Bank Loans (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market	$ 183,991		$ 183,991		$ 121,939
Gains recognized from sale of loans	3,500	$ 1,700	6,100	$ 2,900
Nonaccrual loans more than 90 days past due	4,000		4,000		4,900
Troubled debt restructurings	400		400		1,000
Specific allowance	$ 218		$ 218		$ 272
Collateralized loan portfolio	96.80%		96.80%		95.80%
Stifel Bank [Member] | Executive Officers Directors and Their Affiliates [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans outstanding amount	$ 1,200		$ 1,200		$ 600
Stifel Financial Corp. [Member] | Executive Officers Directors and Their Affiliates [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans outstanding amount	$ 5,300		$ 5,300		$ 5,300