CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME UNAUDITED - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 4,703	$ 4,987
Expenses
Compensation	6,324	6,783
Stock-based compensation	72	444
Other operating expenses	2,557	2,092
Total expenses	8,953	9,319
Operating loss	(4,250)	(4,332)
Other income (expense)
Net loss from investments	(27,530)	(14,401)
Interest and dividend income	2,707	2,257
Interest expense	(33)	(70)
Shareholder-designated contribution	0	(4,895)
Total other income (expense), net	(24,856)	(17,109)
Loss before income taxes	(29,106)	(21,441)
Income tax benefit	(6,734)	(8,424)
Net loss	(22,372)	(13,017)
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(143)	61
Net loss attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders	$ (22,229)	$ (13,078)
Net loss attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.'s shareholders per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.95)	$ (0.55)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.95)	$ (0.55)
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	23,508	23,829
Diluted (in shares)	23,508	23,829
Dividends declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Investment Advisory and Incentive Fees [Member]
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 2,529	$ 2,401
Institutional Research Services [Member]
Revenues
Total revenues	2,152	2,582
Other [Member]
Revenues
Total revenues	$ 22	$ 4