Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	NOTE 3 – Acquisitions Kelwynne, LLC On October 7, 2015, Stifel Aviation Finance Acquisition, LLC (“SAFA”) completed the acquisition of Kelwynne, LLC. On October 19, 2015, SAFA sold Kelwynne, LLC to Stifel Aviation Finance II, LLC (“SAF2”). Stifel Venture Corp owns 40% of SAF2’s Class A units. Upon SAFA’s sale of Kelwynne, LLC to SAF2, the Company deconsolidated SAF2, as it was no longer majority-owned or controlled the Company. Barclays’ Wealth and Investment Management, Americas On December 4, 2015, we completed the purchase of the Barclays' Wealth and Investment Management, Americas (“Barclays”), franchise in the U.S. The Company paid purchase consideration that was funded with cash from operations. As part of that transaction, Stifel Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired approximately $600.0 million of bank loans, at fair value, from Barclays. The fair values for those loans were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $32.2 million of goodwill in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management segment. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and will be finalized upon completion of the analysis of the fair values of the net assets of Barclays at closing and the identified intangible assets. The final goodwill and intangible assets recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition may differ from that reflected herein as a result of future measurement period adjustments. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of the hired financial advisors and the conversion of the customer accounts to the Stifel platform. Goodwill is expected to be deductible for federal income tax purposes. In addition, deferred consideration is payable based on certain revenue generated by Stifel in accordance with the distribution agreement. The deferred consideration of $15.6 million has been recognized as a liability and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 2015. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company finalized the service terms for the approximately 2.0 million restricted stock units granted in connection with the Barclays transaction. The Company expects to expense approximately $60.0 million in the first quarter of 2016, related to the majority of those awards. Pro forma information is not presented, because the acquisition is not considered to be material, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The results of operations of Barclays have been included in our results prospectively from the date of acquisition. Sterne Agee Group, Inc. On June 5, 2015, we completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sterne Agee Group, Inc. (“Sterne Agee”), a financial services firm that offers comprehensive wealth management and investment services to a diverse client base including corporations, municipalities, and individual investors. The purchase was completed pursuant to the merger agreement dated February 23, 2015. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $90.1 million of goodwill and intangible assets in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management and Institutional Group segments. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and will be finalized upon completion of the analysis of the fair values of the net assets of Sterne Agee at closing and the identified intangible assets. The final goodwill and intangible assets recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition may differ from that reflected herein as a result of future measurement period adjustments. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Sterne Agee’s business and the reputation and expertise of Sterne Agee in the financial services sector. On June 5, 2015, certain employees were granted restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $23.8 million. The fair value of the awards is based upon the closing price of our company’s common stock on the date of grant. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for nine months ended September 30, 2015. In addition, we have paid $33.8 million in the form of notes to associates for retention. These notes will be forgiven by a charge to compensation and benefits over a five- to ten-year period if the individual satisfies certain conditions, usually based on continued employment and certain performance standards. Prior to the closing date, Sterne Agee had established adequate reserves for various claims that were included in the opening balance sheet. During the third quarter of 2015, this matter was settled and paid, and the excess reserves associated with the Canyon Ridge matter were distributed to Sterne Agee Group, Inc. shareholders. Under the terms of the agreements governing the acquisition, we have withheld a portion of the purchase price of Sterne Agee Group, Inc. pending the resolution of currently existing or subsequently arising liabilities relating to the operation of the Sterne Agee Group Inc. business prior to the closing of the acquisition. Based upon currently available information and review with counsel, we believe the amounts which we are allowed to withhold will be adequate to fully indemnify us from any losses related to the pre-closing operations of Sterne Agee Group, Inc. Pro forma information is not presented, because the acquisition is not considered to be material, as defined by the SEC. The results of operations of Sterne Agee have been included in our results prospectively from the date of acquisition. Merchant Capital, LLC On December 31, 2014, we acquired Merchant, a public finance investment banking firm headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, which serves the Southeastern market. The strategic combination of our company and Merchant is expected to further strengthen our company’s position in several key underwriting markets in the Southeast. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $17.9 million of goodwill as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company's Institutional Group segment. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Merchant’s business and the reputation and expertise of Merchant in the public finance space within the investment banking sector. 1919 Investment Counsel & Trust Co., National Association On November 7, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 1919 Investment Counsel and 1919, an asset management firm and trust company that provides customized investment advisory and trust services, on a discretionary basis, to individuals, families, and institutions throughout the country. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $11.6 million of goodwill as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management segment. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships with estimated acquisition-date fair value of $6.1 million. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of 1919 Investment Counsel’s business and the reputation and expertise of 1919 Investment Counsel in the asset management sector and as a trust company. On November 7, 2014, certain employees were granted restricted stock or restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $11.2 million. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. In addition, we have paid $10.8 million in the form of notes to associates for retention. These notes will be forgiven by a charge to compensation and benefits over a five- to ten-year period if the individual satisfies certain conditions, usually based on continued employment and certain performance standards. Oriel Securities On July 31, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Oriel, a London-based stockbroking and investment banking firm. The combination of our company and Oriel has created a significant middle-market investment banking group in London, with broad research coverage across most sectors of the economy, equity and debt sales and trading, and investment banking services. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $18.2 million of goodwill as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Institutional Group segment. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of trade name and non-compete agreements with estimated acquisition-date fair values of $1.9 million and $1.4 million, respectively. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Oriel’s business and the reputation and expertise of Oriel in the investment banking sector in the United Kingdom. On July 31, 2014, certain employees were granted restricted stock or restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $6.8 million. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. De La Rosa & Co. On April 3, 2014, we acquired De La Rosa, a California-based public finance investment banking boutique. The addition of the De La Rosa team is expected to further strengthen our company’s position in a number of key underwriting markets in California. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $17.4 million of goodwill as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Institutional Group segment. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships and trade name with estimated acquisition-date fair values of $0.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of De La Rosa’s business and the reputation and expertise of De La Rosa in the investment banking sector. Acacia Federal Savings Bank (“Acacia Federal”) On October 31, 2013, Stifel Bank completed its acquisition of Acacia Federal Savings Bank, a federally chartered savings institution with one retail branch. Under the agreement, we acquired approximately $337.1 million of loans and $180.4 million of other assets (primarily cash and due from banks and investment securities). In addition, we assumed approximately $435.4 million of deposits and $10.0 million of other liabilities. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” The fair values for loans were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms. This value was reduced by an estimate of probable losses and the credit risk associated with the loans. The fair values of deposits were estimated by discounting cash flows using interest rates currently being offered on deposits with similar maturities. We recognized a $7.6 million bargain purchase gain during the year ended December 31, 2013, which is included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Ziegler Capital Management, LLC On November 30, 2013, we acquired ZCM, an asset management firm that provides investment solutions for institutions, mutual fund sub-advisory clients, municipalities, pension plans, Taft-Hartley plans, and individual investors. The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $6.8 million of goodwill as an asset in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management segment. Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships and trade name with acquisition-date fair values of $3.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of ZCM’s business and the reputation and expertise of ZCM in the asset management sector. KBW, Inc. On February 15, 2013, we completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of KBW, Inc. (“KBW, Inc.”), a full-service investment bank specializing in the financial services industry based in New York, New York. The purchase was completed pursuant to the merger agreement dated November 5, 2012. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each share of common stock, including certain restricted stock, of KBW, Inc. issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger was cancelled and converted into the right to receive a combination of cash. In addition, on February 15, 2013, certain employees were granted restricted stock or restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $30.6 million. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013. Stone & Youngberg LLC On October 1, 2011, we acquired Stone & Youngberg, a leading financial services firm specializing in municipal finance and fixed income securities. The purchase consideration consisted of cash, a portion paid at closing and $24.0 million to be paid in installments over the next three years, and common stock. In addition, we may be required to pay a contingent earn-out over a five-year period after the closing, which is capped at $25.0 million, based upon revenue goals, as established in the purchase agreement. We recognized a liability for estimated earn-out payments over the five-year period. Additionally, we recognized a liability for the installment payments to be made over the next year. The liability for earn-out payments was $9.3 million at December 31, 2015. These liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

NOTE 3 – Acquisitions

Kelwynne, LLC

On October 7, 2015, Stifel Aviation Finance Acquisition, LLC (“SAFA”) completed the acquisition of Kelwynne, LLC. On October 19, 2015, SAFA sold Kelwynne, LLC to Stifel Aviation Finance II, LLC (“SAF2”). Stifel Venture Corp owns 40% of SAF2’s Class A units. Upon SAFA’s sale of Kelwynne, LLC to SAF2, the Company deconsolidated SAF2, as it was no longer majority-owned or controlled the Company.

Barclays’ Wealth and Investment Management, Americas

On December 4, 2015, we completed the purchase of the Barclays' Wealth and Investment Management, Americas (“Barclays”), franchise in the U.S. The Company paid purchase consideration that was funded with cash from operations. As part of that transaction, Stifel Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired approximately $600.0 million of bank loans, at fair value, from Barclays. The fair values for those loans were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $32.2 million of goodwill in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management segment. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and will be finalized upon completion of the analysis of the fair values of the net assets of Barclays at closing and the identified intangible assets. The final goodwill and intangible assets recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition may differ from that reflected herein as a result of future measurement period adjustments. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of the hired financial advisors and the conversion of the customer accounts to the Stifel platform. Goodwill is expected to be deductible for federal income tax purposes.

In addition, deferred consideration is payable based on certain revenue generated by Stifel in accordance with the distribution agreement. The deferred consideration of $15.6 million has been recognized as a liability and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition at December 31, 2015.

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company finalized the service terms for the approximately 2.0 million restricted stock units granted in connection with the Barclays transaction. The Company expects to expense approximately $60.0 million in the first quarter of 2016, related to the majority of those awards.

Pro forma information is not presented, because the acquisition is not considered to be material, as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The results of operations of Barclays have been included in our results prospectively from the date of acquisition.

Sterne Agee Group, Inc.

On June 5, 2015, we completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sterne Agee Group, Inc. (“Sterne Agee”), a financial services firm that offers comprehensive wealth management and investment services to a diverse client base including corporations, municipalities, and individual investors. The purchase was completed pursuant to the merger agreement dated February 23, 2015.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 (“Topic 805”), “Business Combinations.” Accordingly, goodwill was measured as the excess of the acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred over the amount of acquisition-date identifiable assets acquired net of assumed liabilities. We recorded $90.1 million of goodwill and intangible assets in the consolidated statement of financial condition, which has been allocated to our company’s Global Wealth Management and Institutional Group segments. The allocation of the purchase price is preliminary and will be finalized upon completion of the analysis of the fair values of the net assets of Sterne Agee at closing and the identified intangible assets. The final goodwill and intangible assets recorded on the consolidated statement of financial condition may differ from that reflected herein as a result of future measurement period adjustments. In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Sterne Agee’s business and the reputation and expertise of Sterne Agee in the financial services sector.

On June 5, 2015, certain employees were granted restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $23.8 million. The fair value of the awards is based upon the closing price of our company’s common stock on the date of grant. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for nine months ended September 30, 2015. In addition, we have paid $33.8 million in the form of notes to associates for retention. These notes will be forgiven by a charge to compensation and benefits over a five- to ten-year period if the individual satisfies certain conditions, usually based on continued employment and certain performance standards.

Prior to the closing date, Sterne Agee had established adequate reserves for various claims that were included in the opening balance sheet. During the third quarter of 2015, this matter was settled and paid, and the excess reserves associated with the Canyon Ridge matter were distributed to Sterne Agee Group, Inc. shareholders. Under the terms of the agreements governing the acquisition, we have withheld a portion of the purchase price of Sterne Agee Group, Inc. pending the resolution of currently existing or subsequently arising liabilities relating to the operation of the Sterne Agee Group Inc. business prior to the closing of the acquisition. Based upon currently available information and review with counsel, we believe the amounts which we are allowed to withhold will be adequate to fully indemnify us from any losses related to the pre-closing operations of Sterne Agee Group, Inc.

Pro forma information is not presented, because the acquisition is not considered to be material, as defined by the SEC. The results of operations of Sterne Agee have been included in our results prospectively from the date of acquisition.

Merchant Capital, LLC

On December 31, 2014, we acquired Merchant, a public finance investment banking firm headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, which serves the Southeastern market. The strategic combination of our company and Merchant is expected to further strengthen our company’s position in several key underwriting markets in the Southeast.

1919 Investment Counsel & Trust Co., National Association

On November 7, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 1919 Investment Counsel and 1919, an asset management firm and trust company that provides customized investment advisory and trust services, on a discretionary basis, to individuals, families, and institutions throughout the country.

Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships with estimated acquisition-date fair value of $6.1 million.

In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of 1919 Investment Counsel’s business and the reputation and expertise of 1919 Investment Counsel in the asset management sector and as a trust company.

On November 7, 2014, certain employees were granted restricted stock or restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $11.2 million. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. In addition, we have paid $10.8 million in the form of notes to associates for retention. These notes will be forgiven by a charge to compensation and benefits over a five- to ten-year period if the individual satisfies certain conditions, usually based on continued employment and certain performance standards.

Oriel Securities

On July 31, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Oriel, a London-based stockbroking and investment banking firm. The combination of our company and Oriel has created a significant middle-market investment banking group in London, with broad research coverage across most sectors of the economy, equity and debt sales and trading, and investment banking services.

In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of Oriel’s business and the reputation and expertise of Oriel in the investment banking sector in the United Kingdom.

On July 31, 2014, certain employees were granted restricted stock or restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $6.8 million. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

De La Rosa & Co.

On April 3, 2014, we acquired De La Rosa, a California-based public finance investment banking boutique. The addition of the De La Rosa team is expected to further strengthen our company’s position in a number of key underwriting markets in California.

In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of De La Rosa’s business and the reputation and expertise of De La Rosa in the investment banking sector.

Acacia Federal Savings Bank (“Acacia Federal”)

On October 31, 2013, Stifel Bank completed its acquisition of Acacia Federal Savings Bank, a federally chartered savings institution with one retail branch.

Under the agreement, we acquired approximately $337.1 million of loans and $180.4 million of other assets (primarily cash and due from banks and investment securities). In addition, we assumed approximately $435.4 million of deposits and $10.0 million of other liabilities. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair value in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” The fair values for loans were estimated using discounted cash flow analyses using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms. This value was reduced by an estimate of probable losses and the credit risk associated with the loans. The fair values of deposits were estimated by discounting cash flows using interest rates currently being offered on deposits with similar maturities.

We recognized a $7.6 million bargain purchase gain during the year ended December 31, 2013, which is included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations.

Ziegler Capital Management, LLC

On November 30, 2013, we acquired ZCM, an asset management firm that provides investment solutions for institutions, mutual fund sub-advisory clients, municipalities, pension plans, Taft-Hartley plans, and individual investors.

Identifiable intangible assets purchased by our company consisted of customer relationships and trade name with acquisition-date fair values of $3.4 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

In management’s opinion, the goodwill represents the value expected from the synergies created through the operational enhancement benefits that will result from the integration of ZCM’s business and the reputation and expertise of ZCM in the asset management sector.

KBW, Inc.

On February 15, 2013, we completed the purchase of all of the outstanding shares of common stock of KBW, Inc. (“KBW, Inc.”), a full-service investment bank specializing in the financial services industry based in New York, New York. The purchase was completed pursuant to the merger agreement dated November 5, 2012. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each share of common stock, including certain restricted stock, of KBW, Inc. issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger was cancelled and converted into the right to receive a combination of cash.

In addition, on February 15, 2013, certain employees were granted restricted stock or restricted stock units of our company as retention. The fair value of the awards issued as retention was $30.6 million. There are no continuing service requirements associated with these restricted stock units, and accordingly, they were expensed at date of grant. This charge is included in compensation and benefits in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Stone & Youngberg LLC

On October 1, 2011, we acquired Stone & Youngberg, a leading financial services firm specializing in municipal finance and fixed income securities. The purchase consideration consisted of cash, a portion paid at closing and $24.0 million to be paid in installments over the next three years, and common stock. In addition, we may be required to pay a contingent earn-out over a five-year period after the closing, which is capped at $25.0 million, based upon revenue goals, as established in the purchase agreement.

We recognized a liability for estimated earn-out payments over the five-year period. Additionally, we recognized a liability for the installment payments to be made over the next year. The liability for earn-out payments was $9.3 million at December 31, 2015. These liabilities are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the consolidated statements of financial condition.