, plus, to the extent dilutive, the incremental number of shares of Class A common stock required to settle share-based incentive compensation. The calculations of the Company’s basic and diluted net income per share and weighted average shares outstanding for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are presented below: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - basic $ 107,074 $ 109,210 $ 413,729 $ 337,141 Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - diluted $ 107,074 $ 109,210 $ 413,729 $ 337,141 Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding 119,197,949 120,987,607 119,647,775 121,868,223 Add - adjustment for shares of Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis 258,567 255,991 249,851 274,080 Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic 119,456,516 121,243,598 119,897,626 122,142,303 Add - dilutive effect, as applicable, of: Weighted average number of incremental shares of Class A common stock issuable from share-based incentive compensation 10,403,212 11,150,066 10,852,766 10,265,248 Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding - diluted 129,859,728 132,393,664 130,750,392 132,407,551 Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd per share of Class A common stock: Basic $ 0.90 $ 0.90 $ 3.45 $ 2.76 Diluted $ 0.82 $ 0.82 $ 3.16 $ 2.55 |
Related Parties
Related Parties | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Related Party Transactions [Abstract] | |
Related Parties | 17. RELATED PARTIES Sponsored Funds The Company serves as an investment advisor for certain affiliated investment companies and fund entities and receives management fees and, for the alternative investment funds, performance-based incentive fees for providing such services. Investment advisory fees relating to such services were $158,425 and $510,414 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $163,767 and $471,727 for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and are included in “asset management fees” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Of such amounts, $69,430 and $69,107 remained as receivables at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and are included in “fees receivable” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Tax Receivable Agreement The Second Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2015 (the “Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement”), between Lazard and LTBP Trust, a Delaware statutory trust (the “Trust”), provides for the payment by our subsidiaries to the Trust of (i) approximately 45% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that we actually realize as a result of certain increases in tax basis and of certain other tax benefits related to the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, and (ii) an amount that we currently expect will approximate 85% of the cash tax savings that may arise from tax benefits attributable to payments under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement. Our subsidiaries expect to benefit from the balance of cash savings, if any, in income tax that our subsidiaries realize. Any amount paid by our subsidiaries to the Trust will generally be distributed to the owners of the Trust, who include certain of our executive officers, in proportion to their beneficial interests in the Trust. For purposes of the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, cash savings in income and franchise tax will be computed by comparing our subsidiaries’ actual income and franchise tax liability to the amount of such taxes that our subsidiaries would have been required to pay had there been no increase in the tax basis of certain tangible and intangible assets of Lazard Group attributable to our subsidiaries’ interest in Lazard Group and had our subsidiaries not entered into the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement. The term of the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement will continue until approximately 2033 or, if earlier, until all relevant tax benefits have been utilized or expired. The amount of the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement liability is an undiscounted amount based upon currently enacted tax laws, including the Tax Act, the current structure of the Company and various assumptions regarding potential future operating profitability. The assumptions reflected in the estimate involve significant judgment. For example, if our structure were to change or our annual taxable income were to increase, we could be required to accelerate payments under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement. As such, the actual amount and timing of payments under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement could differ materially from our estimates. Any changes in the amount of the estimated liability would be recorded as a non-compensation expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Adjustments, if necessary, to the related deferred tax assets would be recorded through the “provision (benefit) for income taxes”. As described in Note 15, the Tax Act reduced the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, which required the Company to remeasure the tax receivable agreement obligation. Pursuant to the change in the U.S. corporate tax rate, in 2017, the Company reduced the tax receivable agreement obligation by $202,546. The cumulative liability relating to our obligations under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $277,163 and $310,275, respectively, and is recorded in “tax receivable agreement obligation” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. The balance at September 30, 2018 reflects payments made under the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $33,112. Other See Note 12 for information regarding related party transactions pertaining to shares repurchased from certain of our executive officers. |
Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Authorities | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract] | |
Regulatory Authorities | 18. REGULATORY AUTHORITIES LFNY is a U.S. registered broker-dealer and is subject to the net capital requirements of Rule 15c3-1 under the Exchange Act. Under the basic method permitted by this rule, the minimum required net capital, as defined, is a specified fixed percentage (6 2 3 Certain U.K. subsidiaries of the Company, including LCL, Lazard Fund Managers Limited and Lazard Asset Management Limited (collectively, the “U.K. Subsidiaries”) are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. At September 30, 2018, the aggregate regulatory net capital of the U.K. Subsidiaries was $165,474, which exceeded the minimum requirement by $145,285. CFLF, under which asset management and commercial banking activities are carried out in France, is subject to regulation by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (“ACPR”) for its banking activities conducted through its subsidiary, LFB. LFB, as a registered bank, is engaged primarily in commercial and private banking services for clients and funds managed by LFG (asset management) and other clients, and asset-liability management. The investment services activities of the Paris group, exercised through LFB and other subsidiaries of CFLF, primarily LFG, also are subject to regulation and supervision by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. At September 30, 2018, the consolidated regulatory net capital of CFLF was $129,777, which exceeded the minimum requirement set for regulatory capital levels by $69,918. In addition, pursuant to the consolidated supervision rules in the European Union, LFB, in particular, as a French credit institution, is required to be supervised by a regulatory body, either in the U.S. or in the European Union. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company and the ACPR agreed on terms for the consolidated supervision of LFB and certain other non-Financial Advisory European subsidiaries of the Company (referred to herein, on a combined basis, as the “combined European regulated group”) under such rules. Under this supervision, the combined European regulated group is required to comply with minimum requirements for regulatory net capital to be reported on a quarterly basis and satisfy periodic financial and other reporting obligations. At June 30, 2018, the regulatory net capital of the combined European regulated group was $197,797, which exceeded the minimum requirement set for regulatory capital levels by $94,827. Additionally, the combined European regulated group, together with our European Financial Advisory entities, is required to perform an annual risk assessment and provide certain other information on a periodic basis, including financial reports and information relating to financial performance, balance sheet data and capital structure. Certain other U.S. and non-U.S. subsidiaries are subject to various capital adequacy requirements promulgated by various regulatory and exchange authorities in the countries in which they operate. At September 30, 2018, for those subsidiaries with regulatory capital requirements, their aggregate net capital was $148,447, which exceeded the minimum required capital by $120,949. At September 30, 2018, each of these subsidiaries individually was in compliance with its regulatory capital requirements. Any new or expanded rules and regulations that may be adopted in countries in which we operate (including regulations that have not yet been proposed) could affect us in other ways. |
Segment Information
Segment Information | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Segment Information | 19. SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company’s reportable segments offer different products and services and are managed separately as different levels and types of expertise are required to effectively manage the segments’ transactions. Each segment is reviewed to determine the allocation of resources and to assess its performance. The Company’s principal operating activities are included in its Financial Advisory and Asset Management business segments as described in Note 1. In addition, as described in Note 1, the Company records selected other activities in its Corporate segment. The Company’s segment information for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is prepared using the following methodology: • Revenue and expenses directly associated with each segment are included in determining operating income. • Expenses not directly associated with specific segments are allocated based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors. • Segment assets are based on those directly associated with each segment, and include an allocation of certain assets relating to various segments, based on the most relevant measures applicable, including headcount, square footage and other factors. The Company allocates investment gains and losses, interest income and interest expense among the various segments based on the segment in which the underlying asset or liability is reported. Each segment’s operating expenses include (i) compensation and benefits expenses incurred directly in support of the businesses and (ii) other operating expenses, which include directly incurred expenses for occupancy and equipment, marketing and business development, technology and information services, professional services, fund administration and outsourced services and indirect support costs (including compensation and other operating expenses related thereto) for administrative services. Such administrative services include, but are not limited to, accounting, tax, human resources, legal, facilities management and senior management activities. Management evaluates segment results based on net revenue and operating income (loss) and believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of each segment’s contribution with respect to net revenue, operating income (loss) and total assets: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Financial Advisory Net Revenue $ 310,418 $ 305,890 $ 1,141,628 $ 1,052,584 Operating Expenses 250,651 245,465 893,524 821,935 Operating Income $ 59,767 $ 60,425 $ 248,104 $ 230,649 Asset Management Net Revenue $ 325,240 $ 320,487 $ 1,032,111 $ 913,728 Operating Expenses 211,564 217,233 670,794 621,885 Operating Income $ 113,676 $ 103,254 $ 361,317 $ 291,843 Corporate Net Revenue $ (9,177 ) $ (1,518 ) $ (34,622 ) $ (809 ) Operating Expenses 25,585 17,949 50,350 54,773 Operating Loss $ (34,762 ) $ (19,467 ) $ (84,972 ) $ (55,582 ) Total Net Revenue $ 626,481 $ 624,859 $ 2,139,117 $ 1,965,503 Operating Expenses 487,800 480,647 1,614,668 1,498,593 Operating Income $ 138,681 $ 144,212 $ 524,449 $ 466,910 As Of September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total Assets Financial Advisory $ 876,289 $ 843,142 Asset Management 696,400 756,398 Corporate 3,372,089 3,329,137 Total $ 4,944,778 $ 4,928,677 |
Organization and Basis of Pre_2
Organization and Basis of Presentation (Policies) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] | |
Organization | Organization Lazard Ltd, a Bermuda holding company, and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Lazard Ltd”, “Lazard”, “we” or the “Company”), including Lazard Ltd’s indirect investment in Lazard Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (collectively referred to, together with its subsidiaries, as “Lazard Group”), is one of the world’s preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms and has long specialized in crafting solutions to the complex financial and strategic challenges of our clients. We serve a diverse set of clients around the world, including corporations, governments, institutions, partnerships and individuals. Lazard Ltd indirectly held 100% of all outstanding Lazard Group common membership interests as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Lazard Ltd, through its control of the managing members of Lazard Group, controls Lazard Group, which is governed by an Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated as of October 26, 2015, as amended (the “Operating Agreement”). Lazard Ltd’s primary operating asset is its indirect ownership of the common membership interests of, and managing member interests in, Lazard Group, whose principal operating activities are included in two business segments: • Financial Advisory, which offers corporate, partnership, institutional, government, sovereign and individual clients across the globe a wide array of financial advisory services regarding mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”), capital advisory, capital raising, restructurings, shareholder advisory, sovereign advisory and other strategic advisory, and • Asset Management, which offers a broad range of global investment solutions and investment management services in equity and fixed income strategies, asset allocation strategies, alternative investments and private equity funds to corporations, public funds, sovereign entities, endowments and foundations, labor funds, financial intermediaries and private clients. In addition, we record selected other activities in our Corporate segment, including management of cash, investments, deferred tax assets, outstanding indebtedness, certain contingent obligations, and assets and liabilities associated with Lazard Group’s Paris-based subsidiary Lazard Frères Banque SA (“LFB”). |
Basis of Presentation | Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Lazard Ltd have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Lazard Ltd’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. The accompanying December 31, 2017 unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial condition data was derived from audited consolidated financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP for annual financial statement purposes. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the financial statements and the accompanying disclosures. For example, discretionary compensation and benefits expense for interim periods is accrued based on the year-to-date amount of revenue earned, and an assumed annual ratio of compensation and benefits expense to revenue, with the applicable amounts adjusted for certain items. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events and actions that Lazard may undertake in the future, actual results may differ materially from the estimates. The consolidated results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 are not indicative of the results to be expected for any future interim or annual period. The condensed consolidated financial statements include Lazard Ltd, Lazard Group and Lazard Group’s principal operating subsidiaries: Lazard Frères & Co. LLC (“LFNY”), a New York limited liability company, along with its subsidiaries, including Lazard Asset Management LLC and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “LAM”); the French limited liability companies Compagnie Financière Lazard Frères SAS (“CFLF”) along with its subsidiaries, LFB and Lazard Frères Gestion SAS (“LFG”), and Maison Lazard SAS and its subsidiaries; and Lazard & Co., Limited (“LCL”), through Lazard & Co., Holdings Limited (“LCH”), an English private limited company, together with their jointly owned affiliates and subsidiaries. The Company’s policy is to consolidate entities in which it has a controlling financial interest. The Company consolidates: • Voting interest entities (“VOEs”) where the Company holds a majority of the voting interest in such VOEs, and • Variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where the Company is the primary beneficiary having the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or receive benefits from, the VIE that could be potentially significant to the VIE. When the Company does not have a controlling interest in an entity, but exerts significant influence over such entity’s operating and financial decisions, the Company either (i) applies the equity method of accounting in which it records a proportionate share of the entity’s net earnings, or (ii) elects the option to measure at fair value. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation, specifically related to the adoption of new guidance impacting the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows (see Note 2). |
Recent Accounting Developments | Revenue from Contracts with Customers— In May 2014, the FASB issued comprehensive new revenue recognition guidance. The guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services and requires enhanced disclosures. The guidance also changes the accounting for certain contract costs, including whether they may be offset against revenue in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of the new revenue guidance by one year to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance may be adopted using a full retrospective approach or a modified cumulative effect approach. The Company adopted the revenue recognition guidance upon its effective date of January 1, 2018 using the modified cumulative effect approach. The Company applied the new guidance to contracts that have not yet been completed as of the adoption date. The Company’s adoption efforts included the identification of revenue within the scope of the guidance and the evaluation of revenue contracts. The Company evaluated the potential impact of the new guidance, including (i) the timing of revenue recognition for Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees and (ii) the presentation of certain contract costs. With respect to revenue recognition, the Company assessed the impact of the new guidance on the recognition of fees for Financial Advisory (e.g., transaction completion, transaction announcement and retainers), and Asset Management (e.g., management and incentive fees), including the potential requirement under the new guidance to recognize certain transaction completion fees in periods prior to the periods in which the applicable transactions close. The Company’s assessment included an analysis of whether the Company’s fulfillment of its performance obligations would be deemed to occur over time, or at specific points in time, under the new guidance. Specifically, recognition would be deemed to occur over time if the client receives and consumes benefits from the services as the Company performs the services. The Company concluded that Financial Advisory and Asset Management fees would typically be recognized over time as performance occurs, subject to constraints, using an appropriate measure of progress based on resources consumed, which is consistent with when the client receives benefits. There was no material impact to the Company’s recognition of revenue upon adoption of the new guidance. The new guidance requires the Company to prospectively present certain contract costs on a gross basis. The most significant changes with respect to presentation relate to (a) certain distribution costs within our Asset Management business and (b) certain reimbursable deal costs within our Financial Advisory business, both of which were previously presented net against revenues and are now presented as expenses on a gross basis under the new guidance because the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise of the arrangement. For the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, the presentation of such costs on a gross basis resulted in an increase to net revenue of $24,392 and $72,006, respectively, primarily comprised of increases to asset management fees and investment banking and other advisory fees. In addition, there was a corresponding increase to operating expenses of $24,392 and $72,006, respectively, primarily comprised of an increase to distribution costs presented within fund administration and outsourced services and an increase to reimbursable deal costs presented within marketing and business development. These amounts would have been presented on a net basis prior to the adoption of the new guidance, and there was no material impact to net income as a result of the gross basis of presentation under the new guidance. See Note 3 for further information on contracts within the scope of the new guidance. Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments— In August and November 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance which clarifies how a company should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows and clarifies that restricted cash should be included in the total of cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. The new guidance for both updates is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2018. The adoption of the new guidance in the first quarter of 2018 resulted in the reclassification of “cash deposited with clearing organizations and other segregated cash” and “deposits with banks and short-term investments” from operating activities to components of “cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash” on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows. In addition, the Company reclassified cash flows related to customer deposits from operating activities to financing activities. This resulted in changes in deposits with banks and short-term investments and customer deposits no longer being reflected in cash flows from operating activities. Except for the reclassification of these items on the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows, the new guidance had no impact on the Company’s financial statements. Clarifying the Definition of a Business— In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance to clarify the definition of a business within the context of business combinations. The updated guidance requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, such asset or group of assets is not a business. This updated guidance is expected to reduce the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated as business combinations. If further evaluation is necessary, the updated guidance will require that a business set include, at a minimum, an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create output. The updated guidance will remove the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace missing elements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and it will be applied to business combinations on a prospective basis. Compensation — — — I n March 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance on the presentation of net benefit cost in the statement of operations and the components eligible for capitalization. The new guidance requires that only the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost be presented with other employee compensation costs in operating expenses, applied on a retrospective basis. The other components of net benefit cost, including amortization of prior service cost, and gains and losses from settlements and curtailments, are included in other operating expenses. The new guidance also stipulates that only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization, applied on a prospective basis. This new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018 and there was no material impact to the Company’s financial statements. Compensation—Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting— In May 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance on modifications to share-based payment awards. The updated guidance requires entities to account for the effects of a modification to a share-based payment award unless the following are all the same immediately before and after the modification: (i) the fair value of the award, (ii) the vesting conditions of the award, and (iii) the classification of the award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument. This new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied on a prospective basis. The Company adopted the new guidance on January 1, 2018, and there was no material impact to the Company’s financial statements. Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income— In February 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance on the tax effects of items in “accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax” (“AOCI”). Specifically, the new guidance will permit, but not require, a reclassification from AOCI to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (see Note 15). The amount of the reclassification would be the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate and the newly enacted 21% corporate income tax rate. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with an option to apply it in the period of adoption or on a retrospective basis for each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate is recognized. Early adoption of the new guidance is permitted for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Leases —In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance for leases. The guidance requires a lessee to (i) recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, in the statement of financial condition, (ii) recognize a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis, and (iii) classify all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Currently, the Company plans to adopt the new guidance as of the effective date, January 1, 2019, and is considering the practical expedients available. The new guidance is to be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company continues to evaluate the new guidance, and is in the process of evaluating its leasing activities and contracts, as well as processes and internal controls over financial reporting relating to its leasing activities. See Note 11 for further information on the Company's commitments under lease agreements. The population of contracts potentially subject to recognition in the statement of financial condition and their initial measurement remains under evaluation. Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting— In June 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance to simplify the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions. The new guidance generally requires equity-classified nonemployee share-based payment awards to be measured at the grant date, which is the date at which a grantor and grantee reach a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions of a share-based payment award. This update generally aligns the accounting for equity-classified share-based payment awards to nonemployees with the measurement date required for employees. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the new guidance would be applied on a modified retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments —In June 2016, the FASB issued new guidance regarding the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. The new guidance replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in the current guidance with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to determine credit loss estimates. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment —In January 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance which eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 is the process of measuring a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The new guidance requires entities to measure a goodwill impairment loss as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, limited to the carrying amount of goodwill. The FASB also eliminated the requirements for entities that have reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts to perform a qualitative assessment for the goodwill impairment test. Instead, those entities would be required to disclose the amount of goodwill allocated to each reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount. The new guidance is effective for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Intangibles—Internal-Use Software: Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract —In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance on the accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement. The new guidance requires the capitalization of the implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement to be aligned with the requirements for capitalizing costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, the Company may elect to apply the new guidance on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Fair Value Measurement: Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement —In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurement. The updated guidance eliminates or modifies various required disclosures under the current guidance and includes additional requirements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. Compensation–Retirement Benefits: Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans —In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance which modifies the disclosure requirements regarding defined benefit plans and other postretirement plans. The updated guidance eliminates or clarifies certain currently required disclosures and includes additional requirements. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance. |
Revenue Recognition Policy | Investment Banking and Other Advisory —Fees for Financial Advisory services are recorded when: (i) a contract with a client has been identified, (ii) the performance obligations in the contract have been identified, (iii) the fee or other transaction price has been determined, (iv) the fee or other transaction price has been allocated to each performance obligation in the contract, and (v) the Company has satisfied the applicable performance obligation. The expenses that are directly related to such transactions are recorded as incurred and presented within operating expenses when the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise of the arrangement. Revenues associated with the reimbursement of such expenses are recorded when the Company is contractually entitled to reimbursement and presented within investment banking and other advisory fees. Asset Management Fees —Fees for Asset Management services are primarily comprised of management fees and incentive fees. Management fees are derived from fees for investment management and other services provided to clients. Revenue is recorded in accordance with the same five criteria as Financial Advisory fees, which generally results in management fees being recorded on a daily, monthly or quarterly basis, primarily based on a percentage of client assets managed. Fees vary with the type of assets managed, with higher fees earned on equity assets, alternative investment (such as hedge fund) and private equity funds, and lower fees earned on fixed income and money market products. Expenses that are directly related to the sale or distribution of fund interests are recorded as incurred and presented within operating expenses when the Company is primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise of the arrangement. Revenues associated with the reimbursement of such expenses are recorded when the Company is contractually entitled to reimbursement and presented within asset management fees. In addition, the Company earns performance-based incentive fees on various investment products, including traditional products and alternative investment funds such as hedge funds and private equity funds. For hedge funds, incentive fees are calculated based on a specific percentage of a fund’s net appreciation, in some cases in excess of established benchmarks or thresholds. The Company records incentive fees on traditional products and hedge funds when a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue to be recognized is not probable, which is typically at the end of the relevant performance measurement period. The incentive fee measurement period is generally an annual period (unless an account is terminated during the year). The incentive fees received at the end of the measurement period are not subject to reversal or payback. Incentive fees on hedge funds generally are subject to loss carryforward provisions in which losses incurred by the hedge funds in any year are applied against certain gains realized by the hedge funds in future periods before any incentive fees can be earned. For private equity funds, incentive fees may be earned in the form of a “carried interest” if profits arising from realized investments exceed a specified threshold. Typically, such carried interest is ultimately calculated on a whole-fund basis and, therefore, clawback of carried interests during the life of the fund can occur. As a result, the Company records incentive fees earned on our private equity funds when a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue to be recognized is not probable, which is typically at the end of the relevant performance period. Receivables relating to asset management and incentive fees are reported in “fees receivable” on the consolidated statements of financial condition. |
Derivative Instruments | The Company enters into forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts, interest rate swaps, interest rate futures, total return swap contracts on various equity and debt indices and other derivative contracts to economically hedge exposures to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates and equity and debt prices. The Company reports its derivative instruments separately as assets and liabilities unless a legal right of set-off exists under a master netting agreement enforceable by law. The Company’s derivative instruments are recorded at their fair value, and are included in “other assets” and “other liabilities” on the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments are generally included in “interest income” and “interest expense”, respectively, or “revenue-other”, depending on the nature of the underlying item, in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition to the derivative instruments described above, the Company records derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, the fair value of which is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, and is included in “accrued compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair value of the derivative liabilities are included in “compensation and benefits” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations, the impact of which equally offsets the changes in the fair value of investments which are currently expected to be delivered upon settlement of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements, which are reported in “revenue-other” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. |
Fair Value Measurement Policy | Fair Value Hierarchy of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities —Lazard categorizes its investments and certain other assets and liabilities recorded at fair value into a three-level fair value hierarchy as follows: Level 1. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market that Lazard has the ability to access. Level 2. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on (i) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets, or (ii) inputs other than quoted prices that are directly observable or derived principally from, or corroborated by, market data. Level 3. Assets and liabilities whose values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability. Items included in Level 3 include securities or other financial assets whose trading volume and level of activity have significantly decreased when compared with normal market activity and there is no longer sufficient frequency or volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. The fair value of equities is classified as Level 1 or Level 3 as follows: marketable equity securities are classified as Level 1 and are valued based on the last trade price on the primary exchange for that security as provided by external pricing services; equity securities in private companies are generally classified as Level 3. The fair value of investments in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds is classified as Level 1 when the fair values are primarily based on the publicly reported closing price for the fund. The fair value of securities sold, not yet purchased, is classified as Level 1 when the fair values are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of the contingent consideration liability is classified as Level 3 and the fair value of the liability is remeasured at each reporting period. The inputs used to derive the fair value of the contingent consideration include the application of probabilities when assessing certain performance thresholds for the relevant periods. The fair value of derivatives entered into by the Company is classified as Level 2 and is based on the values of the related underlying assets, indices or reference rates as follows: the fair value of forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts is a function of the spot rate and the interest rate differential of the two currencies from the trade date to settlement date; the fair value of total return swaps is based on the change in fair value of the related underlying equity security, financial instrument or index and a specified notional holding; the fair value of interest rate swaps is based on the interest rate yield curve; and the fair value of derivative liabilities related to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements is based on the value of the underlying investments, adjusted for forfeitures. See Note 7. Investments Measured at Net Asset Value (“NAV”) —As a practical expedient, the Company uses NAV or its equivalent to measure the fair value of certain investments. NAV is primarily determined based on information provided by external fund administrators. The Company’s investments valued at NAV as a practical expedient in (i) alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds are redeemable in the near term, and (ii) private equity funds are not redeemable in the near term as a result of redemption restrictions. |
Share-Based Incentive Plan Awards Policy | Share-Based Incentive Plan Awards A description of Lazard Ltd’s 2018 Plan, 2008 Plan and 2005 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”) and activity with respect thereto during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 is presented below. Shares Available Under the 2018 Plan, 2008 Plan and 2005 Plan The 2018 Plan became effective on April 24, 2018 and replaced the 2008 Plan, which was terminated on April 24, 2018. The 2018 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 30,000,000 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance-based restricted stock units (“PRSUs”) and other share-based awards. The 2008 Plan authorized the issuance of shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs, PRSUs and other share-based awards. Under the 2008 Plan, the maximum number of shares available was based on a formula that limited the aggregate number of shares that could, at any time, be subject to awards that were considered “outstanding” under the 2008 Plan to 30% of the then-outstanding shares of Class A common stock. The 2008 Plan was terminated on April 24, 2018, and no additional awards have been or will be granted under the 2008 Plan after its termination, although unvested awards granted under the 2008 Plan before its termination remain outstanding and continue to be subject to its terms. The 2005 Plan authorized the issuance of up to 25,000,000 shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the grant or exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, RSUs and other share-based awards. The 2005 Plan expired in the second quarter of 2015, although unvested deferred stock unit (“DSU”) awards granted under the 2005 Plan before its expiration remain outstanding and continue to be subject to its terms. |
Employer Contributions to Pension Plans | Employer Contributions to Pension Plans —The Company’s funding policy for its U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans is to fund when required or when applicable upon an agreement with the plans’ trustees. Management also evaluates from time to time whether to make voluntary contributions to the plans. |
Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share | Basic Net Income Per Share Numerator —utilizes net income attributable to Lazard Ltd for the respective periods. Denominator —utilizes the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the respective periods, plus applicable adjustments to such shares associated with shares of Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis. Diluted Net Income Per Share Numerator —utilizes net income attributable to Lazard Ltd for the respective periods as in the basic net income per share calculation described above. Denominator —utilizes the weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding for the respective periods as in the basic net income per share calculation described above, plus, to the extent dilutive, the incremental number of shares of Class A common stock required to settle share-based incentive compensation. |
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
Revenue Recognition (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Revenue Recognition [Abstract] | |
Revenue Based on Business Segment Results | The Company disaggregates revenue based on its business segment results and believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of how performance obligations relate to the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 (d) September 30, 2018 (d) Net Revenue: Financial Advisory (a) $ 310,418 $ 1,141,628 Asset Management: Management Fees and Other (b) $ 323,283 $ 1,012,127 Incentive Fees (c) 1,957 19,984 Total Asset Management $ 325,240 $ 1,032,111 |
Receivables (Tables)
Receivables (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Receivables [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Beginning Balance $ 34,956 $ 25,094 $ 23,746 $ 16,386 Bad debt expense, net of recoveries 1,488 4,753 18,106 18,584 Charge-offs, foreign currency translation and other adjustments (1,920 ) (2,383 ) (7,328 ) (7,506 ) Ending Balance $ 34,524 $ 27,464 $ 34,524 $ 27,464 |
Investments (Tables)
Investments (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Investments Schedule [Abstract] | |
Company's Investments and Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased | The Company’s investments and securities sold, not yet purchased, consist of the following at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Interest-bearing deposits $ 519 $ 556 Debt 202,592 6 Equities 36,810 45,257 Funds: Alternative investments (a) 18,169 20,993 Debt (a) 89,476 84,077 Equity (a) 202,354 199,618 Private equity 59,675 76,679 369,674 381,367 Total investments 609,595 427,186 Less: Interest-bearing deposits 519 556 Investments, at fair value $ 609,076 $ 426,630 Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value (included in “other liabilities”) $ 6,876 $ 7,338 (a) Interests in alternative investment funds, debt funds and equity funds include investments with fair values of $9,979, $59,282 and $149,813, respectively, at September 30, 2018 and $11,213, $48,391 and $131,893, respectively, at December 31, 2017, held in order to satisfy the Company’s liability upon vesting of previously granted Lazard Fund Interests (“LFI”) and other similar deferred compensation arrangements. LFI represent grants by the Company to eligible employees of actual or notional interests in a number of Lazard-managed funds, subject to service-based vesting conditions (see Notes 7 and 13). |
Schedule of Trading Securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses | During the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company reported in “revenue-other” on its condensed consolidated statements of operations net unrealized investment gains and losses pertaining to “trading” securities still held as of the reporting date as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net unrealized investment gains (losses) $ 1,972 $ 6,949 $ (13,183 ) $ 27,932 |
Fair Value Measurements (Tables
Fair Value Measurements (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Classification of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis and Investments Measured at NAV | The following tables present, as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the classification of (i) investments and certain other assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis within the fair value hierarchy and (ii) investments measured at NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient: September 30, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total Assets: Investments: Debt $ 202,592 $ - $ - $ - $ 202,592 Equities 35,182 - 1,628 - 36,810 Funds: Alternative investments 17,254 - - 915 18,169 Debt 89,469 - - 7 89,476 Equity 202,302 - - 52 202,354 Private equity - - - 59,675 59,675 Derivatives - 7,490 - - 7,490 Total $ 546,799 $ 7,490 $ 1,628 $ 60,649 $ 616,566 Liabilities: Securities sold, not yet purchased $ 6,876 $ - $ - $ - $ 6,876 Contingent consideration liability - - 12,921 - 12,921 Derivatives - 206,729 - - 206,729 Total $ 6,876 $ 206,729 $ 12,921 $ - $ 226,526 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 NAV Total Assets: Investments: Debt $ 6 $ - $ - $ - $ 6 Equities 43,665 - 1,592 - 45,257 Funds: Alternative investments 17,353 - - 3,640 20,993 Debt 84,071 - - 6 84,077 Equity 199,565 - - 53 199,618 Private equity - - - 76,679 76,679 Derivatives - 3,732 - - 3,732 Total $ 344,660 $ 3,732 $ 1,592 $ 80,378 $ 430,362 Liabilities: Securities sold, not yet purchased $ 7,338 $ - $ - $ - $ 7,338 Contingent consideration liability - - 28,941 - 28,941 Derivatives - 198,417 - - 198,417 Total $ 7,338 $ 198,417 $ 28,941 $ - $ 234,696 |
Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Company's Level 3 Assets and Liabilities | The following tables provide a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 assets and liabilities for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (a) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Assets: Investments: Equities $ 1,629 $ - $ - $ - $ (1 ) $ 1,628 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,629 $ - $ - $ - $ (1 ) $ 1,628 Liabilities: Contingent consideration liability $ 19,628 $ (6,707 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 12,921 Total Level 3 Liabilities $ 19,628 $ (6,707 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 12,921 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Beginning Balance Net Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (a) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Assets: Investments: Equities $ 1,592 $ 61 $ 1 $ - $ (26 ) $ 1,628 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,592 $ 61 $ 1 $ - $ (26 ) $ 1,628 Liabilities: Contingent consideration liability $ 28,941 $ (16,020 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 12,921 Total Level 3 Liabilities $ 28,941 $ (16,020 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 12,921 Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Beginning Balance Net Unrealized/ Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (a) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Assets: Investments: Equities $ 3,072 $ 130 $ - $ (1,661 ) $ 6 $ 1,547 Total Level 3 Assets $ 3,072 $ 130 $ - $ (1,661 ) $ 6 $ 1,547 Liabilities: Contingent consideration liability $ 25,539 $ (612 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 24,927 Total Level 3 Liabilities $ 25,539 $ (612 ) $ - $ - $ - $ 24,927 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Beginning Balance Net Unrealized/ Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings (a) Purchases/ Acquisitions Sales/ Dispositions Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Assets: Investments: Equities $ 1,508 $ 4 $ 1,661 $ (1,669 ) $ 43 $ 1,547 Total Level 3 Assets $ 1,508 $ 4 $ 1,661 $ (1,669 ) $ 43 $ 1,547 Liabilities: Contingent consideration liability $ 22,608 $ 2,568 $ - $ (249 ) $ - $ 24,927 Total Level 3 Liabilities $ 22,608 $ 2,568 $ - $ (249 ) $ - $ 24,927 (a) Earnings recorded in “other revenue” for investments in equities for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 include net unrealized gains of $0, $61, $130 and $2, respectively. Earnings recorded in “amortization and other acquisition-related (benefits) costs” for the contingent consideration liability for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 include unrealized (gains) losses of $(6,707), $(16,020), $(612) and $2,568, respectively. |
Fair Value of Certain Investments Based on NAV | The following tables present, at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, certain investments that are valued using NAV or its equivalent as a practical expedient in determining fair value: September 30, 2018 Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable Investments Redeemable Fair Value Unfunded Commitments % of Fair Value Not Redeemable % Next 5 Years % 5-10 Years % Thereafter Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period Alternative Hedge funds $ 330 $ - NA NA NA NA (a) 60 days Funds of funds 23 - NA NA NA NA (b) 90 days Other 562 - NA NA NA NA (c) <30-60 days Debt funds 7 - NA NA NA NA (d) 30 days Equity funds 52 - NA NA NA NA (e) <30-90 days Private equity funds: Equity growth 59,675 8,632 (f) 100 % 15 % 36 % 49 % NA NA Total $ 60,649 $ 8,632 (a) monthly (100%) (b) quarterly (100%) (c) daily (6%) and monthly (94%) (d) daily (100%) (e) daily (18%), monthly (47%), quarterly (31%) and annually (4%) (f) Unfunded commitments to private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard of $15,257 are excluded. Such commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders. December 31, 2017 Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable Investments Redeemable Fair Value Unfunded Commitments % of Fair Value Not Redeemable % Next 5 Years % 5-10 Years % Thereafter Redemption Frequency Redemption Notice Period Alternative Hedge funds $ 2,517 $ - NA NA NA NA (a) <30-60 days Funds of funds 528 - NA NA NA NA (b) <30-90 days Other 595 - NA NA NA NA (c) <30-60 days Debt funds 6 - NA NA NA NA (d) 30 days Equity funds 53 - NA NA NA NA (e) <30-90 days Private equity funds: Equity growth 76,679 10,300 (f) 100 % 16 % 38 % 46 % NA NA Total $ 80,378 $ 10,300 (a) weekly (3%), monthly (5%) and quarterly (92%) (b) monthly (97%) and quarterly (3%) (c) daily (6%) and monthly (94%) (d) daily (100%) (e) daily (18%), monthly (50%) and quarterly (32%) (f) Unfunded commitments to private equity investments consolidated but not owned by Lazard of $5,902 are excluded. Such commitments are required to be funded by capital contributions from noncontrolling interest holders. |
Derivatives (Tables)
Derivatives (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Fair Values of Derivatives Reported on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition | The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments reported within “other assets” and “other liabilities” and the fair value of the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements reported within “accrued compensation and benefits” (see Note 13) on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of financial condition as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Derivative Assets: Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 4,709 $ 3,314 Total return swaps and other (a) 2,781 418 $ 7,490 $ 3,732 Derivative Liabilities: Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 2,434 $ 4,846 Total return swaps and other (a) 317 11,270 LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements 203,978 182,301 $ 206,729 $ 198,417 (a) For total return swaps, amounts represent the netting of gross derivative assets and liabilities of $3,401 and $937 as of September 30, 2018, respectively, and $469 and $11,321 as of December 31, 2017, respectively, for contracts with the same counterparty under legally enforceable master netting agreements. Such amounts are recorded “net” in “other assets”, with receivables for net cash collateral under such contracts of $2,316 and $17,616 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. |
Net Gains and (Losses) With Respect To Derivative Instruments (Including Derivatives Not Designed As Hedging Instruments) | Net gains (losses) with respect to derivative instruments (predominantly reflected in “revenue-other”) and the Company’s derivative liabilities relating to its obligations pertaining to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (included in “compensation and benefits” expense) as reflected on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, were as follows: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Forward foreign currency exchange rate contracts $ 1,431 $ (2,991 ) $ 5,184 $ (8,149 ) LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements (3,647 ) (4,875 ) (1,712 ) (17,981 ) Total return swaps and other (1,847 ) (3,890 ) 599 (12,872 ) Total $ (4,063 ) $ (11,756 ) $ 4,071 $ (39,002 ) |
Property (Tables)
Property (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract] | |
Components of Property | At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, property consisted of the following: Estimated Depreciable September 30, December 31, Life in Years 2018 2017 Buildings 33 $ 146,630 $ 151,912 Leasehold improvements 3-20 188,995 173,102 Furniture and equipment 3-10 199,192 183,541 Construction in progress 11,399 14,573 Total 546,216 523,128 Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization 331,937 317,827 Property $ 214,279 $ 205,301 |
Goodwill and Other Intangible_2
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Components of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets | The components of goodwill and other intangible assets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are presented below: September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Goodwill $ 374,994 $ 385,292 Other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization) 4,247 6,072 $ 379,241 $ 391,364 |
Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill | Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Balance, January 1 $ 385,292 $ 373,117 Foreign currency translation adjustments (10,298 ) 12,369 Balance, September 30 $ 374,994 $ 385,486 |
Gross Cost and Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets | The gross cost and accumulated amortization of other intangible assets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, by major intangible asset category, are as follows: September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Success/incentive fees $ 35,335 $ 31,922 $ 3,413 $ 35,422 $ 29,723 $ 5,699 Management fees, customer relationships and non-compete agreements 34,488 33,654 834 33,749 33,376 373 $ 69,823 $ 65,576 $ 4,247 $ 69,171 $ 63,099 $ 6,072 |
Estimated Future Amortization Expense | Estimated future amortization expense is as follows: Year Ending December 31, Amortization Expense (a) 2018 (October 1 through December 31) $ 484 2019 1,724 2020 1,701 2021 150 2022 150 2023 38 Total amortization expense $ 4,247 (a) Approximately 38% of intangible asset amortization is attributable to a noncontrolling interest. |
Senior Debt (Tables)
Senior Debt (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Debt Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Senior Debt | Senior debt is comprised of the following as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017: Outstanding as of Initial Annual September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Principal Amount Maturity Date Interest Rate(a) Principal Unamortized Debt Costs Carrying Value Principal Unamortized Debt Costs Carrying Value Lazard Group 2020 Senior Notes $ 500,000 11/14/20 4.25 % $ 250,000 $ 978 $ 249,022 $ 500,000 $ 2,647 $ 497,353 Lazard Group 2025 Senior Notes 400,000 2/13/25 3.75 % 400,000 3,006 396,994 400,000 3,361 396,639 Lazard Group 2027 Senior Notes 300,000 3/1/27 3.625 % 300,000 3,314 296,686 300,000 3,609 296,391 Lazard Group 2028 Senior Notes (b) 500,000 9/19/28 4.50 % 500,000 9,000 491,000 - - - Total $ 1,450,000 $ 16,298 $ 1,433,702 $ 1,200,000 $ 9,617 $ 1,190,383 (a) The effective interest rates of Lazard Group’s 4.25% senior notes due November 14, 2020 (the “2020 Notes”), Lazard Group’s 3.75% senior notes due February 13, 2025 (the “2025 Notes”), Lazard Group’s 3.625% senior notes due March 1, 2027 (the “2027 Notes”) and Lazard Group’s 4.50% senior notes due September 19, 2028 (the “2028 Notes”) are 4.44%, 3.87%, 3.76% and 4.68%, respectively. (b) In September 2018, Lazard Group completed an offering of $500,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2028 Notes. Interest on the 2028 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 19 and September 19 of each year, beginning March 19, 2019. Lazard Group used a portion of the net proceeds of the 2028 Notes to redeem or otherwise retire $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes, which, including the recognition of unamortized issuance costs, resulted in a loss on debt extinguishment of $6,523. Such loss on debt extinguishment was recorded in “operating expenses—other” on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018. |
Commitments and Contingencies (
Commitments and Contingencies (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payment for Operating Leases | At September 30, 2018, minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, net of sublease income, are approximately as follows: Year Ending December 31, 2018 (October 1 through December 31) $ 20,992 2019 85,689 2020 87,492 2021 83,164 2022 70,422 Thereafter 545,624 Total minimum rental commitments 893,383 Less - Sublease proceeds 28,796 Net rental commitments $ 864,587 |
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
Stockholders' Equity (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Equity [Abstract] | |
Schedule of Share Repurchase Authorized by Board of Directors | Share Repurchase Program —During the nine month period ended September 30, 2018 and since 2015, the Board of Directors of Lazard authorized the repurchase of Class A common stock as set forth in the table below: Date Repurchase Authorization Expiration February 2015 $ 150,000 December January 2016 $ 200,000 December April 2016 $ 113,182 December November 2016 $ 236,000 December October 2017 $ 200,000 December April 2018 $ 300,000 December 31, 2020 |
Schedule of Shares Repurchased Under the Share Repurchase Program | The Company expects that the share repurchase program will primarily be used to offset a portion of the shares that have been or will be issued under the Lazard Ltd 2008 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2008 Plan”) and the Lazard Ltd 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2018 Plan”). Pursuant to the share repurchase program, purchases have been made in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. The rate at which the Company purchases shares in connection with the share repurchase program may vary from quarter to quarter due to a variety of factors. Purchases with respect to such program are set forth in the table below: Nine Months Ended September 30: Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Per Share 2017 5,838,520 $ 43.25 2018 5,797,789 $ 52.88 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax —The tables below reflect the balances of each component of AOCI at September 30, 2018 and 2017 and activity during the three month and nine month periods then ended: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Ltd AOCI Balance, July 1, 2018 $ (109,642 ) $ (143,859 ) $ (253,501 ) $ (2 ) $ (253,499 ) Activity: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (8,676 ) 863 (7,813 ) 2 (7,815 ) Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 949 949 - 949 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (8,676 ) 1,812 (6,864 ) 2 (6,866 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 $ (118,318 ) $ (142,047 ) $ (260,365 ) $ - $ (260,365 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Ltd AOCI Balance, January 1, 2018 $ (83,535 ) $ (148,984 ) $ (232,519 ) $ (1 ) $ (232,518 ) Activity: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (34,783 ) 4,149 (30,634 ) 1 (30,635 ) Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 2,788 2,788 - 2,788 Net other comprehensive income (loss) (34,783 ) 6,937 (27,846 ) 1 (27,847 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 $ (118,318 ) $ (142,047 ) $ (260,365 ) $ - $ (260,365 ) Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Ltd AOCI Balance, July 1, 2017 $ (112,105 ) $ (165,682 ) $ (277,787 ) $ (2 ) $ (277,785 ) Activity: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 19,748 (4,715 ) 15,033 2 15,031 Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 1,081 1,081 - 1,081 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 19,748 (3,634 ) 16,114 2 16,112 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ (92,357 ) $ (169,316 ) $ (261,673 ) $ - $ (261,673 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Currency Translation Adjustments Employee Benefit Plans Total AOCI Amount Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Total Lazard Ltd AOCI Balance, January 1, 2017 $ (155,204 ) $ (159,020 ) $ (314,224 ) $ (2 ) $ (314,222 ) Activity: Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 62,847 (13,819 ) 49,028 2 49,026 Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax - 3,523 3,523 - 3,523 Net other comprehensive income (loss) 62,847 (10,296 ) 52,551 2 52,549 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ (92,357 ) $ (169,316 ) $ (261,673 ) $ - $ (261,673 ) |
Adjustments for Items Reclassified Out of AOCI | The table below reflects adjustments for items reclassified out of AOCI, by component, for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Amortization relating to employee benefit plans (a) $ 1,213 $ 1,285 $ 3,736 $ 4,199 Less - related income taxes 264 204 948 676 Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 949 $ 1,081 $ 2,788 $ 3,523 (a) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 14). Such amounts are included in “operating expenses — |
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | The tables below summarize net income attributable to noncontrolling interests for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and noncontrolling interests as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements: Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Edgewater $ 1,651 $ 2,260 $ 5,034 $ 5,657 Other - - 2 3 Total $ 1,651 $ 2,260 $ 5,036 $ 5,660 Noncontrolling Interests as of September 30, December 31, 2018 2017 Edgewater $ 53,902 $ 58,568 Other 558 534 Total $ 54,460 $ 59,102 |
Incentive Plans (Tables)
Incentive Plans (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Summary of Impact of Share-Based Incentive Plans on Compensation and Benefits Expense | The following reflects the amortization expense recorded with respect to share-based incentive plans within “compensation and benefits” expense (with respect to RSUs, PRSUs and restricted stock awards) and “professional services” expense (with respect to DSUs) within the Company’s accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Share-based incentive awards: RSUs $ 38,121 $ 39,898 $ 154,643 $ 150,193 PRSUs 3,107 9,896 31,125 38,095 Restricted Stock 6,950 7,697 30,323 30,507 DSUs 179 156 2,096 1,853 Total $ 48,357 $ 57,647 $ 218,187 $ 220,648 |
Schedule of Issuance of RSUs and Charges to Retained Earnings | During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, issuances of RSUs pertaining to such dividend participation rights and respective charges to “retained earnings”, net of estimated forfeitures (with corresponding credits to “additional paid-in-capital”), consisted of the following: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Number of RSUs issued 746,324 866,914 Charges to retained earnings, net of estimated forfeitures $ 38,923 $ 36,482 |
Summary of LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements | The following is a summary of activity relating to LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Prepaid Compensation Asset Compensation Liability Balance, January 1, 2018 $ 60,355 $ 182,301 Granted 104,740 104,740 Settled - (85,335 ) Forfeited (1,166 ) (1,767 ) Amortization (68,145 ) - Change in fair value related to: Increase in fair value of underlying investments - 1,712 Adjustment for estimated forfeitures - 3,730 Other (1,489 ) (1,403 ) Balance, September 30, 2018 $ 94,295 $ 203,978 Prepaid Compensation Asset Compensation Liability Balance, January 1, 2017 $ 49,650 $ 170,388 Granted 77,580 77,580 Settled - (95,718 ) Forfeited (866 ) (1,647 ) Amortization (52,702 ) - Change in fair value related to: Increase in fair value of underlying investments - 17,981 Adjustment for estimated forfeitures - 5,333 Other 1,515 1,833 Balance, September 30, 2017 $ 75,177 $ 175,750 The following is a summary of the impact of LFI and other similar deferred compensation arrangements on “compensation and benefits” expense within the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Amortization, net of forfeitures $ 19,145 $ 15,961 $ 71,274 $ 57,254 Change in the fair value of underlying investments 3,647 4,875 1,712 17,981 Total $ 22,792 $ 20,836 $ 72,986 $ 75,235 |
Restricted Stock Units and Deferred Stock Units [Member] | |
Schedule of Activity Relating to Share-based Awards | The following is a summary of activity relating to RSUs and DSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: RSUs DSUs Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2018 12,919,846 $ 40.23 278,422 $ 37.46 Granted (including 746,324 RSUs relating to dividend participation) 4,096,939 $ 53.78 40,300 $ 52.00 Forfeited (130,138 ) $ 45.11 - - Vested (5,603,901 ) $ 42.88 - - Balance, September 30, 2018 11,282,746 $ 43.78 318,722 $ 39.30 Balance, January 1, 2017 11,698,138 $ 40.65 276,725 $ 36.05 Granted (including 866,914 RSUs relating to dividend participation) 5,294,156 $ 43.01 41,821 $ 44.30 Forfeited (162,320 ) $ 39.97 - - Vested (3,977,477 ) $ 45.27 (43,465 ) $ 35.77 Balance, September 30, 2017 12,852,497 $ 40.20 275,081 $ 37.35 |
Restricted Stock Awards Class A [Member] | |
Schedule of Activity Relating to Share-based Awards | The following is a summary of activity related to shares of restricted Class A common stock associated with compensation arrangements during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Restricted Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2018 1,938,160 $ 40.54 Granted 529,987 $ 54.45 Forfeited (30,950 ) $ 46.31 Vested (869,312 ) $ 44.15 Balance, September 30, 2018 1,567,885 $ 43.13 Balance, January 1, 2017 1,655,073 $ 40.95 Granted 841,355 $ 42.58 Forfeited (65,086 ) $ 40.80 Vested (483,811 ) $ 45.42 Balance, September 30, 2017 1,947,531 $ 40.54 |
PRSUs [Member] | |
Schedule of Activity Relating to Share-based Awards | The following is a summary of activity relating to PRSUs during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: PRSUs Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance, January 1, 2018 1,591,693 $ 42.46 Granted (a) 399,869 $ 56.80 Vested (799,402 ) $ 46.74 Balance, September 30, 2018 1,192,160 $ 44.39 Balance, January 1, 2017 1,590,756 $ 40.76 Granted (a) 458,113 $ 43.76 Vested (825,565 ) $ 42.27 Balance, September 30, 2017 1,223,304 $ 40.86 (a) Represents PRSU awards granted during the relevant year at the target payout level. |
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)
Employee Benefit Plans (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) | The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) related to the Company’s pension plans for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 217 $ 373 Interest cost 3,822 4,191 Expected return on plan assets (7,315 ) (6,295 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost - - Net actuarial loss (gain) 1,213 1,285 Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ (2,063 ) $ (446 ) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): Service cost $ 670 $ 1,048 Interest cost 11,861 12,258 Expected return on plan assets (22,681 ) (18,855 ) Amortization of: Prior service cost - 30 Net actuarial loss (gain) 3,736 4,169 Net periodic benefit cost (credit) $ (6,414 ) $ (1,350 ) |
Net Income Per Share of Class_2
Net Income Per Share of Class A Common Stock (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | |
Company's Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares Outstanding | The calculations of the Company’s basic and diluted net income per share and weighted average shares outstanding for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are presented below: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - basic $ 107,074 $ 109,210 $ 413,729 $ 337,141 Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - diluted $ 107,074 $ 109,210 $ 413,729 $ 337,141 Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding 119,197,949 120,987,607 119,647,775 121,868,223 Add - adjustment for shares of Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis 258,567 255,991 249,851 274,080 Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic 119,456,516 121,243,598 119,897,626 122,142,303 Add - dilutive effect, as applicable, of: Weighted average number of incremental shares of Class A common stock issuable from share-based incentive compensation 10,403,212 11,150,066 10,852,766 10,265,248 Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding - diluted 129,859,728 132,393,664 130,750,392 132,407,551 Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd per share of Class A common stock: Basic $ 0.90 $ 0.90 $ 3.45 $ 2.76 Diluted $ 0.82 $ 0.82 $ 3.16 $ 2.55 |
Segment Information (Tables)
Segment Information (Tables) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Segment Reporting [Abstract] | |
Segment's Contribution with Respect to Net Revenue, Operating Expenses, Operating Income (Loss) and Total Assets | Management evaluates segment results based on net revenue and operating income (loss) and believes that the following information provides a reasonable representation of each segment’s contribution with respect to net revenue, operating income (loss) and total assets: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Financial Advisory Net Revenue $ 310,418 $ 305,890 $ 1,141,628 $ 1,052,584 Operating Expenses 250,651 245,465 893,524 821,935 Operating Income $ 59,767 $ 60,425 $ 248,104 $ 230,649 Asset Management Net Revenue $ 325,240 $ 320,487 $ 1,032,111 $ 913,728 Operating Expenses 211,564 217,233 670,794 621,885 Operating Income $ 113,676 $ 103,254 $ 361,317 $ 291,843 Corporate Net Revenue $ (9,177 ) $ (1,518 ) $ (34,622 ) $ (809 ) Operating Expenses 25,585 17,949 50,350 54,773 Operating Loss $ (34,762 ) $ (19,467 ) $ (84,972 ) $ (55,582 ) Total Net Revenue $ 626,481 $ 624,859 $ 2,139,117 $ 1,965,503 Operating Expenses 487,800 480,647 1,614,668 1,498,593 Operating Income $ 138,681 $ 144,212 $ 524,449 $ 466,910 As Of September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Total Assets Financial Advisory $ 876,289 $ 843,142 Asset Management 696,400 756,398 Corporate 3,372,089 3,329,137 Total $ 4,944,778 $ 4,928,677 |
Organization and Basis of Pre_3
Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) - Segment | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Governing operating agreement, date | Oct. 26, 2015 | |
Number of business segments | 2 | |
Lazard Group LLC [Member] | ||
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items] | ||
Percentage of common membership interests held | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Recent Accounting Developments
Recent Accounting Developments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | 21.00% | 35.00% | |
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | |||
New Accounting Pronouncements Or Change In Accounting Principle [Line Items] | |||
Effect of the reclassification of contract costs from net revenue to expenses | $ 24,392 | $ 72,006 | |
Effect of reclassification of costs from revenue to operating expenses | $ 24,392 | $ 72,006 |
Revenue Recognition - Represent
Revenue Recognition - Representation of Performance Obligations Relate to Nature, Amount, Timing and Uncertainty of Revenue and Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Financial Advisory Segment [Member] | ||
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenue | $ 310,418 | $ 1,141,628 |
Asset Management Segment [Member] | ||
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenue | 325,240 | 1,032,111 |
Asset Management Segment [Member] | Management Fees and Other [Member] | ||
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenue | 323,283 | 1,012,127 |
Asset Management Segment [Member] | Incentive Fees [Member] | ||
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items] | ||
Net Revenue | $ 1,957 | $ 19,984 |
Receivables - Schedule of Activ
Receivables - Schedule of Activity in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Rollforward | ||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables, Beginning balance | $ 34,956 | $ 25,094 | $ 23,746 | $ 16,386 |
Bad debt expense, net of recoveries | 1,488 | 4,753 | 18,106 | 18,584 |
Charge-offs, foreign currency translation and other adjustments | (1,920) | (2,383) | (7,328) | (7,506) |
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables, Ending balance | $ 34,524 | $ 27,464 | $ 34,524 | $ 27,464 |
Receivables - Additional Inform
Receivables - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 |
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||||||
Receivables past due or deemed uncollectible | $ 38,098,000 | $ 34,865,000 | ||||
Interest-bearing financing fee receivables | 77,540,000 | 80,536,000 | ||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables | 34,524,000 | $ 34,956,000 | 23,746,000 | $ 27,464,000 | $ 25,094,000 | $ 16,386,000 |
Aggregate carrying amount of non-interest bearing receivables | 563,247,000 | 491,080,000 | ||||
Financing Receivables [Member] | ||||||
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivables | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Investments - Company's Investm
Investments - Company's Investments and Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | $ 609,595 | $ 427,186 |
Investments, at fair value | 609,076 | 426,630 |
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value (included in "other liabilities") | 6,876 | 7,338 |
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | 519 | 556 |
Debt [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | 202,592 | 6 |
Investments, at fair value | 202,592 | 6 |
Equities [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | 36,810 | 45,257 |
Investments, at fair value | 36,810 | 45,257 |
Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | 18,169 | 20,993 |
Investments, at fair value | 18,169 | 20,993 |
Debt Funds [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | 89,476 | 84,077 |
Investments, at fair value | 89,476 | 84,077 |
Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | 202,354 | 199,618 |
Investments, at fair value | 202,354 | 199,618 |
Private Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | 59,675 | 76,679 |
Investments, at fair value | 59,675 | 76,679 |
Funds Total [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Total investments | $ 369,674 | $ 381,367 |
Investments - Company's Inves_2
Investments - Company's Investments and Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments | $ 609,595 | $ 427,186 |
Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 18,169 | 20,993 |
Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | Lazard Fund Interests [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 9,979 | 11,213 |
Debt Funds [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 89,476 | 84,077 |
Debt Funds [Member] | Lazard Fund Interests [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 59,282 | 48,391 |
Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 202,354 | 199,618 |
Equity Funds [Member] | Lazard Fund Interests [Member] | ||
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | ||
Investments | $ 149,813 | $ 131,893 |
Investments - Additional Inform
Investments - Additional Information (Detail) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Minimum [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |
Deposits maturity period | 3 months |
Minimum [Member] | Debt [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities [Member] | |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |
US Treasury securities maturity period | 3 months |
Maximum [Member] | Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |
Deposits maturity period | 1 year |
Maximum [Member] | Debt [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities [Member] | |
Schedule of Investments [Line Items] | |
US Treasury securities maturity period | 1 year |
Investments - Schedule of Tradi
Investments - Schedule of Trading Securities Net Unrealized Investment Gains and Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Net Realized Or Unrealized Gain Loss On Trading Securities [Abstract] | ||||
Net unrealized investment gains (losses) | $ 1,972 | $ 6,949 | $ (13,183) | $ 27,932 |
Fair Value Measurements - Sched
Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Classification of Investments and Certain Other Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis and Investments Measured at NAV (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | $ 609,076 | $ 426,630 |
Total Derivative Assets | 7,490 | 3,732 |
Total investments measured at fair value | 616,566 | 430,362 |
Securities sold, not yet purchased | 6,876 | 7,338 |
Contingent consideration liability | 12,921 | 28,941 |
Total Derivative Liabilities | 206,729 | 198,417 |
Total of Liabilities Measured at Fair Value | 226,526 | 234,696 |
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | NAV [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Total investments measured at fair value | 60,649 | 80,378 |
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Total investments measured at fair value | 546,799 | 344,660 |
Securities sold, not yet purchased | 6,876 | 7,338 |
Total of Liabilities Measured at Fair Value | 6,876 | 7,338 |
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Total Derivative Assets | 7,490 | 3,732 |
Total investments measured at fair value | 7,490 | 3,732 |
Total Derivative Liabilities | 206,729 | 198,417 |
Total of Liabilities Measured at Fair Value | 206,729 | 198,417 |
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Total investments measured at fair value | 1,628 | 1,592 |
Contingent consideration liability | 12,921 | 28,941 |
Total of Liabilities Measured at Fair Value | 12,921 | 28,941 |
Debt [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 202,592 | 6 |
Debt [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 202,592 | 6 |
Equities [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 36,810 | 45,257 |
Equities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 35,182 | 43,665 |
Equities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 1,628 | 1,592 |
Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 18,169 | 20,993 |
Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | NAV [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 915 | 3,640 |
Alternative Investment Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 17,254 | 17,353 |
Debt Funds [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 89,476 | 84,077 |
Debt Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | NAV [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 7 | 6 |
Debt Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 89,469 | 84,071 |
Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 202,354 | 199,618 |
Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | NAV [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 52 | 53 |
Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 202,302 | 199,565 |
Private Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | 59,675 | 76,679 |
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | NAV [Member] | ||
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Line Items] | ||
Investments | $ 59,675 | $ 76,679 |
Fair Value Measurements - Summa
Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Company's Level 3 Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Assets: | ||||
Beginning Balance | $ 1,629 | $ 3,072 | $ 1,592 | $ 1,508 |
Net Unrealized/Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings | 0 | 130 | 61 | 4 |
Purchases/Acquisitions | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1,661 |
Sales/Dispositions | 0 | (1,661) | 0 | (1,669) |
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | (1) | 6 | (26) | 43 |
Ending Balance | 1,628 | 1,547 | 1,628 | 1,547 |
Liabilities: | ||||
Beginning Balance | 19,628 | 25,539 | 28,941 | 22,608 |
Net Unrealized/Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings | (6,707) | (612) | (16,020) | 2,568 |
Purchases/Acquisitions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sales/Dispositions | 0 | 0 | 0 | (249) |
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ending Balance | 12,921 | 24,927 | 12,921 | 24,927 |
Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] | ||||
Liabilities: | ||||
Beginning Balance | 19,628 | 25,539 | 28,941 | 22,608 |
Net Unrealized/Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings | (6,707) | (612) | (16,020) | 2,568 |
Purchases/Acquisitions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Sales/Dispositions | 0 | 0 | 0 | (249) |
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ending Balance | 12,921 | 24,927 | 12,921 | 24,927 |
Equities [Member] | ||||
Assets: | ||||
Beginning Balance | 1,629 | 3,072 | 1,592 | 1,508 |
Net Unrealized/Realized Gains/Losses Included In Earnings | 0 | 130 | 61 | 4 |
Purchases/Acquisitions | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1,661 |
Sales/Dispositions | 0 | (1,661) | 0 | (1,669) |
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | (1) | 6 | (26) | 43 |
Ending Balance | $ 1,628 | $ 1,547 | $ 1,628 | $ 1,547 |
Fair Value Measurements - Sum_2
Fair Value Measurements - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Company's Level 3 Assets and Liabilities (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Equities [Member] | ||||
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] | ||||
Net unrealized gains | $ 0 | $ 130 | $ 61 | $ 2 |
Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] | ||||
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] | ||||
Net unrealized (gains) losses | $ (6,707) | $ (612) | $ (16,020) | $ 2,568 |
Fair Value Measurements - Addit
Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Fair Value Option Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] | |||||
Transfers between Level 1, 2 and 3 in fair value measurement hierarchy | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ 0 | |
Unfunded Commitments | 8,632,000 | 8,632,000 | $ 10,300,000 | ||
EGCP III [Member] | |||||
Fair Value Option Quantitative Disclosures [Line Items] | |||||
Unfunded Commitments | $ 7,847,000 | $ 7,847,000 | |||
End of the investment period | Oct. 12, 2016 | ||||
Remaining obligation date | Oct. 12, 2023 |
Fair Value Measurements - Fair
Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Certain Investments Based on NAV (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value | $ 60,649 | $ 80,378 |
Unfunded Commitments | 8,632 | 10,300 |
Hedge Funds [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value | $ 330 | $ 2,517 |
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 60 days | |
Hedge Funds [Member] | Monthly [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 100.00% | 5.00% |
Hedge Funds [Member] | Quarterly [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 92.00% | |
Hedge Funds [Member] | Weekly [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 3.00% | |
Hedge Funds [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 30 days | |
Hedge Funds [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 60 days | |
Funds of Funds [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value | $ 23 | $ 528 |
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 90 days | |
Funds of Funds [Member] | Monthly [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 97.00% | |
Funds of Funds [Member] | Quarterly [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 100.00% | 3.00% |
Funds of Funds [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 30 days | |
Funds of Funds [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 90 days | |
Other [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value | $ 562 | $ 595 |
Other [Member] | Monthly [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 94.00% | 94.00% |
Other [Member] | Daily [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 6.00% | 6.00% |
Other [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 30 days | 30 days |
Other [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 60 days | 60 days |
Debt Funds [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value | $ 7 | $ 6 |
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 30 days | 30 days |
Debt Funds [Member] | Daily [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Equity Funds [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value | $ 52 | $ 53 |
Equity Funds [Member] | Monthly [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 47.00% | 50.00% |
Equity Funds [Member] | Quarterly [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 31.00% | 32.00% |
Equity Funds [Member] | Daily [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 18.00% | 18.00% |
Equity Funds [Member] | Annually [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Percent | 4.00% | |
Equity Funds [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 30 days | 30 days |
Equity Funds [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Investments Redeemable, Redemption Notice Period | 90 days | 90 days |
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Equity Growth [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Fair Value | $ 59,675 | $ 76,679 |
Unfunded Commitments | $ 8,632 | $ 10,300 |
% of Fair Value Not Redeemable | 100.00% | 100.00% |
Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable, % Next 5 Years | 15.00% | 16.00% |
Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable, % 5-10 Years | 36.00% | 38.00% |
Estimated Liquidation Period of Investments Not Redeemable, % Thereafter | 49.00% | 46.00% |
Fair Value Measurements - Fai_2
Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Certain Investments Based on NAV (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Unfunded Commitments | $ 8,632 | $ 10,300 |
Private Equity Funds [Member] | Consolidated But Not Owned [Member] | ||
Fair Value Investments Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items] | ||
Unfunded Commitments | $ 15,257 | $ 5,902 |
Derivatives - Fair Values of De
Derivatives - Fair Values of Derivatives Reported on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 |
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Assets | $ 7,490 | $ 3,732 | ||
Derivative Liabilities | 206,729 | 198,417 | ||
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts [Member] | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Assets | 4,709 | 3,314 | ||
Derivative Liabilities | 2,434 | 4,846 | ||
Total Return Swaps and Other [Member] | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Assets | 2,781 | 418 | ||
Derivative Liabilities | 317 | 11,270 | ||
LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Member] | ||||
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||||
Derivative Liabilities | $ 203,978 | $ 182,301 | $ 175,750 | $ 170,388 |
Derivatives - Fair Values of _2
Derivatives - Fair Values of Derivatives Reported on Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parenthetical) (Detail) - Total Return Swaps [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] | ||
Gross derivative assets | $ 3,401 | $ 469 |
Gross derivative liability | 937 | 11,321 |
Cash collateral pledged for total return swaps | $ 2,316 | $ 17,616 |
Derivatives - Net Gains (Losses
Derivatives - Net Gains (Losses) with Respect to Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Gains (losses) on derivatives instruments | $ (4,063) | $ (11,756) | $ 4,071 | $ (39,002) |
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Contracts [Member] | ||||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | 1,431 | (2,991) | 5,184 | (8,149) |
LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Member] | ||||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Gains (losses) on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | (3,647) | (4,875) | (1,712) | (17,981) |
Total Return Swaps and Other [Member] | ||||
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Gains (losses) on derivatives designated as hedging instruments | $ (1,847) | $ (3,890) | $ 599 | $ (12,872) |
Property - Components of Proper
Property - Components of Property (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 546,216 | $ 523,128 |
Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization | 331,937 | 317,827 |
Property | 214,279 | 205,301 |
Buildings [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 146,630 | 151,912 |
Property, plant and equipment, useful life | 33 years | |
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 188,995 | 173,102 |
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, useful life | 3 years | |
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, useful life | 20 years | |
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 199,192 | 183,541 |
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, useful life | 3 years | |
Furniture and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, useful life | 10 years | |
Construction in Progress [Member] | ||
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] | ||
Property, plant and equipment, gross | $ 11,399 | $ 14,573 |
Goodwill and Other Intangible_3
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Components of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 |
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ||||
Goodwill | $ 374,994 | $ 385,292 | $ 385,486 | $ 373,117 |
Other intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization) | 4,247 | 6,072 | ||
Goodwill and other intangible assets, Total | $ 379,241 | $ 391,364 |
Goodwill and Other Intangible_4
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | |
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||||||
Goodwill | $ 374,994 | $ 385,486 | $ 374,994 | $ 385,486 | $ 385,292 | $ 373,117 |
Amortization of intangible assets | 856 | $ 784 | 2,552 | $ 2,435 | ||
Financial Advisory Segment [Member] | ||||||
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||||||
Goodwill | 310,453 | 310,453 | 320,751 | |||
Asset Management Segment [Member] | ||||||
Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||||||
Goodwill | $ 64,541 | $ 64,541 | $ 64,541 |
Goodwill and Other Intangible_5
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | ||
Beginning Balance | $ 385,292 | $ 373,117 |
Foreign currency translation adjustments | (10,298) | 12,369 |
Ending Balance | $ 374,994 | $ 385,486 |
Goodwill and Other Intangible_6
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Gross Cost and Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Other intangible assets, Gross Cost | $ 69,823 | $ 69,171 |
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization | 65,576 | 63,099 |
Other intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount | 4,247 | 6,072 |
Success/Incentive Fees [Member] | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Other intangible assets, Gross Cost | 35,335 | 35,422 |
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization | 31,922 | 29,723 |
Other intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount | 3,413 | 5,699 |
Management Fees, Customer Relationships and Non-Compete Agreements [Member] | ||
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] | ||
Other intangible assets, Gross Cost | 34,488 | 33,749 |
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization | 33,654 | 33,376 |
Other intangible assets, Net Carrying Amount | $ 834 | $ 373 |
Goodwill and Other Intangible_7
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Detail) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018USD ($) |
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
2018 (October 1 through December 31) | $ 484 |
2,019 | 1,724 |
2,020 | 1,701 |
2,021 | 150 |
2,022 | 150 |
2,023 | 38 |
Total amortization expense | $ 4,247 |
Goodwill and Other Intangible_8
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Parenthetical) (Detail) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Percentage of intangible asset amortization attributable to non-controlling interests | 38.00% |
Senior Debt - Senior Debt (Deta
Senior Debt - Senior Debt (Detail) - USD ($) | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal | $ 1,450,000,000 | $ 1,200,000,000 |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs | 16,298,000 | 9,617,000 |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value | 1,433,702,000 | 1,190,383,000 |
Lazard Group 4.25% Senior Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount | $ 500,000,000 | |
Senior Debt, Maturity Date | Nov. 14, 2020 | |
Senior Debt, Annual Interest Rate | 4.25% | |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal | $ 250,000,000 | 500,000,000 |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs | 978,000 | 2,647,000 |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value | 249,022,000 | 497,353,000 |
Lazard Group 3.75% Senior Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount | $ 400,000,000 | |
Senior Debt, Maturity Date | Feb. 13, 2025 | |
Senior Debt, Annual Interest Rate | 3.75% | |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal | $ 400,000,000 | 400,000,000 |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs | 3,006,000 | 3,361,000 |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value | 396,994,000 | 396,639,000 |
Lazard Group 3.625% Senior Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount | $ 300,000,000 | |
Senior Debt, Maturity Date | Mar. 1, 2027 | |
Senior Debt, Annual Interest Rate | 3.625% | |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal | $ 300,000,000 | 300,000,000 |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs | 3,314,000 | 3,609,000 |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value | 296,686,000 | $ 296,391,000 |
Lazard Group 4.50% Senior Notes [Member] | ||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | ||
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount | $ 500,000,000 | |
Senior Debt, Maturity Date | Sep. 19, 2028 | |
Senior Debt, Annual Interest Rate | 4.50% | |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Principal | $ 500,000,000 | |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Unamortized Debt Costs | 9,000,000 | |
Senior Debt, Outstanding Carrying Value | $ 491,000,000 |
Senior Debt - Senior Debt (Pare
Senior Debt - Senior Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018USD ($) | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | $ 6,523,000 |
Lazard Group 4.25% Senior Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Senior notes interest rate | 4.25% |
Original Maturity Date | Nov. 14, 2020 |
Effective interest rates of senior notes | 4.44% |
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount | $ 500,000,000 |
Redemption of senior debt aggregate principal amount | 250,000,000 |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | $ 6,523,000 |
Lazard Group 3.75% Senior Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Senior notes interest rate | 3.75% |
Original Maturity Date | Feb. 13, 2025 |
Effective interest rates of senior notes | 3.87% |
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount | $ 400,000,000 |
Lazard Group 3.625% Senior Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Senior notes interest rate | 3.625% |
Original Maturity Date | Mar. 1, 2027 |
Effective interest rates of senior notes | 3.76% |
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount | $ 300,000,000 |
Lazard Group 4.50% Senior Notes [Member] | |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |
Senior notes interest rate | 4.50% |
Original Maturity Date | Sep. 19, 2028 |
Effective interest rates of senior notes | 4.68% |
Senior Debt, Initial Principal Amount | $ 500,000,000 |
Interest rate, payment terms | Interest on the 2028 Notes is payable semi-annually on March 19 and September 19 of each year, beginning March 19, 2019. |
Senior Debt - Additional Inform
Senior Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | Sep. 25, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Senior debt | $ 1,433,702,000 | $ 1,190,383,000 | |
Unused Lines of Credit [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Unused lines of credit | 169,000,000 | ||
Senior Debt [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Senior debt | 1,433,702,000 | 1,190,383,000 | |
Fair value of senior debt | 1,407,000,000 | 1,230,000,000 | |
LFB [Member] | Unused Lines of Credit [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Unused lines of credit | 17,000,000 | ||
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member] | |||
Debt Instrument [Line Items] | |||
Senior revolving credit facility | $ 150,000,000 | ||
Duration of senior revolving credit facility, in years | 5 years | ||
Expiration of credit facility | 2020-09 | ||
Outstanding credit facility | $ 0 | $ 0 |
Commitments and Contingencies -
Commitments and Contingencies - Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payment for Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2018USD ($) |
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] | |
Minimum Rental Commitments Operating - 2018 (October 1 through December 31) | $ 20,992 |
Minimum Rental Commitments Operating - 2019 | 85,689 |
Minimum Rental Commitments Operating - 2020 | 87,492 |
Minimum Rental Commitments Operating - 2021 | 83,164 |
Minimum Rental Commitments Operating - 2022 | 70,422 |
Minimum Rental Commitments Operating - Thereafter | 545,624 |
Total minimum rental commitments | 893,383 |
Less - Sublease proceeds | 28,796 |
Net rental commitments | $ 864,587 |
Commitments and Contingencies_2
Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | 12 Months Ended | |
Dec. 31, 2016 | Sep. 30, 2018 | |
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Guarantees indemnifications | $ 4,961,000 | |
Collateral/counter-guarantees | 4,961,000 | |
LFB [Member] | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Other commitments | 0 | |
LFNY [Member] | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Other commitments | $ 0 | |
Business Acquisitions [Member] | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Number of contingent additional shares earned | 0 | |
Business Acquisitions [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member] | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Common stock issued and issuable | 60,817 | |
Business Acquisitions [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member] | Non-Contingent [Member] | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Common stock issued and issuable | 202,984 | |
Business Acquisitions [Member] | Class A Common Stock [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||
Other Commitments [Line Items] | ||
Contingent shares issuable upon satisfaction of performance thresholds | 810,742 |
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Share Repurchase Authorized by Board of Directors (Detail) | 9 Months Ended |
Sep. 30, 2018USD ($) | |
February, 2015 [Member] | |
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |
Share Repurchase Authorization | $ 150,000,000 |
Expiration | Dec. 31, 2016 |
January, 2016 [Member] | |
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |
Share Repurchase Authorization | $ 200,000,000 |
Expiration | Dec. 31, 2017 |
April, 2016 [Member] | |
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |
Share Repurchase Authorization | $ 113,182,000 |
Expiration | Dec. 31, 2017 |
November, 2016 [Member] | |
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |
Share Repurchase Authorization | $ 236,000,000 |
Expiration | Dec. 31, 2018 |
October, 2017 [Member] | |
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |
Share Repurchase Authorization | $ 200,000,000 |
Expiration | Dec. 31, 2019 |
April, 2018 [Member] | |
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items] | |
Share Repurchase Authorization | $ 300,000,000 |
Expiration | Dec. 31, 2020 |
Stockholders' Equity - Schedu_2
Stockholders' Equity - Schedule of Shares Repurchased Under the Share Repurchase Program (Detail) - $ / shares | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract] | ||
Purchase of Class A common stock (in shares) | 5,797,789 | 5,838,520 |
Average Price Per Share | $ 52.88 | $ 43.25 |
Stockholders' Equity - Addition
Stockholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | Oct. 24, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] | ||||||
Aggregate value of all shares repurchased | $ 306,591,000 | $ 252,538,000 | ||||
Share repurchase remaining authorization | $ 241,793,000 | $ 241,793,000 | ||||
Preferred stock, shares authorized | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 | |||
Preferred stock, par value | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | $ 0.01 | |||
Dividend declared per share of common stock | $ 0.44 | $ 0.41 | $ 2.59 | $ 2.40 | ||
Subsequent Event [Member] | ||||||
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] | ||||||
Dividend declared per share of common stock | $ 0.44 | |||||
Dividend payable date | Nov. 16, 2018 | |||||
Dividend date of record | Nov. 5, 2018 | |||||
Dividend declare date | Oct. 24, 2018 | |||||
April, 2018 [Member] | ||||||
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] | ||||||
Share repurchase authorization expiration date | Dec. 31, 2020 | |||||
Share Repurchase Authorization | $ 300,000,000 | $ 300,000,000 | ||||
October 24, 2018 [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | ||||||
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] | ||||||
Share repurchase remaining authorization | $ 524,000,000 | |||||
Share repurchase authorization expiration date | Dec. 31, 2020 | |||||
Share Repurchase Authorization | $ 300,000,000 | |||||
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Executive Officers [Member] | ||||||
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] | ||||||
Aggregate value of all shares repurchased | $ 16,400,000 | $ 14,700,000 | ||||
Series A Preferred Stock [Member] | ||||||
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] | ||||||
Preferred stock, shares outstanding | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
Series B Preferred Stock [Member] | ||||||
Schedule Of Stockholders Equity [Line Items] | ||||||
Preferred stock, shares outstanding | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Stockholders' Equity - Accumula
Stockholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Balance | $ 1,258,905 | $ 1,293,813 | ||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | $ (7,813) | $ 15,033 | (30,634) | 49,028 |
Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax | 949 | 1,081 | 2,788 | 3,523 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX | (6,864) | 16,114 | (27,846) | 52,551 |
Balance | 1,121,585 | 1,368,475 | 1,121,585 | 1,368,475 |
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | ||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Balance | (109,642) | (112,105) | (83,535) | (155,204) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (8,676) | 19,748 | (34,783) | 62,847 |
Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax | 0 | 0 | ||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX | (8,676) | 19,748 | (34,783) | 62,847 |
Balance | (118,318) | (92,357) | (118,318) | (92,357) |
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | ||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Balance | (143,859) | (165,682) | (148,984) | (159,020) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 863 | (4,715) | 4,149 | (13,819) |
Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax | 949 | 1,081 | 2,788 | 3,523 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX | 1,812 | (3,634) | 6,937 | (10,296) |
Balance | (142,047) | (169,316) | (142,047) | (169,316) |
AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | ||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Balance | (2) | (2) | (1) | (2) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax | 0 | |||
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Member] | ||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Balance | (253,499) | (277,785) | (232,518) | (314,222) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | (7,815) | 15,031 | (30,635) | 49,026 |
Adjustments for items reclassified to earnings, net of tax | 949 | 1,081 | 2,788 | 3,523 |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX | (6,866) | 16,112 | (27,847) | 52,549 |
Balance | (260,365) | (261,673) | (260,365) | (261,673) |
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest | ||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] | ||||
Balance | (253,501) | (277,787) | (232,519) | (314,224) |
Balance | $ (260,365) | $ (261,673) | $ (260,365) | $ (261,673) |
Stockholders' Equity - Adjustme
Stockholders' Equity - Adjustments for Items Reclassified Out of AOCI (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ||||
Total reclassifications, net of tax | $ 949 | $ 1,081 | $ 2,788 | $ 3,523 |
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] | ||||
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] | ||||
Amortization relating to employee benefit plans | 1,213 | 1,285 | 3,736 | 4,199 |
Less - related income taxes | 264 | 204 | 948 | 676 |
Total reclassifications, net of tax | $ 949 | $ 1,081 | $ 2,788 | $ 3,523 |
Stockholders' Equity - Net Inco
Stockholders' Equity - Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Change In Ownership Interest [Line Items] | |||||
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | $ 1,651 | $ 2,260 | $ 5,036 | $ 5,660 | |
Noncontrolling interests | 54,460 | 54,460 | $ 59,102 | ||
Edgewater [Member] | |||||
Change In Ownership Interest [Line Items] | |||||
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 1,651 | $ 2,260 | 5,034 | 5,657 | |
Noncontrolling interests | 53,902 | 53,902 | 58,568 | ||
Other [Member] | |||||
Change In Ownership Interest [Line Items] | |||||
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests | 2 | $ 3 | |||
Noncontrolling interests | $ 558 | $ 558 | $ 534 |
Incentive Plans - Additional In
Incentive Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Apr. 24, 2018 | |
Lazard Fund Interests [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Unrecognized compensation expense, years | 10 months 24 days | ||
Non-Executive [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Percentage of annual compensation received by directors in the form of DSUs | 55.00% | ||
RSUs [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Common stock conversion basis | one-for-one | ||
Grant date fair value, amortized periods | generally one-third after two years, and the remaining two-thirds after the third year | ||
Unrecognized compensation expense | $ 166,534 | ||
Unrecognized compensation expense, years | 9 months 18 days | ||
DSUs [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Annual compensation paid in DSUs | 30,463 | 31,280 | |
Units granted under the directors deferred unit plan | 9,837 | 10,541 | |
Restricted Stock [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Unrecognized compensation expense | $ 24,463 | ||
Unrecognized compensation expense, years | 9 months 18 days | ||
PRSUs [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Unrecognized compensation expense | $ 9,487 | ||
Unrecognized compensation expense, years | 9 months 18 days | ||
Percentage of target number of shares subject to each PRSU no longer subject to forfeiture due to threshold level of performance being achieved | 25.00% | ||
Descriptions of vesting period associated with PRSUs | PRSUs will vest on a single date approximately three years following the date of the grant | ||
Vesting period of PRSUs granted | 3 years | ||
PRSUs target share distribution for Class A common stock, description | The target number of shares of Class A common stock subject to each PRSU is one; however, based on the achievement of the performance criteria, the number of shares of Class A common stock that may be received in connection with each PRSU generally can range from zero to two times the target number. | ||
Class A Common Stock [Member] | RSUs [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Withholding taxes in lieu of share delivery | 1,640,513 | 1,282,843 | |
Delivery of common stock associated with stock awards | 3,963,388 | 2,694,634 | |
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Withholding taxes in lieu of share delivery | 290,321 | 147,775 | |
Delivery of common stock associated with stock awards | 578,991 | 336,036 | |
Class A Common Stock [Member] | PRSUs [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Withholding taxes in lieu of share delivery | 91,962 | 127,530 | |
Delivery of common stock associated with stock awards | 707,440 | 698,035 | |
Class A Common Stock [Member] | 2018 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Shares authorized pertaining to share based compensation arrangements | 30,000,000 | ||
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Awarded Under 2008 Plan [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Percentage of outstanding Class A common stock | 30.00% | ||
Compensation plan expiration period | Apr. 24, 2018 | ||
Class A Common Stock [Member] | 2005 Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | |||
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] | |||
Shares authorized pertaining to share based compensation arrangements | 25,000,000 |
Incentive Plans - Summary of Im
Incentive Plans - Summary of Impact of Share-Based Incentive Plans on Compensation and Benefits Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Share-based incentive awards: | ||||
Share-based incentive awards | $ 48,357 | $ 57,647 | $ 218,187 | $ 220,648 |
RSUs [Member] | ||||
Share-based incentive awards: | ||||
Share-based incentive awards | 38,121 | 39,898 | 154,643 | 150,193 |
PRSUs [Member] | ||||
Share-based incentive awards: | ||||
Share-based incentive awards | 3,107 | 9,896 | 31,125 | 38,095 |
Restricted Stock [Member] | ||||
Share-based incentive awards: | ||||
Share-based incentive awards | 6,950 | 7,697 | 30,323 | 30,507 |
DSUs [Member] | ||||
Share-based incentive awards: | ||||
Share-based incentive awards | $ 179 | $ 156 | $ 2,096 | $ 1,853 |
Incentive Plans - Schedule of I
Incentive Plans - Schedule of Issuance of RSUs and Charges to Retained Earnings (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | ||
Number of RSUs issued | 746,324 | 866,914 |
Charges to retained earnings, net of estimated forfeitures | $ 38,923 | $ 36,482 |
Incentive Plans - Schedule of A
Incentive Plans - Schedule of Activity Relating to RSUs and DSUs (Detail) - $ / shares | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
RSUs [Member] | ||
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items] | ||
Units, Beginning Balance | 12,919,846 | 11,698,138 |
Units, Granted | 4,096,939 | 5,294,156 |
Units, Forfeited | (130,138) | (162,320) |
Units, Vested | (5,603,901) | (3,977,477) |
Units, Ending Balance | 11,282,746 | 12,852,497 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance | $ 40.23 | $ 40.65 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | 53.78 | 43.01 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | 45.11 | 39.97 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | 42.88 | 45.27 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance | $ 43.78 | $ 40.20 |
DSUs [Member] | ||
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items] | ||
Units, Beginning Balance | 278,422 | 276,725 |
Units, Granted | 40,300 | 41,821 |
Units, Vested | (43,465) | |
Units, Ending Balance | 318,722 | 275,081 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance | $ 37.46 | $ 36.05 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | 52 | 44.30 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | 35.77 | |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance | $ 39.30 | $ 37.35 |
Incentive Plans - Schedule of_2
Incentive Plans - Schedule of Activity Relating to RSUs and DSUs (Parenthetical) (Detail) - shares | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] | ||
Dividend participation rights | 746,324 | 866,914 |
Incentive Plans - Summary of Ac
Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity Related to Shares of Restricted Class A Common Stock (Detail) - Restricted Stock [Member] - $ / shares | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items] | ||
Units, Beginning Balance | 1,938,160 | 1,655,073 |
Units, Granted | 529,987 | 841,355 |
Units, Forfeited | (30,950) | (65,086) |
Units, Vested | (869,312) | (483,811) |
Units, Ending Balance | 1,567,885 | 1,947,531 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance | $ 40.54 | $ 40.95 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | 54.45 | 42.58 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited | 46.31 | 40.80 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | 44.15 | 45.42 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance | $ 43.13 | $ 40.54 |
Incentive Plans - Summary of _2
Incentive Plans - Summary of Activity Relating to PRSUs (Detail) - PRSUs [Member] - $ / shares | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award [Line Items] | ||
Units, Beginning Balance | 1,591,693 | 1,590,756 |
Units, Granted | 399,869 | 458,113 |
Units, Vested | (799,402) | (825,565) |
Units, Ending Balance | 1,192,160 | 1,223,304 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Beginning Balance | $ 42.46 | $ 40.76 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted | 56.80 | 43.76 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested | 46.74 | 42.27 |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Ending Balance | $ 44.39 | $ 40.86 |
Incentive Plans - Summary of LF
Incentive Plans - Summary of LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 9 Months Ended | |
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Excluding Share Based Payments And Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] | ||
Compensation Liability, Beginning Balance | $ 198,417 | |
Compensation Liability, Ending Balance | 206,729 | |
LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Member] | ||
Deferred Compensation Arrangement With Individual Excluding Share Based Payments And Postretirement Benefits [Line Items] | ||
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Beginning Balance | 60,355 | $ 49,650 |
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Granted | 104,740 | 77,580 |
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Forfeited | (1,166) | (866) |
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Amortization | (68,145) | (52,702) |
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Other | (1,489) | 1,515 |
Prepaid Compensation Asset, Ending Balance | 94,295 | 75,177 |
Compensation Liability, Beginning Balance | 182,301 | 170,388 |
Compensation Liability, Granted | 104,740 | 77,580 |
Compensation Liability, Settled | (85,335) | (95,718) |
Compensation Liability, Forfeited | (1,767) | (1,647) |
Compensation Liability, Increase in fair value of underlying investments | 1,712 | 17,981 |
Compensation Liability, Adjustment for estimated forfeitures | 3,730 | 5,333 |
Compensation Liability, Other | (1,403) | 1,833 |
Compensation Liability, Ending Balance | $ 203,978 | $ 175,750 |
Incentive Plans - Summary of _3
Incentive Plans - Summary of Impact of LFI and Other Similar Deferred Compensation Arrangements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Share Based Compensation [Abstract] | ||||
Amortization, net of forfeitures | $ 19,145 | $ 15,961 | $ 71,274 | $ 57,254 |
Change in the fair value of underlying investments | 3,647 | 4,875 | 1,712 | 17,981 |
Total | $ 22,792 | $ 20,836 | $ 72,986 | $ 75,235 |
Employee Benefit Plans - Compon
Employee Benefit Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) (Detail) - Pension Plans [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit): | ||||
Service cost | $ 217 | $ 373 | $ 670 | $ 1,048 |
Interest cost | 3,822 | 4,191 | 11,861 | 12,258 |
Expected return on plan assets | (7,315) | (6,295) | (22,681) | (18,855) |
Amortization of: | ||||
Prior service cost | 30 | |||
Net actuarial loss (gain) | 1,213 | 1,285 | 3,736 | 4,169 |
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) | $ (2,063) | $ (446) | $ (6,414) | $ (1,350) |
Income Taxes - Additional Infor
Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Jan. 01, 2017 | |
Income Tax [Line Items] | ||||||
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | 21.00% | 35.00% | ||||
Reduction in deferred tax assets due to tax cuts and jobs act | $ 420,000 | |||||
Income tax provisions | $ 29,956 | $ 32,742 | $ 105,684 | $ 124,109 | ||
Effective income tax rates | 21.60% | 22.70% | 20.20% | 26.60% | ||
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle [Member] | ||||||
Income Tax [Line Items] | ||||||
Income tax provisions | $ 32,287 | $ 9,053 | ||||
Deferred tax assets recorded for previously unrecognized excess tax benefits on share-based payment awards | $ 81,544 | |||||
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance | $ 12,090 |
Net Income Per Share of Class_3
Net Income Per Share of Class A Common Stock - Company's Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Share and Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | |
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] | ||||
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - basic | $ 107,074 | $ 109,210 | $ 413,729 | $ 337,141 |
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd - diluted | $ 107,074 | $ 109,210 | $ 413,729 | $ 337,141 |
Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding | 119,197,949 | 120,987,607 | 119,647,775 | 121,868,223 |
Add - adjustment for shares of Class A common stock issuable on a non-contingent basis | 258,567 | 255,991 | 249,851 | 274,080 |
Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding - basic | 119,456,516 | 121,243,598 | 119,897,626 | 122,142,303 |
Weighted average number of incremental shares of Class A common stock issuable from share-based incentive compensation | 10,403,212 | 11,150,066 | 10,852,766 | 10,265,248 |
Weighted average number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding - diluted | 129,859,728 | 132,393,664 | 130,750,392 | 132,407,551 |
Net income attributable to Lazard Ltd per share of Class A common stock: | ||||
Basic | $ 0.90 | $ 0.90 | $ 3.45 | $ 2.76 |
Diluted | $ 0.82 | $ 0.82 | $ 3.16 | $ 2.55 |
Related Parties - Additional In
Related Parties - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Oct. 26, 2015 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 |
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||||||
Fees receivable | $ 546,808 | $ 546,808 | $ 487,800 | |||
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | 21.00% | 35.00% | ||||
Sponsored Funds [Member] | ||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||||||
Fees receivable | 69,430 | $ 69,430 | $ 69,107 | |||
LTBP Trust [Member] | ||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||||||
Amount of cash savings in income or franchise tax that would be realized as a result of increases in tax basis and certain other tax benefits related to the amended and restated tax receivable agreement | 45.00% | |||||
Cash tax saving that may arise from tax benefits attributable to payments under the amended and restated tax receivable agreement | 85.00% | |||||
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate | 21.00% | 35.00% | ||||
Reduction in tax receivable agreement obligation | $ 202,546 | |||||
Cumulative liability relating to obligations under Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement | 277,163 | $ 277,163 | $ 310,275 | |||
Payments under tax receivable agreement | 33,112 | |||||
Asset Management Fees [Member] | ||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||||||
Revenue | 312,790 | $ 301,719 | 986,777 | $ 868,522 | ||
Asset Management Fees [Member] | Sponsored Funds [Member] | ||||||
Related Party Transaction [Line Items] | ||||||
Revenue | $ 158,425 | $ 163,767 | $ 510,414 | $ 471,727 |
Regulatory Authorities - Additi
Regulatory Authorities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 |
LFNY [Member] | ||
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items] | ||
Specified fixed percentage, minimum required capital | 6.67% | |
Minimum net capital requirement as defined under exchange act | $ 100,000 | |
Regulatory capital | 71,698,000 | |
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement | $ 69,461,000 | |
Aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio | 0.47 | |
LFNY [Member] | Maximum [Member] | ||
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items] | ||
Aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio | 15 | |
U.K. Subsidiaries [Member] | ||
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory capital | $ 165,474,000 | |
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement | 145,285,000 | |
CFLF [Member] | ||
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory capital | 129,777,000 | |
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement | 69,918,000 | |
Combined European Regulated Group [Member] | ||
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory capital | $ 197,797,000 | |
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement | $ 94,827,000 | |
Other U.S. and Non-U.S. Subsidiaries [Member] | ||
Regulatory Requirements [Line Items] | ||
Regulatory capital | 148,447,000 | |
Regulatory capital in excess of minimum requirement | $ 120,949,000 |
Segment Information - Segment's
Segment Information - Segment's Contribution with Respect to Net Revenue, Operating Expenses, Operating Income (Loss) and Total Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | |||
Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2017 | |
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||
Net Revenue | $ 626,481 | $ 624,859 | $ 2,139,117 | $ 1,965,503 | |
Operating Expenses | 487,800 | 480,647 | 1,614,668 | 1,498,593 | |
Operating Income (Loss) | 138,681 | 144,212 | 524,449 | 466,910 | |
Total Assets | 4,944,778 | 4,944,778 | $ 4,928,677 | ||
Operating Segments [Member] | Financial Advisory Segment [Member] | |||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||
Net Revenue | 310,418 | 305,890 | 1,141,628 | 1,052,584 | |
Operating Expenses | 250,651 | 245,465 | 893,524 | 821,935 | |
Operating Income (Loss) | 59,767 | 60,425 | 248,104 | 230,649 | |
Total Assets | 876,289 | 876,289 | 843,142 | ||
Operating Segments [Member] | Asset Management Segment [Member] | |||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||
Net Revenue | 325,240 | 320,487 | 1,032,111 | 913,728 | |
Operating Expenses | 211,564 | 217,233 | 670,794 | 621,885 | |
Operating Income (Loss) | 113,676 | 103,254 | 361,317 | 291,843 | |
Total Assets | 696,400 | 696,400 | 756,398 | ||
Corporate [Member] | |||||
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] | |||||
Net Revenue | (9,177) | (1,518) | (34,622) | (809) | |
Operating Expenses | 25,585 | 17,949 | 50,350 | 54,773 | |
Operating Income (Loss) | (34,762) | $ (19,467) | (84,972) | $ (55,582) | |
Total Assets | $ 3,372,089 | $ 3,372,089 | $ 3,329,137 |