OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2010		Sep. 30, 2009
Activity in other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, net of tax	$ 2,621,000		$ 30,147,000		$ (5,848,000)
Net change in currency translations	(6,029,000)	[1]	5,459,000	[1]	(1,979,000)	[1]
Other comprehensive income	(3,408,000)		35,606,000		(7,827,000)
Other comprehensive income, tax effect [Abstract]
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities, tax effect	1,500,000		17,000,000		(3,000,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of tax	(29,204,000)		(31,825,000)
Net currency translations	19,599,000		25,628,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(9,605,000)		(6,197,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, tax effect [Abstract]
Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale, tax effect	$ (17,300,000)		$ (18,800,000)

[1] The components of other comprehensive income, net of tax are attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc. None of the components of other comprehensive income are attributable to noncontrolling interests.