Note 22 - Business Segments - Reconciling Operating Pre-tax Net Income to Consolidated Net Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Net income attributable to JMP Group LLC	$ 5,069	$ (283)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	(4,102)	(5,568)
Pre-tax net income	967	(5,851)
Unrealized loss (gain) on other equity investments		318
Pre-tax net income	(967)	5,851
Income tax benefit	(4,102)	(5,568)
Operating Segments [Member]
Net income attributable to JMP Group LLC	1,669	(1,631)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	586	(30)
Pre-tax net income	2,255	(1,661)
Pre-tax net income	(2,255)	1,661
Income tax benefit	586	(30)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Pre-tax net income	(1,288)	(4,190)
Share-based awards and deferred compensation	844	144
General loan loss provision – CLOs, CLO warehouse		329
Early debt retirement/reissuance		1,318
Restructuring costs – CLOs		64
Amortization of intangible asset – CLO III	277	69
Unrealized loss – real estate-related depreciation and amortization	557	1,628
Unrealized loss (gain) on other equity investments	(390)	638
Pre-tax net income	$ 1,288	$ 4,190