Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 208,004	$ 126,524	$ 141,865
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments		(465)	(249)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	(453)	2,292	(1,485)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(453)	1,827	(1,734)
Comprehensive income (loss)	207,551	128,351	140,131
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	67,249	98,056	102,395
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Moelis & Company	$ 140,302	$ 30,295	$ 37,736