<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<FilingSummary>
  <Version>3.20.1</Version>
  <ProcessingTime/>
  <ReportFormat>html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>628</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>651</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>185</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>4</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-document-and-entity-information</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Cover</MenuCategory>
      <Position>1</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>001 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-financial-condition</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>2</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>002 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-financial-condition-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>3</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>003 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-operations</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>4</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>004 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-changes-in-equity</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>5</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>005 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-consolidated-statements-of-cash-flows</Role>
      <ShortName>Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Statements</MenuCategory>
      <Position>6</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>006 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-1-organization-and-description-of-business</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>7</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>007 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>8</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>008 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-3-recent-accounting-pronouncements</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>9</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>009 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>10</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>010 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Investment Securities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-5-investment-securities</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Investment Securities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>11</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>011 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>12</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>012 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Fixed Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-7-fixed-assets-</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Fixed Assets</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>13</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>013 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Other Assets and Other Liabilities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-8-other-assets-and-other-liabilities</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Other Assets and Other Liabilities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>14</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>014 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Debt</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>15</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>015 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Asset-backed Securities Issued</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-10-assetbacked-securities-issued</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Asset-backed Securities Issued</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>16</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>016 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Leases</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-11-leases</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Leases</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>17</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>017 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-12-shareholders-equity</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>18</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>018 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-13-accumulated-other-comprehensive-loss</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>19</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>019 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Share-based Compensation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Share-based Compensation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>20</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>020 - Disclosure - Note 15 - Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-15-net-income-loss-per-common-share</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>21</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>021 - Disclosure - Note 16 - ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-16-asc-606-revenue-from-contracts-with-customers</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 16 - ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>22</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>022 - Disclosure - Note 17 - Employee Benefits</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-17-employee-benefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 17 - Employee Benefits</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>23</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>023 - Disclosure - Note 18 - Income Taxes</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-18-income-taxes</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 18 - Income Taxes</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>24</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>024 - Disclosure - Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-19-commitments-and-contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>25</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>025 - Disclosure - Note 20 - Regulatory Requirements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-20-regulatory-requirements</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 20 - Regulatory Requirements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>26</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>026 - Disclosure - Note 21 - Related Party Transactions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-21-related-party-transactions</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 21 - Related Party Transactions</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>27</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>027 - Disclosure - Note 22 - Guarantees</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-22-guarantees</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 22 - Guarantees</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>28</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>028 - Disclosure - Note 23 - Litigation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-23-litigation</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 23 - Litigation</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>29</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>029 - Disclosure - Note 24 - Financial Instruments With Off-balance Sheet Risk, Credit Risk or Market Risk</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-24-financial-instruments-with-offbalance-sheet-risk-credit-risk-or-market-risk</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 24 - Financial Instruments With Off-balance Sheet Risk, Credit Risk or Market Risk</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>30</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>030 - Disclosure - Note 25 - Business Segments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-25-business-segments</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 25 - Business Segments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>31</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>031 - Disclosure - Note 26 - Summarized Financial Information for Equity Method Investments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-26-summarized-financial-information-for-equity-method-investments</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 26 - Summarized Financial Information for Equity Method Investments</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>32</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>032 - Disclosure - Note 27 - Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-27-nonconsolidated-variable-interest-entities-</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 27 - Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>33</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>033 - Disclosure - Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-28-consolidating-financial-statements</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>34</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>034 - Disclosure - Note 29 - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-29-subsequent-events</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 29 - Subsequent Events</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Notes</MenuCategory>
      <Position>35</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>035 - Disclosure - Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-significant-accounting-policies-policies</Role>
      <ShortName>Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Policies</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies</ParentRole>
      <Position>36</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>036 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-1-organization-and-description-of-business-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-1-organization-and-description-of-business</ParentRole>
      <Position>37</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>037 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies</ParentRole>
      <Position>38</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>038 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements</ParentRole>
      <Position>39</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>039 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Investment Securities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-5-investment-securities-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Investment Securities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-5-investment-securities</ParentRole>
      <Position>40</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>040 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans</ParentRole>
      <Position>41</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>041 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Fixed Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-7-fixed-assets-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Fixed Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-7-fixed-assets-</ParentRole>
      <Position>42</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>042 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Other Assets and Other Liabilities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-8-other-assets-and-other-liabilities-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Other Assets and Other Liabilities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-8-other-assets-and-other-liabilities</ParentRole>
      <Position>43</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>043 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt</ParentRole>
      <Position>44</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>044 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Asset-backed Securities Issued (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-10-assetbacked-securities-issued-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Asset-backed Securities Issued (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-10-assetbacked-securities-issued</ParentRole>
      <Position>45</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>045 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Leases (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-11-leases-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Leases (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-11-leases</ParentRole>
      <Position>46</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>046 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-12-shareholders-equity-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-12-shareholders-equity</ParentRole>
      <Position>47</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>047 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-13-accumulated-other-comprehensive-loss-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-13-accumulated-other-comprehensive-loss</ParentRole>
      <Position>48</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>048 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Share-based Compensation (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Share-based Compensation (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation</ParentRole>
      <Position>49</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>049 - Disclosure - Note 15 - Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-15-net-income-loss-per-common-share-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-15-net-income-loss-per-common-share</ParentRole>
      <Position>50</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>050 - Disclosure - Note 16 - ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-16-asc-606-revenue-from-contracts-with-customers-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 16 - ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-16-asc-606-revenue-from-contracts-with-customers</ParentRole>
      <Position>51</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>051 - Disclosure - Note 18 - Income Taxes (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-18-income-taxes-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 18 - Income Taxes (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-18-income-taxes</ParentRole>
      <Position>52</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>052 - Disclosure - Note 25 - Business Segments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-25-business-segments-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 25 - Business Segments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-25-business-segments</ParentRole>
      <Position>53</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>053 - Disclosure - Note 26 - Summarized Financial Information for Equity Method Investments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-26-summarized-financial-information-for-equity-method-investments-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 26 - Summarized Financial Information for Equity Method Investments (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-26-summarized-financial-information-for-equity-method-investments</ParentRole>
      <Position>54</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>054 - Disclosure - Note 27 - Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-27-nonconsolidated-variable-interest-entities-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 27 - Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-27-nonconsolidated-variable-interest-entities-</ParentRole>
      <Position>55</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>055 - Disclosure - Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-28-consolidating-financial-statements-tables</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Tables</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-28-consolidating-financial-statements</ParentRole>
      <Position>56</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>056 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-1-organization-and-description-of-business-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-1-organization-and-description-of-business-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>57</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>057 - Disclosure - Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business - Deconsolidation of the CLO's and JMPCA (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-1-organization-and-description-of-business-deconsolidation-of-the-clos-and-jmpca-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 1 - Organization and Description of Business - Deconsolidation of the CLO's and JMPCA (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>58</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>058 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>59</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>059 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principal Transaction Revenues (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-principal-transaction-revenues-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Principal Transaction Revenues (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>60</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>060 - Disclosure - Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Restricted Cash (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-2-summary-of-significant-accounting-policies-restricted-cash-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Restricted Cash (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>61</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>061 - Disclosure - Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-3-recent-accounting-pronouncements-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-3-recent-accounting-pronouncements</ParentRole>
      <Position>62</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>062 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>63</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>063 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements-fair-value-of-financial-instruments-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>64</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>064 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities on a Recurring Basis (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements-fair-value-of-assets-and-liabilities-on-a-recurring-basis-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities on a Recurring Basis (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>65</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>065 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements-changes-in-level-3-assets-measured-at-fair-value-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements - Changes in Level 3 Assets Measured at Fair Value (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>66</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>066 - Disclosure - Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements - Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Fair Value Measurements (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-4-fair-value-measurements-significant-unobservable-inputs-used-in-fair-value-measurements-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 4 - Fair Value Measurements - Significant Unobservable Inputs Used in Fair Value Measurements (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>67</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>067 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Investment Securities (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-5-investment-securities-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Investment Securities (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-5-investment-securities-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>68</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>068 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Investment Securities - Available-for-sale Securities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-5-investment-securities-availableforsale-securities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Investment Securities - Available-for-sale Securities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>69</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>069 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Investment Securities - Securities by Contractual Maturity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-5-investment-securities-securities-by-contractual-maturity-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Investment Securities - Securities by Contractual Maturity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>70</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>070 - Disclosure - Note 5 - Investment Securities - Securities in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-5-investment-securities-securities-in-continuous-unrealized-loss-position-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 5 - Investment Securities - Securities in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>71</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>071 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>72</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>072 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans - Loans Collateralizing Asset-Backed Securities Issued, Allowance for Loan Losses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-loans-collateralizing-assetbacked-securities-issued-allowance-for-loan-losses-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans - Loans Collateralizing Asset-Backed Securities Issued, Allowance for Loan Losses (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>73</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>073 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans - Loans Collateralizing Asset-Backed Securities Issued, Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-loans-collateralizing-assetbacked-securities-issued-schedule-of-impaired-financing-receivable-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans - Loans Collateralizing Asset-Backed Securities Issued, Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivable (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>74</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>074 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans - Credit Quality of Loans (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-credit-quality-of-loans-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans - Credit Quality of Loans (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>75</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>075 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans - Loans Held for Investment, Allowance for Loan Losses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-loans-held-for-investment-allowance-for-loan-losses-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans - Loans Held for Investment, Allowance for Loan Losses (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>76</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>076 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans - Loans Held for Investment, Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-loans-held-for-investment-schedule-of-impaired-financing-receivable-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans - Loans Held for Investment, Schedule of Impaired Financing Receivable (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>77</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R78.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>077 - Disclosure - Note 6 - Loans - Loans Held for Investment, Credit Quality of Loans (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-6-loans-loans-held-for-investment-credit-quality-of-loans-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 6 - Loans - Loans Held for Investment, Credit Quality of Loans (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>78</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R79.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>078 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Fixed Assets (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-7-fixed-assets-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Fixed Assets (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-7-fixed-assets-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>79</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R80.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>079 - Disclosure - Note 7 - Fixed Assets - Summary of Fixed Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-7-fixed-assets-summary-of-fixed-assets-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 7 - Fixed Assets - Summary of Fixed Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>80</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R81.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>080 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Other Assets and Other Liabilities - Other Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-8-other-assets-and-other-liabilities-other-assets-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Other Assets and Other Liabilities - Other Assets (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>81</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R82.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>081 - Disclosure - Note 8 - Other Assets and Other Liabilities - Other Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-8-other-assets-and-other-liabilities-other-liabilities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 8 - Other Assets and Other Liabilities - Other Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>82</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R83.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>082 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Debt (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Debt (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>83</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R84.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>083 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Debt - Debt Issuance Costs (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt-debt-issuance-costs-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Debt - Debt Issuance Costs (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>84</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R85.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>084 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Debt - Debt Issuance Costs (Details) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt-debt-issuance-costs-details-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Debt - Debt Issuance Costs (Details) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>85</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R86.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>085 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Debt - Summary of Scheduled Principal Payments of Debt Obligations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt-summary-of-scheduled-principal-payments-of-debt-obligations-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Debt - Summary of Scheduled Principal Payments of Debt Obligations (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>86</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R87.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>086 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Debt - Notes Payable, Lines of Credit and Credit Facilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt-notes-payable-lines-of-credit-and-credit-facilities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Debt - Notes Payable, Lines of Credit and Credit Facilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>87</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R88.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>087 - Disclosure - Note 9 - Debt - Notes Payable, Lines of Credit and Credit Facilities (Details) (Parentheticals)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Notes</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-9-debt-notes-payable-lines-of-credit-and-credit-facilities-details-parentheticals</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 9 - Debt - Notes Payable, Lines of Credit and Credit Facilities (Details) (Parentheticals)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>88</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R89.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>088 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Asset-backed Securities Issued (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-10-assetbacked-securities-issued-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Asset-backed Securities Issued (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-10-assetbacked-securities-issued-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>89</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R90.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>089 - Disclosure - Note 10 - Asset-backed Securities Issued - Asset-backed Securities Issued - CLO III, CLO IV, and CLO V (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-10-assetbacked-securities-issued-assetbacked-securities-issued-clo-iii-clo-iv-and-clo-v-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 10 - Asset-backed Securities Issued - Asset-backed Securities Issued - CLO III, CLO IV, and CLO V (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>90</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R91.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>090 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Leases (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-11-leases-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Leases (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-11-leases-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>91</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R92.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>091 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Leases - Lease Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-11-leases-lease-information-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Leases - Lease Information (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>92</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R93.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>092 - Disclosure - Note 11 - Leases - Minimum Future Lease Payments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-11-leases-minimum-future-lease-payments-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 11 - Leases - Minimum Future Lease Payments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>93</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R94.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>093 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-12-shareholders-equity-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-12-shareholders-equity-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>94</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R95.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>094 - Disclosure - Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-12-shareholders-equity-dividends-declared-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 12 - Shareholders' Equity - Dividends Declared (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>95</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R96.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>095 - Disclosure - Note 13 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Unrealized Gains (Losses) of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-13-accumulated-other-comprehensive-loss-unrealized-gains-losses-of-accumulated-other-comprehensive-losses-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 13 - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Unrealized Gains (Losses) of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>96</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R97.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>096 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Share-based Compensation (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Share-based Compensation (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>97</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R98.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>097 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation-stock-option-activity-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - Stock Option Activity (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>98</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R99.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>098 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation-stock-options-outstanding-and-exercisable-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>99</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R100.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>099 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units Activity (RSUs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation-restricted-stock-units-activity-rsus-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - Restricted Stock Units Activity (RSUs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>100</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R101.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>100 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - SARs Activity (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation-sars-activity-stock-appreciation-rights-sars-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - SARs Activity (Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>101</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R102.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>101 - Disclosure - Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - SARs Outstanding (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-14-sharebased-compensation-sars-outstanding-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 14 - Share-based Compensation - SARs Outstanding (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>102</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R103.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>102 - Disclosure - Note 15 - Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-15-net-income-loss-per-common-share-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-15-net-income-loss-per-common-share-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>103</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R104.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>103 - Disclosure - Note 15 - Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-15-net-income-loss-per-common-share-earnings-per-share-basic-and-diluted-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 15 - Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share - Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-15-net-income-loss-per-common-share-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>104</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R105.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>104 - Disclosure - Note 16 - ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Disaggregation of Revenues (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-16-asc-606-revenue-from-contracts-with-customers-disaggregation-of-revenues-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 16 - ASC 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Disaggregation of Revenues (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>105</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R106.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>105 - Disclosure - Note 17 - Employee Benefits (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-17-employee-benefits-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 17 - Employee Benefits (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-17-employee-benefits</ParentRole>
      <Position>106</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R107.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>106 - Disclosure - Note 18 - Income Taxes (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-18-income-taxes-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 18 - Income Taxes (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-18-income-taxes-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>107</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R108.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>107 - Disclosure - Note 18 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-18-income-taxes-income-tax-expense-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 18 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>108</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R109.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>108 - Disclosure - Note 18 - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-18-income-taxes-deferred-tax-assets-and-liabilities-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 18 - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>109</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R110.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>109 - Disclosure - Note 18 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Reconciliation (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-18-income-taxes-income-tax-reconciliation-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 18 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Reconciliation (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>110</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R111.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>110 - Disclosure - Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-19-commitments-and-contingencies-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 19 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-19-commitments-and-contingencies</ParentRole>
      <Position>111</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R112.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>111 - Disclosure - Note 20 - Regulatory Requirements (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-20-regulatory-requirements-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 20 - Regulatory Requirements (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-20-regulatory-requirements</ParentRole>
      <Position>112</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R113.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>112 - Disclosure - Note 21 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-21-related-party-transactions-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 21 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-21-related-party-transactions</ParentRole>
      <Position>113</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R114.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>113 - Disclosure - Note 22 - Guarantees (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-22-guarantees-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 22 - Guarantees (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-22-guarantees</ParentRole>
      <Position>114</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R115.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>114 - Disclosure - Note 23 - Litigation (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-23-litigation-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 23 - Litigation (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-23-litigation</ParentRole>
      <Position>115</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R116.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>115 - Disclosure - Note 24 - Financial Instruments With Off-balance Sheet Risk, Credit Risk or Market Risk (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-24-financial-instruments-with-offbalance-sheet-risk-credit-risk-or-market-risk-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 24 - Financial Instruments With Off-balance Sheet Risk, Credit Risk or Market Risk (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-24-financial-instruments-with-offbalance-sheet-risk-credit-risk-or-market-risk</ParentRole>
      <Position>116</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R117.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>116 - Disclosure - Note 25 - Business Segments (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-25-business-segments-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 25 - Business Segments (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-25-business-segments-tables</ParentRole>
      <Position>117</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R118.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>117 - Disclosure - Note 25 - Business Segments - Segment Operating Results (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-25-business-segments-segment-operating-results-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 25 - Business Segments - Segment Operating Results (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>118</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R119.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>118 - Disclosure - Note 25 - Business Segments - Reconciling Operating Pre-tax Net Income to Consolidated Net Income (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-25-business-segments-reconciling-operating-pretax-net-income-to-consolidated-net-income-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 25 - Business Segments - Reconciling Operating Pre-tax Net Income to Consolidated Net Income (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>119</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R120.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>119 - Disclosure - Note 26 - Summarized Financial Information for Equity Method Investments - Equity Method Investments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-26-summarized-financial-information-for-equity-method-investments-equity-method-investments-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 26 - Summarized Financial Information for Equity Method Investments - Equity Method Investments (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>120</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R121.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>120 - Disclosure - Note 27 - Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities - VIE Equity Investments and Receivables (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-27-nonconsolidated-variable-interest-entities-vie-equity-investments-and-receivables-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 27 - Nonconsolidated Variable Interest Entities - VIE Equity Investments and Receivables (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>121</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R122.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>121 - Disclosure - Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-28-consolidating-financial-statements-condensed-consolidating-balance-sheet-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>122</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R123.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>122 - Disclosure - Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Income Statement (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-28-consolidating-financial-statements-condensed-consolidating-income-statement-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Income Statement (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>123</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R124.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>123 - Disclosure - Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-28-consolidating-financial-statements-condensed-consolidating-cash-flows-details</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 28 - Consolidating Financial Statements - Condensed Consolidating Cash Flows (Details)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <Position>124</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report instance="jmp-20191231.xml">
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R125.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>124 - Disclosure - Note 29 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-29-subsequent-events-details-textual</Role>
      <ShortName>Note 29 - Subsequent Events (Details Textual)</ShortName>
      <MenuCategory>Details</MenuCategory>
      <ParentRole>http://jmpg.com/20191231/role/statement-note-29-subsequent-events</ParentRole>
      <Position>125</Position>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>jmp-20191231.xml</File>
    <File>jmp-20191231.xsd</File>
    <File>jmp-20191231_cal.xml</File>
    <File>jmp-20191231_def.xml</File>
    <File>jmp-20191231_lab.xml</File>
    <File>jmp-20191231_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles/>
  <BaseTaxonomies>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/srt/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
    <BaseTaxonomy>http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2019-01-31</BaseTaxonomy>
  </BaseTaxonomies>
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
