Organization and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013 Segment
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	2
Number of shares of Leucadia common stock received for each share of Jefferies common stock	0.81
Date of acquisition	Mar. 01, 2013
Purchase price of acquisition	$ 4.7
Estimated goodwill resulting from acquisition	1.8
Estimated net assets inclusive of goodwill	$ 5.1
Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Dividend of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock	3.25%
3.875% Convertible Senior Debentures, due 2029 [Member]
Organization And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Convertible Senior Debentures, interest rate	3.875%
Convertible Senior Debentures, due date	2029