Net Capital Requirements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 29, 2012
Jefferies [Member]
Net capital, adjusted and excess net capital
Net Capital	$ 961,360
Excess Net Capital	915,567
Jefferies Execution [Member]
Net capital, adjusted and excess net capital
Net Capital	10,470
Excess Net Capital	10,220
Jefferies High Yield Trading [Member]
Net capital, adjusted and excess net capital
Net Capital	575,342
Excess Net Capital	575,092
Jefferies Bache, LLC [Member]
Net capital, adjusted and excess net capital
Adjusted Net Capital	230,276
Excess Net Capital	$ 74,238