UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of presentation The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of RJF and its consolidated subsidiaries that are generally controlled through a majority voting interest. We consolidate all of our 100% owned subsidiaries. In addition we consolidate any variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which we are the primary beneficiary. Additional information on these VIEs is provided in Note 2 on pages 115 - 118 in the section titled, “Evaluation of VIEs to determine whether consolidation is required” as presented in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2014, as filed with the United States (“U.S.”) Securities and Exchange Commission (the “2014 Form 10-K”) and in Note 8 herein. When we do not have a controlling interest in an entity, but we exert significant influence over the entity, we apply the equity method of accounting. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Accounting estimates and assumptions	Accounting estimates and assumptions Certain financial information that is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) but not required for interim reporting purposes has been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. The nature of our business is such that the results of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2014 Form 10-K. To prepare condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we must make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and could have a material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain prior period amounts, none of which are material, have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.
Brokerage client receivables, loans to financial advisors and allowance for doubtful accounts	Brokerage client receivables, loans to financial advisors and allowance for doubtful accounts As more fully described in Note 2 on page 107 - 108 of our 2014 Form 10-K, we have certain financing receivables that arise from businesses other than our banking business. Specifically, we offer loans to financial advisors and certain key revenue producers, primarily for recruiting and retention purposes. We present the outstanding balance of loans to financial advisors on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, net of their applicable allowances for doubtful accounts.

Disclosure of accounting policy regarding (1) the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements and (2) its treatment of interests (for example, common stock, a partnership interest or other means of exerting influence) in other entities, for example consolidation or use of the equity or cost methods of accounting. The accounting policy may also address the accounting treatment for intercompany accounts and transactions, noncontrolling interest, and the income statement treatment in consolidation for issuances of stock by a subsidiary.

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Disclosure of accounting policy for trade and other accounts receivables. This disclosure may include the basis at which such receivables are carried in the entity's statements of financial position (for example, net realizable value), how the entity determines the level of its allowance for doubtful accounts, when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized, and the entity's income recognition policies for such receivables, including its treatment of related fees and costs, its treatment of premiums, discounts or unearned income, when accrual of interest is discontinued, how the entity records payments received on nonaccrual receivables and its policy for resuming accrual of interest on such receivables. If the enterprise holds a large number of similar loans, disclosure may include the accounting policy for the anticipation of prepayments and significant assumptions underlying prepayment estimates for amortization of premiums, discounts, and nonrefundable fees and costs.

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