Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Nov. 30, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition Policies

Revenue Recognition Policies

Commissions.    All customer securities transactions are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition on a settlement date basis with related income reported on a trade-date basis. We permit institutional customers to allocate a portion of their gross commissions to pay for research products and other services provided by third parties. The amounts allocated for those purposes are commonly referred to as soft dollar arrangements. Soft dollar expenses amounted to $47.9 million, $37.0 million and $32.5 million for the twelve months ended November 30, 2011, eleven months ended November 30, 2010 and twelve months ended December 31, 2009, respectively. We account for the cost of these arrangements on an accrual basis. As we are not the primary obligor for these arrangements, expenses relating to soft dollars are netted against commission revenues. The commissions and related expenses on client transactions executed by Jefferies Bache, LLC, a futures commission merchant, are recorded on a half-turn basis.

Under clearing agreements, we clear trades for unaffiliated correspondent brokers and retain a portion of commissions as a fee for our services. Correspondent clearing revenues are included in Other revenue. In November 2010, we entered into an agreement to sell certain correspondent broker accounts and assign the related clearing arrangements. The purchase price was dependent on the number and amount of client accounts that convert to the purchaser’s platform and revenue was recognized upon the completed transfer of client accounts. During fiscal 2011, proceeds amounted to $11.0 million were received, of which revenues of $9.1 million was recognized and included within Other income on the Consolidated Statement of Earnings

Cash Equivalents

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments, including money market funds, not held for resale with original maturities of three months or less.

Cash and Securities Segregated and on Deposit for Regulatory Purposes or Deposited With Clearing and Depository Organizations

Cash and Securities Segregated and on Deposit for Regulatory Purposes or Deposited With Clearing and Depository Organizations

In accordance with Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Jefferies as a broker-dealer carrying client accounts, is subject to requirements related to maintaining cash or qualified securities in a segregated reserve account for the exclusive benefit of its clients. In addition, certain financial instruments used for initial and variation margin purposes with clearing and depository organizations are recorded in this caption. Jefferies Bache, LLC, as a futures commission merchant, is obligated by rules mandated by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission under the Commodities Exchange Act, to segregate or set aside cash or qualified securities to satisfy such regulations, which regulations have been promulgated to protect customer assets.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries having non-U.S. dollar functional currencies are translated at exchange rates at the end of a period. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates during the period. The gains or losses resulting from translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars, net of hedging gains or losses and taxes, if any, are included in Other comprehensive income. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in Principal transactions in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

Financial instruments owned and Financial instruments sold, not yet purchased are recorded at fair value, either as required by accounting pronouncements or through the fair value option election. These instruments primarily represent our trading activities and include both cash and derivative products. Gains and losses are recognized in Principal transactions in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price).

Investments in Managed Funds

Investments in Managed Funds

Investments in managed funds include our investments in funds managed by us and our investments in related-party managed funds in which we are entitled to a portion of the management and/or performance fees. Investments in nonconsolidated managed funds are accounted for at fair value. Gains or losses on our investments in managed funds are included in Asset management fees and investment income from managed funds in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

Receivable from, and Payable to, Customers

Receivable from, and Payable to, Customers

Receivable from and payable to customers includes amounts receivable and payable on cash and margin transactions. Securities owned by customers and held as collateral for these receivables are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Receivable from officers and directors included within this financial statement line item represents balances arising from their individual security transactions. These transactions are subject to the same regulations as customer transactions and are provided on substantially the same terms.

Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned

Securities Borrowed and Securities Loaned

Securities borrowed and securities loaned are carried at the amounts of cash collateral advanced and received in connection with the transactions and accounted for as collateralized financing transactions. In connection with both trading and brokerage activities, we borrow securities to cover short sales and to complete transactions in which customers have failed to deliver securities by the required settlement date, and lend securities to other brokers and dealers for similar purposes. We have an active securities borrowed and lending matched book business in which we borrow securities from one party and lend them to another party. When we borrow securities, we generally provide cash to the lender as collateral, which is reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Securities borrowed. We earn interest revenues on this cash collateral. Similarly, when we lend securities to another party, that party provides cash to us as collateral, which is reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as Securities loaned. We pay interest expense on the cash collateral received from the party borrowing the securities. The initial collateral advanced or received approximates or is greater than the fair value of the securities borrowed or loaned. We monitor the fair value of the securities borrowed and loaned on a daily basis and request additional collateral or return excess collateral, as appropriate.

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities purchased under agreements to resell and Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (collectively “repos”) are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at their contracted repurchase amount. We earn and incur interest from this activity which is reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Earnings. We monitor the fair value of the underlying securities daily versus the related receivable or payable balances. Should the fair value of the underlying securities decline or increase, additional collateral is requested or excess collateral is returned, as appropriate. We carry repos on a net basis by counterparty when appropriate.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (generally three to ten years). Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the term of the related leases or the estimated useful lives of the assets, whichever is shorter. As of November 30, 2011 and November 30, 2010, furniture, fixtures and equipment amounted to $246.5 million and $190.6 million, respectively, and leasehold improvements amounted to $122.9 million and $104.3 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation and amortization was $194.3 million and $152.2 million as of November 30, 2011 and November 30, 2010, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization expense amounted to $43.7 million, $35.3 million and $39.8 million for the twelve months ended November 30, 2011, eleven months ended November 30, 2010 and the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill.    At least annually, and more frequently if warranted, we assess whether goodwill has been impaired by comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. If the estimated fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not impaired. If the estimated fair value is less than carrying value, further analysis is necessary to determine the amount of impairment, if any. In estimating the fair value of reporting units we utilize methodologies that include market capitalization, price-to-book multiples of comparable exchange traded companies and multiples of merger and acquisitions of similar businesses. Periodically estimating the fair value of a reporting unit requires significant judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant effect on whether or not an impairment charge is recorded and the magnitude of such a charge. Our annual goodwill impairment testing date is June 1. Refer to Note 11, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, for further details on our assessment of goodwill.

Intangible Assets.    Intangible assets deemed to have finite lives are amortized on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives, where the useful life is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly, or indirectly, to our future cash flows. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist. For amortizable intangible assets, impairment exists when the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value. At least annually, the remaining useful life is evaluated.

An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized but assessed annually, or more frequently when certain events or circumstances exist, for impairment. Impairment exists when the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. To the extent an impairment loss is recognized, the loss establishes the new cost basis of the asset that is amortized over the remaining useful life of that asset. Subsequent reversal of impairment losses is not permitted.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return, which includes all of our qualifying subsidiaries. We also are subject to income tax in various states and municipalities and those foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. Amounts provided for income taxes are based on income reported for financial statement purposes and do not necessarily represent amounts currently payable. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and for tax loss carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences in reporting certain items, principally, share-based compensation, deferred compensation, long-term debt and tax amortization of intangible assets. The realization of deferred tax assets is assessed and a valuation allowance is recorded to the extent that it is more likely than not that any portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

The tax benefit related to dividends and dividend equivalents paid on nonvested share based payment awards and outstanding equity options is recognized as an increase to Additional paid in capital. These amounts are included in tax benefits for issuance of share-based awards on the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity.

Legal Reserves

Legal Reserves

In the normal course of business, we have been named, from time to time, as a defendant in legal and regulatory proceedings. We are also involved, from time to time, in other exams, investigations and similar reviews (both formal and informal) by governmental and self-regulatory agencies regarding our businesses, certain of which may result in judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other injunctions.

We recognize a liability for a contingency in Accrued expenses and other liabilities when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. When a range of probable loss can be estimated, we accrue the most likely amount of such loss, and if such amount is not determinable, then we accrue the minimum of the range of probable loss. The determination of the outcome and loss estimates requires significant judgment on the part of management.

In many instances, it is not possible to determine whether any loss is probable or even possible or to estimate the amount of any loss or the size of any range of loss. We believe that, in the aggregate, the pending legal actions or regulatory proceedings and any other exams, investigations or similar reviews (both formal and informal) should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial condition. In addition, we believe that any amount that could be reasonably estimated of potential loss or range of potential loss in excess of what has been provided in the consolidated financial statements is not material.

Share-based Compensation

Share-based Compensation

Share-based awards are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognized over the period from the service inception date through the date the employee is no longer required to provide service to earn the award. Expected forfeitures are included in determining share-based compensation expense.

Earnings per Common Share

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and certain other shares committed to be, but not yet issued. Net earnings available to common shareholders represent net earnings to common shareholders reduced by the allocation of earnings to participating securities. Losses are not allocated to participating securities. Common shares outstanding and certain other shares committed to be, but not yet issued, include restricted stock and restricted stock units for which no future service is required. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders plus dividends on dilutive mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and certain other shares committed to be, but not yet issued, plus all dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and, therefore, are included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the two-class method of earning per share. We grant restricted stock and restricted stock units as part of our share-based compensation that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends and dividend equivalents, respectively, and therefore, prior to the requisite service being rendered for the right to retain the award, restricted stock and restricted stock units meet the definition of a participating security. As such, we calculate Basic and Diluted earnings per share under the two-class method. All prior-period earnings per share data presented have been adjusted to include participating securities in the earnings per share computation using the two-class method.

Securitization Activities

Securitization Activities

We engage in securitization activities related to commercial mortgage loans and mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities. Such transfers of financial assets are generally accounted for as sales when we have relinquished control over the transferred assets. The gain or loss on sale of such financial assets depends, in part, on the previous carrying amount of the assets involved in the transfer allocated between the assets sold and the retained interests, if any, based upon their respective fair values at the date of sale. We may retain interests in the securitized financial assets as one or more tranches of the securitization. These retained interests are included within Financial instruments owned in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at fair value. Any changes in the fair value of such retained interests are recognized within Principal transactions revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

When a transfer of assets does not meet the criteria of a sale, that transfer is treated as a secured borrowing. We continue to recognize the assets of a secured borrowing in Financial instruments owned and recognize the associated financing in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

New Accounting Developments

Accounting Developments

Balance Sheet Offsetting Disclosures.    In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”), Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”) to Topic 210, Balance Sheet. The update requires new disclosures about balance sheet offsetting and related arrangements. For derivatives and financial assets and liabilities, the amendments require disclosure of gross asset and liability amounts, amounts offset on the balance sheet, and amounts subject to the offsetting requirements but not offset on the balance sheet. The guidance is effective December 1, 2013 and is to be applied retrospectively. This guidance does not amend the existing guidance on when it is appropriate to offset; as a result, we do not expect this guidance to affect our financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.

Goodwill Testing.    In September 2011, the FASB issued an ASU, Testing Goodwill for Impairment (“ASU 2011-08”) to Topic 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. The update outlines amendments to the two step goodwill impairment test permitting an entity to first assess qualitative factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. The update is effective for annual and interim goodwill tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance will not affect our financial condition, results of operation or cash flows.

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.    In May 2011, the FASB issued accounting updates to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements Topic — Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which provide clarifying guidance on how to measure fair value and additional disclosure requirements. The amendments prohibit the use of blockage factors at all levels of the fair value hierarchy and provide guidance on measuring financial instruments that are managed on a net portfolio basis. Additional disclosure requirements include transfers between Levels 1 and 2; and for Level 3 fair value measurements, a description of our valuation processes and additional information about unobservable inputs impacting Level 3 measurements. The updates are effective March 1, 2012 and will be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance will not have an impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements.    In April 2011, the FASB issued accounting guidance that removes the requirement to consider whether sufficient collateral is held when determining whether to account for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate the transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity as sales or as secured financings. The guidance is effective prospectively for transactions beginning on January 1, 2012. The adoption of this guidance will not have an impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Consolidation.    We adopted accounting changes described in ASC 810, Consolidation Topic, as of January 1, 2010, which require that the party who has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and who has an obligation to absorb losses of the entity or a right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity consolidate the variable interest entity. The changes to ASC 810, effective as of January 1, 2010, eliminate the quantitative approach previously applied to assessing whether to consolidate a variable interest entity and require ongoing reassessments for consolidation. Upon adoption of these accounting changes on January 1, 2010, we consolidated certain CLOs and other investment vehicles. The consolidation of these entities resulted in an increase in total assets of $1,606.9 million, an increase in total liabilities of $1,603.8 million and an increase to total stockholders’ equity of $3.1 million on January 1, 2010. Subsequently, we sold and assigned our management agreements for the CLOs to a third party; thus we no longer have the power to direct the most significant activities of the CLOs. Upon the assignment of the management agreements in January 2010, we deconsolidated the CLOs and accounted for our remaining interests in the CLOs at fair value.