Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 5,215	$ 17,096	$ 43,334	$ 60,350
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(352)	(399)	(326)	(143)
Comprehensive income	4,863	16,697	43,008	60,207
Comprehensive income applicable to noncontrolling interests	384	2,428	4,532	9,721
Comprehensive income applicable to Piper Jaffray Companies	$ 4,479	$ 14,269	$ 38,476	$ 50,486