Bank Loans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market	$ 217,316		$ 217,316		$ 189,921
Gains (losses) recognized from sale of loans	4,900	$ 3,500	11,700	$ 6,100
Impaired loans more than 90 days past due	28,300		28,300		1,100
Troubled debt restructurings	9,800		9,800		300
Specific allowance	$ 2,595		$ 2,595		$ 188
Collateralized loan portfolio	97.60%		97.60%		97.20%
Stifel Bank [Member] | Executive Officers Directors and Their Affiliates [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans outstanding amount	$ 500		$ 500		$ 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