Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2022 USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Fair value of derivative contracts meeting the definition of a guarantee	$ 398,100,000
Standby letters of credit
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit	$ 6,700,000
Expiration period maximum	1 year
Jefferies Finance
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Line of credit commitment to associated companies, funded portion	$ 0
Line of credit facility commitment of Jefferies	$ 250,000,000
Berkadia
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Reimbursement of losses incurred, maximum percentage	50.00%
Surety policy issued	$ 1,500,000,000
Aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding	1,470,000,000
HomeFed
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate amount of infrastructure improvement bonds outstanding	75,700,000
Jefferies Capital Partners LLC and its private equity funds
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Equity commitments	10,700,000
Other Investments
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Equity commitments	66,300,000
Clients
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Outstanding loan commitments	85,300,000
Oak Hill Entities
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Equity commitments	$ 71,800,000