Employee Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Company contributions to Evercore Europe Plan	$ 2,094	$ 1,496	$ 1,317
Maximum [Member]
Define contribution plans annual contribution percentage by employee	50.00%
Define contribution plans additional contribution percentage by employee	10.00%
Defined contribution plans employee contribution percentage of eligible compensation matched by employer	10.00%
Minimum [Member]
Define contribution plans annual contribution percentage by employee	15.00%
Define contribution plans additional contribution percentage by employee	7.50%
Defined contribution plans employee contribution percentage of eligible compensation matched by employer	5.00%