Bank Loans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market	$ 250,725		$ 250,725		$ 189,921
Gains (losses) recognized from sale of loans	4,100	$ 3,500	6,900	$ 6,100
Impaired loans more than 90 days past due	35,100		35,100		1,100
Troubled debt restructurings	200		200		300
Specific allowance	$ 2,728		$ 2,728		$ 188
Collateralized loan portfolio	97.20%		97.20%		97.20%
Stifel Bank [Member] | Executive Officers Directors and Their Affiliates [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans outstanding amount	$ 600		$ 600		$ 2,000
Stifel Financial Corp. [Member] | Executive Officers Directors and Their Affiliates [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans outstanding amount	$ 8,600		$ 8,600		$ 7,200