CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME UNAUDITED - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME UNAUDITED [Abstract]
Net loss		$ (22,372)	$ (13,017)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale	[1]	0	10,569
Other comprehensive income		0	10,569
Comprehensive loss		(22,372)	(2,448)
Less: Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(143)	61
Comprehensive loss attributable to Associated Capital Group, Inc.		$ (22,229)	$ (2,509)

[1] Net of income tax expense of $0 and $5,945, respectively.