Regulatory Capital Requirements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011 Stifel Nicolaus [Member]
Net capital under the alternative method	$ 1.0
Aggregate debit balances	2.00%	30.70%
Net capital		190.2
Excess of minimum required net capital		$ 177.8

Percentage af aggregate debit balances

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- Definition

The amount of net capital in excess of the alternative minimum required net capital.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Rule 15c3

-Number 240

-Section 1

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph ii

-Subsection a

-Article 15c3

+ Details

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- Definition

Total net capital requirement computed under the alternative method allowed under regulatory reporting requirements.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Rule 15c3

-Number 240

-Section 1

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph ii

-Subsection a

-Article 15c3

+ Details

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Balance Type:	debit
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- Definition

Net capital is equal to the net worth of the broker dealer, less certain items such as exchange memberships, carrying value of securities not readily marketable, haircuts on marketable securities in proprietary accounts, furniture and equipment and other illiquid assets as defined.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Rule 15c3

-Number 240

-Section 1

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph ii

-Subsection a

-Article 15c3

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)

-Number AAG-BRD

-Chapter 4

-Paragraph 80

-Subparagraph Exhibit 4-8

-IssueDate 2006-05-01

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)

-Number AAG-BRD

-Chapter 4

-Paragraph 80

-Subparagraph Exhibit 4-8, 15

-IssueDate 2006-05-01

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

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