EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 01, 2011 Australian JV	Sep. 30, 2014 Australian JV	Sep. 30, 2013 Australian JV	Sep. 30, 2014 Australian JV	Sep. 30, 2013 Australian JV	Dec. 31, 2013 Australian JV	Apr. 01, 2010 Australian JV Australian trust	Jun. 30, 2014 Entity controlled by Moelis Asset Management LP	Sep. 30, 2014 Entity controlled by Moelis Asset Management LP	Sep. 30, 2014 Entity controlled by Moelis Asset Management LP
Investment in Joint Venture
Ownership percentage						50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%		50.00%
Vesting period					8 years
Additional equity recognized from Australian JV equity-based contributions								$ 5,350	$ 1,112
Additional investment in joint venture recognized from Australian JV equity-based contributions								2,675	556
Contribution of equity awards recognized in other expenses								2,675	556
Dividends received				2,375					2,375
Investment made			4,445					4,180				265
Summary financial information related to Moelis Australia Holdings
Total assets						31,740		31,740		38,465
Total liabilities						(6,327)		(6,327)		(15,760)
Net equity						25,413		25,413		22,705
Total revenues						9,863	10,782	17,443	30,390
Total expenses						(7,653)	(7,304)	(23,375)	(25,213)
Net income (loss)						2,210	3,478	(5,932)	5,177
Ownership percentage						50.00%	50.00%	50.00%	50.00%		50.00%
Income (loss) from equity method investments	$ 1,105	$ 1,739	$ (2,966)	$ 2,588		$ 1,105	$ 1,739	$ (2,966)	$ 2,588				$ 0	$ 0