Raymond James Financial (RJF) 10-Q 8 May 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	4-May-15
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL INC
Entity Central Index Key	720005
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		143,842,998
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$2,540,137	$2,199,063
Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	2,560,449	2,489,264
Securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings	469,503	446,016
Financial instruments, at fair value:
Trading instruments	797,531	679,393
Available for sale securities	531,940	562,289
Private equity investments	220,944	211,666
Other investments	208,976	215,751
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	421,850	323,337
Receivables:
Brokerage clients, net	1,920,558	2,126,804
Stock borrowed	167,338	158,988
Bank loans, net	12,060,663	10,964,299
Brokers-dealers and clearing organizations	118,020	107,116
Loans to financial advisors, net	463,193	424,928
Other	479,575	544,180
Deposits with clearing organizations	216,178	150,457
Prepaid expenses and other assets	713,323	655,256
Property and equipment, net	242,071	245,401
Deferred income taxes, net	259,456	231,325
Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, net	350,673	354,261
Total assets	24,967,935	23,325,652
Liabilities and equity:
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased, at fair value	372,340	238,400
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	277,383	244,495
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions, at fair value	421,850	323,337
Payables:
Brokerage clients	4,151,420	3,956,104
Stock loaned	395,609	417,383
Bank deposits	11,272,013	10,028,924
Brokers-dealers and clearing organizations	152,762	216,530
Trade and other	637,809	763,235
Other borrowings	721,716	654,916
Accrued compensation, commissions and benefits	689,230	814,359
Corporate debt	1,188,916	1,190,836
Total liabilities	20,316,025	18,892,396
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 15)
Equity
Preferred stock; $.10 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding -0- shares	0	0
Common stock; $.01 par value; authorized 350,000,000 shares; issued 147,830,937 at March 31, 2015 and 146,103,658 at September 30, 2014	1,476	1,444
Additional paid-in capital	1,318,988	1,239,046
Retained earnings	3,211,083	3,023,845
Treasury stock, at cost; 5,062,126 common shares at March 31, 2015 and 4,900,266 common shares at September 30, 2014	-133,327	-121,211
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-22,795	-1,888
Total equity attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	4,375,425	4,141,236
Noncontrolling interests	276,485	292,020
Total equity	4,651,910	4,433,256
Total liabilities and equity	24,967,935	23,325,652
LIHTC Funds - Primary Beneficiary
Receivables:
Investments in real estate partnerships held by consolidated variable interest entities	225,557	235,858
Payables:
Loans payable of consolidated variable interest entities	$34,977	$43,877

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	350,000,000	350,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	147,830,937	146,103,658
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	5,062,126	4,900,266

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2015		Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Securities commissions and fees	$860,214		$805,719		$1,694,223		$1,587,899
Investment banking	74,240		67,311		151,778		147,108
Investment advisory fees	91,016		88,096		189,777		181,510
Interest	134,413		118,393		266,522		235,486
Account and service fees	111,966		101,024		223,124		194,598
Net trading profit	17,060		14,842		25,941		32,993
Other	23,715		9,240		41,103		33,805
Total revenues	1,312,624		1,204,625		2,592,468		2,413,399
Interest expense	-26,846		-25,980		-54,230		-51,352
Net revenues	1,285,778		1,178,645		2,538,238		2,362,047
Non-interest expenses:
Compensation, commissions and benefits	882,234		812,291		1,720,488		1,617,236
Communications and information processing	67,635		69,503		126,747		131,357
Occupancy and equipment costs	41,604		39,897		80,831		79,582
Clearance and floor brokerage	13,588		9,876		23,086		19,830
Business development	42,490		36,667		79,480		68,911
Investment sub-advisory fees	14,987		13,798		29,242		25,597
Bank loan loss provision	3,937		1,979		13,302		3,615
Other	43,670		41,635		90,780		84,108
Total non-interest expenses	1,110,145		1,025,646		2,163,956		2,030,236
Income including noncontrolling interests and before provision for income taxes	175,633		152,999		374,282		331,811
Provision for income taxes	66,857		60,904		143,469		123,195
Net income including noncontrolling interests	108,776		92,095		230,813		208,616
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,687		-12,465		-8,946		-12,577
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	113,463		104,560		239,759		221,193
Net income per common share b basic	$0.79		$0.74		$1.68		$1.57
Net income per common share b diluted	$0.77		$0.72		$1.64		$1.54
Weighted-average common shares outstanding b basic	142,320		139,888		141,813		139,498
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding b diluted	146,050		143,636		146,188		143,065
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	113,463		104,560		239,759		221,193
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Change in unrealized losses on available for sale securities and non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses	2,337	[1]	3,482	[1]	2,313	[1]	4,576	[1]
Net change in currency translations and net investment hedges, net of tax	-15,279	[1]	-10,261	[1]	-21,719	[1]	-16,536	[1]
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	-1,501	[1]	0	[1]	-1,501	[1]	0	[1]
Total comprehensive income	99,020	[1]	97,781	[1]	218,852	[1]	209,233	[1]
Other-than-temporary impairment:
Total other-than-temporary impairment, net	-627		2,389		1,124		3,973
Portion of pre-tax losses (recoveries) recognized in other comprehensive income	627		-2,389		-1,124		-4,000
Net impairment losses recognized in other revenue	$0		$0		$0		($27)
[1]	All components of other comprehensive income, net of tax, are attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)		Total	Common stock, par value $.01 per share [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Treasury stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]		Total equity attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc. [Member]	Noncontrolling interests [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance, beginning of year at Sep. 30, 2013			$1,429	$1,136,298	$2,635,026	($120,555)	$10,726	[1]		$335,413
Changes in Shareholders' Equity:
Employee stock purchases				10,002
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of forfeitures				12,747		-3,289
Restricted stock, stock option and restricted stock unit expense				34,380
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments				9,877
Net income including noncontrolling interests		208,616			221,193					-12,577
Cash dividends declared					-45,733
Purchases/surrenders						-2,213
Net change in unrealized losses on available for sale securities and non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses, net of tax	[1]	4,576					4,576
Net change in currency translations and net investment hedges, net of tax	[1]	-16,536					-16,536
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	[1]	0					0
Capital contributions										11,682
Distributions										-14,583
Other			10	662	-296					122
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2014		4,208,361	1,439	1,203,966	2,810,190	-126,057	-1,234	[1]	3,888,304	320,057
Balance, beginning of year at Sep. 30, 2014		4,433,256	1,444	1,239,046	3,023,845	-121,211	-1,888	[1]		292,020
Changes in Shareholders' Equity:
Employee stock purchases				11,116
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units, net of forfeitures				22,286		-5,016
Restricted stock, stock option and restricted stock unit expense				38,685
Excess tax benefit from share-based payments				7,577
Net income including noncontrolling interests		230,813			239,759					-8,946
Cash dividends declared					-52,526
Purchases/surrenders						-7,100
Net change in unrealized losses on available for sale securities and non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses, net of tax	[1]	2,313					2,313
Net change in currency translations and net investment hedges, net of tax	[1]	-21,719					-21,719
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	[1]	-1,501					-1,501
Capital contributions										10,008
Distributions										-10,860
Other			32	278	5					-5,737
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2015		$4,651,910	$1,476	$1,318,988	$3,211,083	($133,327)	($22,795)	[1]	$4,375,425	$276,485
[1]	All components of other comprehensive income, net of tax, are attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01	$0.01

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME5

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	$239,759,000	$221,193,000
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-8,946,000	-12,577,000
Net income including noncontrolling interests	230,813,000	208,616,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	33,929,000	32,444,000
Deferred income taxes	-26,277,000	-23,518,000
Premium and discount amortization on available for sale securities and unrealized/realized gain on other investments	-21,278,000	-17,911,000
Provisions for loan losses, legal proceedings, bad debts and other accruals	17,312,000	9,339,000
Share-based compensation expense	40,509,000	37,416,000
Other	16,137,000	10,884,000
Net change in:
Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	-71,185,000	1,509,672,000
Securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings, net of securities sold under agreements to repurchase	9,401,000	148,378,000
Stock loaned, net of stock borrowed	-30,124,000	38,727,000
Loans provided to financial advisors, net of repayments	-47,438,000	-17,413,000
Brokerage client receivables and other accounts receivable, net	259,882,000	80,143,000
Trading instruments, net	34,333,000	-59,341,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	28,802,000	82,714,000
Brokerage client payables and other accounts payable	56,800,000	-1,802,701,000
Accrued compensation, commissions and benefits	-125,006,000	-92,635,000
Purchases and originations of loans held for sale, net of proceeds from sales of securitizations and loans held for sale	-18,347,000	-1,844,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	-7,577,000	-9,877,000
Net cash provided by operating activities	380,686,000	133,093,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment	-29,643,000	-31,320,000
Increase in bank loans, net	-1,279,233,000	-1,314,264,000
(Purchases)/redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank/Federal Reserve Bank stock	-4,446,000	1,389,000
Proceeds from sales of loans held for investment	42,255,000	82,991,000
(Purchases of or contributions to)/sales proceeds or distributions received from, private equity and other investments, net	-19,776,000	36,469,000
Purchases of available for sale securities	0	-1,305,000
Available for sale securities maturations, repayments and redemptions	33,855,000	69,665,000
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	47,000	370,000
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired	0	2,007,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-1,265,646,000	-1,162,469,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from borrowed funds, net	366,600,000	367,000
Repayments of borrowed funds, net	-301,814,000	-7,829,000
Repayments of borrowings by consolidated variable interest entities which are real estate partnerships	-9,903,000	-10,955,000
Exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases	34,526,000	21,684,000
Increase in bank deposits	1,243,089,000	1,119,433,000
Purchases of treasury stock	-14,877,000	-6,212,000
Dividends on common stock	-49,405,000	-42,760,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	7,577,000	9,877,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,275,903,000	1,086,940,000
Currency adjustment:
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-49,869,000	-12,304,000
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	341,074,000	45,260,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	2,199,063,000	2,596,616,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,540,137,000	2,641,876,000
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	53,080,000	49,750,000
Cash paid for income taxes	209,571,000	179,488,000
Non-cash transfers of loans to other real estate owned	3,653,000	2,448,000
LIHTC Funds - Primary Beneficiary
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investments in real estate partnerships held by consolidated variable interest entities, net of other investing activity	-8,705,000	-4,457,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from capital contributed to and borrowings of consolidated variable interest entities which are real estate partnerships	$110,000	$3,335,000

INTRODUCTION_AND_BASIS_OF_PRES

INTRODUCTION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
INTRODUCTION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION	INTRODUCTION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Description of business
	Raymond James Financial, Inc. (“RJF” or the “Company”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Florida whose broker-dealer subsidiaries are engaged in various financial service businesses, including the underwriting, distribution, trading and brokerage of equity and debt securities and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products.  In addition, other subsidiaries of RJF provide investment management services for retail and institutional clients, corporate and retail banking, and trust services.  As used herein, the terms “we,” “our” or “us” refer to RJF and/or one or more of its subsidiaries.
	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
	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.
	Significant subsidiaries
	As of March 31, 2015, our significant subsidiaries, all wholly owned, include: Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (“RJ&A”) a domestic broker-dealer carrying client accounts, Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. (“RJFS”) an introducing domestic broker-dealer, Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. (“RJFSA”) a registered investment advisor, Raymond James Ltd. (“RJ Ltd.”) a broker-dealer headquartered in Canada, Eagle Asset Management, Inc. (“Eagle”) a registered investment advisor, and Raymond James Bank, N.A. (“RJ Bank”) a national bank.
	Recent acquisition activities
	On March 2, 2015, RJF entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Cougar Global Investments, Ltd. (“Cougar”), a Toronto, Canada-based asset manager. Cougar markets its investment services to high net worth individuals, families, foundations, trusts and institutions in Canada and the United States. As of December 31, 2014, Cougar had more than $1 billion in assets under management. We completed this acquisition on April 30, 2015. Cougar’s activities will be reported in our asset management segment and Eagle will offer Cougar’s global asset allocation strategies to its clients worldwide. For purposes of certain acquisition related financial reporting requirements, the Cougar acquisition is not considered to be material to our overall financial condition.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period amounts, none of which are material, have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.

UPDATE_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTI

UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	A summary of our significant accounting policies is included in Note 2 on pages 100 - 118 of our 2014 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes in our significant accounting policies since September 30, 2014.
	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. The allowance for doubtful accounts balance associated with all of our loans to financial advisors is $3.3 million and $2.5 million at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. Of the March 31, 2015 loans to financial advisors, the portion of the balance associated with financial advisors who are no longer affiliated with us, after consideration of the allowance for doubtful accounts, is approximately $4.9 million.

CASH_AND_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_ASSE

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ASSETS SEGREGATED PURSUANT TO REGULATIONS, AND DEPOSITS WITH CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ASSETS SEGREGATED PURSUANT TO REGULATIONS AND DEPOSITS WITH CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ASSETS SEGREGATED PURSUANT TO REGULATIONS, AND DEPOSITS WITH CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS
	Our cash equivalents include money market funds or highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less, other than those used for trading purposes.  For discussion of our accounting policies regarding assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets, see Note 2 on page 102 of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	Our cash and cash equivalents, assets segregated pursuant to regulations or other segregated assets, and deposits with clearing organization balances are as follows:
		March 31,		September 30,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash in banks	$	2,532,322	$	2,195,683
	Money market fund investments	7,815		3,380
	Total cash and cash equivalents (1)	2,540,137		2,199,063
	Cash segregated pursuant to federal regulations and other segregated assets (2)	2,560,449		2,489,264
	Deposits with clearing organizations (3)	216,178		150,457
		$	5,316,764	$	4,838,784
	-1	The total amounts presented include cash and cash equivalents of $1.21 billion as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, which is either held directly by RJF in depository accounts at third party financial institutions, held in a depository account at RJ Bank, or is otherwise invested by one of our subsidiaries on behalf of RJF, all of which are available without restrictions.
	-2	Consists of cash and cash equivalents maintained in accordance with Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. RJ&A as a broker-dealer carrying client accounts, is subject to requirements related to maintaining cash or qualified securities in segregated reserve accounts for the exclusive benefit of its clients. Additionally, RJ Ltd. is required to hold client Registered Retirement Savings Plan funds in trust.
	-3	Consists of deposits of cash and cash equivalents or other short-term securities held by other clearing organizations or exchanges.

FAIR_VALUE

FAIR VALUE	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	FAIR VALUE
	For a discussion of our valuation methodologies for assets, liabilities measured at fair value, and the fair value hierarchy, see Note 2 on pages 102 - 107 of our 2014 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to our valuation methodologies since our year ended September 30, 2014.
	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis are presented below:
	March 31, 2015		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Netting				Balance as of
			in active				other				unobservable				adjustments (2)				March 31,
			markets for				observable				inputs								2015
			identical				inputs				(Level 3)
			assets				(Level 2) (1)
			(Level 1) (1)
			(in thousands)
	Assets at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Trading instruments:
	Municipal and provincial obligations		$	4,955			$	239,564			$	—			$	—			$	244,519
	Corporate obligations		15,899				80,174				—				—				96,073
	Government and agency obligations		38,717				125,291				—				—				164,008
	Agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”)		603				139,800				—				—				140,403
	Non-agency CMOs and asset-backed securities (“ABS”)		—				51,800				10				—				51,810
	Total debt securities		60,174				636,629				10				—				696,813
	Derivative contracts		—				121,414				—				(79,697		)		41,717
	Equity securities		36,790				5,579				14				—				42,383
	Other		657				15,181				780				—				16,618
	Total trading instruments		97,621				778,803				804				(79,697		)		797,531
	Available for sale securities:
	Agency MBS and CMOs		—				240,488				—				—				240,488
	Non-agency CMOs		—				87,362				—				—				87,362
	Other securities		2,028				—				—				—				2,028
	Auction rate securities (“ARS”):
	Municipals		—				—				89,614			(3)	—				89,614
	Preferred securities		—				—				112,448				—				112,448
	Total available for sale securities		2,028				327,850				202,062				—				531,940
	Private equity investments		—				—				220,944			(4)	—				220,944
	Other investments (5)		206,888				1,172				916				—				208,976
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		—				421,850				—				—				421,850
	Deposits with clearing organizations(6)		23,592				—				—				—				23,592
	Other assets:
	Derivatives - forward foreign exchange contracts		—				8,000				—				—				8,000
	Other assets		—				—				2,196			(7)	—				2,196
	Total other assets		—				8,000				2,196				—				10,196
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		$	330,129			$	1,537,675			$	426,922			$	(79,697	)		$	2,215,029
	Assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:
	Bank loans, net:
	Impaired loans		$	—			$	30,566			$	51,444			$	—			$	82,010
	Loans held for sale(8)		—				49,130				—				—				49,130
	Total bank loans, net		—				79,696				51,444				—				131,140
	Other real estate owned (“OREO”)(9)		—				1,196				—				—				1,196
	Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis		$	—			$	80,892			$	51,444			$	—			$	132,336
	(continued on next page)
	March 31, 2015		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Netting				Balance as of
			in active				other				unobservable				adjustments (2)				March 31,
			markets for				observable				inputs								2015
			identical				inputs				(Level 3)
			assets				(Level 2) (1)
			(Level 1) (1)
			(in thousands)
			(continued from previous page)
	Liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased:
	Municipal and provincial obligations		$	4,482			$	394			$	—			$	—			$	4,876
	Corporate obligations		33				18,615				—				—				18,648
	Government obligations		284,821				—				—				—				284,821
	Agency MBS and CMOs		1,834				—				—				—				1,834
	Total debt securities		291,170				19,009				—				—				310,179
	Derivative contracts		—				105,050				—				(79,028		)		26,022
	Equity securities		34,387				1				—				—				34,388
Other securities		2				1,749				—				—				1,751
Total trading instruments sold but not yet purchased		325,559				125,809				—				(79,028		)		372,340
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		—				421,850				—				—				421,850
Trade and other payables:
Derivative contracts(10)		—				2,481				—				—				2,481
Other liabilities		—				—				58				—				58
Total trade and other payables		—				2,481				58				—				2,539
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis		$	325,559			$	550,140			$	58			$	(79,028	)		$	796,729
-1	We had $600 thousand and $1.1 million in transfers of financial instruments from Level 1 to Level 2 during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively.  These transfers were a result of a decrease in availability and reliability of the observable inputs utilized in the respective instruments’ fair value measurement. We had $1.1 million in transfers of financial instruments from Level 2 to Level 1 during the six months ended March 31, 2015.  These transfers were a result of an increase in availability and reliability of the observable inputs utilized in the respective instruments’ fair value measurement.  Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
-2	For derivative transactions not cleared through an exchange, and where permitted, we have elected to net derivative receivables and derivative payables and the related cash collateral received and paid when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists (see Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting financial instruments). Deposits associated with derivative transactions cleared through an exchange are included in deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
-3	Includes $62 million of Jefferson County, Alabama Limited Obligation School Warrants ARS.
-4	The portion of these investments we do not own is approximately $56 million as of March 31, 2015 and are included as a component of noncontrolling interest in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The weighted average portion we own is approximately $165 million or 75% of the total private equity investments of $221 million included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
-5	Other investments include $143 million of financial instruments that are related to obligations to perform under certain deferred compensation plans (see Note 2 on page 114, and Note 24 on page 173, of our 2014 Form 10-K for further information regarding these plans).
-6	Consists of deposits we provide to clearing organizations or exchanges that are in the form of marketable securities.
-7	Includes forward commitments to purchase GNMA or FNMA (as hereinafter defined) MBS arising from our fixed income public finance operations, and to a much lesser extent, other certain commitments. See Note 2 on page 104, and Note 21 on page 167 of our 2014 Form 10-K, as well as Note 15 in this report, for additional information regarding the GNMA or FNMA MBS commitments.
-8	Includes individual loans classified as held for sale, which were recorded at a fair value lower than cost.
-9	Represents the fair value of foreclosed properties which were measured at a fair value subsequent to their initial classification as OREO. The recorded value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition is net of the estimated selling costs.
-10	Consists of RJ Bank Interest Hedges (as hereinafter defined), see Note 12 for additional information.
September 30, 2014		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Netting				Balance as of
		in active				other				unobservable				adjustments (2)				September 30,
		markets for				observable				inputs								2014
		identical				inputs				(Level 3)
		assets				(Level 2) (1)
		(Level 1) (1)
		(in thousands)
Assets at fair value on a recurring basis:
Trading instruments:
Municipal and provincial obligations		$	11,407			$	192,482			$	—			$	—			$	203,889
Corporate obligations		1,989				109,939				—				—				111,928
Government and agency obligations		7,376				93,986				—				—				101,362
Agency MBS and CMOs		247				127,172				—				—				127,419
Non-agency CMOs and ABS		—				58,364				11				—				58,375
Total debt securities		21,019				581,943				11				—				602,973
Derivative contracts		—				89,923				—				(61,718		)		28,205
Equity securities		28,834				5,264				44				—				34,142
Corporate loans		—				990				—				—				990
Other		566				10,208				2,309				—				13,083
Total trading instruments		50,419				688,328				2,364				(61,718		)		679,393
Available for sale securities:
Agency MBS and CMOs		—				267,720				—				—				267,720
Non-agency CMOs		—				91,918				—				—				91,918
Other securities		1,916				—				—				—				1,916
ARS:
Municipals		—				—				86,696			(3)	—				86,696
Preferred securities		—				—				114,039				—				114,039
Total available for sale securities		1,916				359,638				200,735				—				562,289
Private equity investments		—				—				211,666			(4)	—				211,666
Other investments (5)		212,753				1,267				1,731				—				215,751
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		—				323,337				—				—				323,337
Other assets:
Derivative contracts		—				2,462				—				—				2,462
Other assets		—				—				787			(6)	—				787
Total other assets		—				2,462				787				—				3,249
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		$	265,088			$	1,375,032			$	417,283			$	(61,718	)		$	1,995,685
Assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:
Bank loans, net:
Impaired loans		$	—			$	34,799			$	55,528			$	—			$	90,327
Loans held for sale(7)		—				22,611				—				—				22,611
Total bank loans, net		—				57,410				55,528				—				112,938
OREO(8)		—				768				—				—				768
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis		$	—			$	58,178			$	55,528			$	—			$	113,706
(continued on next page)
September 30, 2014		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Netting				Balance as of
		in active				other				unobservable				adjustments (2)				September 30,
		markets for				observable				inputs								2014
		identical				inputs				(Level 3)
		assets				(Level 2) (1)
		(Level 1) (1)
		(in thousands)
		(continued from previous page)
Liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased:
Municipal and provincial obligations		$	11,093			$	554			$	—			$	—			$	11,647
Corporate obligations		29				15,304				—				—				15,333
Government obligations		187,424				—				—				—				187,424
Agency MBS and CMOs		738				—				—				—				738
Total debt securities		199,284				15,858				—				—				215,142
Derivative contracts		—				75,668				—				(63,296		)		12,372
Equity securities		10,884				2				—				—				10,886
Total trading instruments sold but not yet purchased		210,168				91,528				—				(63,296		)		238,400
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		—				323,337				—				—				323,337
Other liabilities		—				—				58				—				58
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis		$	210,168			$	414,865			$	58			$	(63,296	)		$	561,795
-1	We had $800 thousand in transfers of financial instruments from Level 1 to Level 2 during the year ended September 30, 2014.  These transfers were a result of a decrease in availability and reliability of the observable inputs utilized in the respective instruments’ fair value measurement. We had $1.3 million in transfers of financial instruments from Level 2 to Level 1 during the year ended September 30, 2014.  These transfers were a result of an increase in availability and reliability of the observable inputs utilized in the respective instruments’ fair value measurement.  Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
-2	For derivative transactions not cleared through an exchange, and where permitted, we have elected to net derivative receivables and derivative payables and the related cash collateral received and paid when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists (see Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting financial instruments). Deposits associated with derivative transactions cleared through an exchange are included in deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
-3	Includes $58 million of Jefferson County, Alabama Limited Obligation School Warrants ARS.
-4	The portion of these investments we do not own is approximately $55 million as of September 30, 2014 and are included as a component of noncontrolling interest in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The weighted average portion we own is approximately $157 million or 74% of the total private equity investments of $212 million included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
-5	Other investments include $144 million of financial instruments that are related to obligations to perform under certain deferred compensation plans (see Note 2 on page 114, and Note 24 on page 173, of our 2014 Form 10-K for further information regarding these plans).
-6	Primarily comprised of forward commitments to purchase GNMA or FNMA (as hereinafter defined) MBS arising from our fixed income public finance operations (see Note 2 on page 104, and Note 21 on page 167 of our 2014 Form 10-K for additional information).
-7	Includes individual loans classified as held for sale, which were recorded at a fair value lower than cost.
-8	Represents the fair value of foreclosed properties which were measured at a fair value subsequent to their initial classification as OREO. The recorded value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition is net of the estimated selling costs.
The adjustment to fair value of the nonrecurring fair value measures for the six months ended March 31, 2015 resulted in a $222 thousand additional provision for loan losses relating to impaired loans and $149 thousand in other losses relating to loans held for sale and OREO. The adjustment to fair value of the nonrecurring fair value measures for the six months ended March 31, 2014 resulted in a $176 thousand reversal of provision for loan losses relating to impaired loans and $1.5 million in other losses relating to loans held for sale and OREO.
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements
The realized and unrealized gains and losses for assets and liabilities within the Level 3 category presented in the tables below may include changes in fair value that were attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs.
Additional information about Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented below:
Three months ended March 31, 2015 Level 3 assets at fair value
(in thousands)
	Financial assets																																	Financial
																																		liabilities
	Trading instruments												Available for sale securities									Private equity, other investments and other assets												Payables-
																																		trade and
																																		other
	Non-				Equity				Other					ARS –				ARS -				Private				Other				Other assets				Other
	agency				securities									municipals				preferred				equity				investments								liabilities
	CMOs &																	securities				investments
	ABS
Fair value	$	11			$	14			$	5,264				$	85,814			$	112,955			$	208,674			$	1,564			$	2,407			$	(58	)
December 31, 2014
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	—				—				(20		)			2				25				14,414			(1)	41				(211		)		—
Included in other comprehensive income	—				—				—					3,843				(282		)		—				—				—				—
Purchases and contributions	—				—				11,358					—				—				2,241				—				—				—
Sales	—				—				(15,822		)			(45		)		—				—				—				—				—
Redemptions by issuer	—				—				—					—				(250		)		—				(663		)		—				—
Distributions	(1		)		—				—					—				—				(4,385		)		(26		)		—				—
Transfers: (2)
Into Level 3	—				—				—					—				—				—				—				—				—
Out of Level 3	—				—				—					—				—				—				—				—				—
Fair value	$	10			$	14			$	780				$	89,614			$	112,448			$	220,944			$	916			$	2,196			$	(58	)
March 31, 2015
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$	—			$	—			$	—				$	3,843			$	(282	)		$	14,414			$	41			$	(211	)		$	—
-1	Primarily results from valuation adjustments of certain private equity investments.  Since we only own a portion of these investments, our share of the net valuation adjustments resulted in a gain of $9.8 million which is included in net income attributable to RJF (after noncontrolling interests).  The noncontrolling interests’ share of the net valuation adjustments was a gain of approximately $4.6 million.
-2	Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
Six months ended March 31, 2015 Level 3 assets at fair value
(in thousands)
	Financial assets																																	Financial
																																		liabilities
	Trading instruments												Available for sale securities									Private equity, other investments and other assets												Payables-
																																		trade and
																																		other
	Non-				Equity				Other					ARS –				ARS -				Private				Other				Other assets				Other
	agency				securities									municipals				preferred				equity				investments								liabilities
	CMOs &																	securities				investments
	ABS
Fair value	$	11			$	44			$	2,309				$	86,696			$	114,039			$	211,666			$	1,731			$	787			$	(58	)
September 30, 2014
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	—				5				(40		)			2				25				17,060			(1)	81				1,409				—
Included in other comprehensive income	—				—				—					2,961				(1,366		)		—				—				—				—
Purchases and contributions	—				20				23,333					—				—				6,343				—				—				—
Sales	—				—				(24,822		)			(45		)		—				—				—				—				—
Redemptions by issuer	—				—				—					—				(250		)		—				(673		)		—				—
Distributions	(1		)		—				—					—				—				(14,125		)		(223		)		—				—
Transfers: (2)
Into Level 3	—				—				—					—				—				—				—				—				—
Out of Level 3	—				(55		)		—					—				—				—				—				—				—
Fair value	$	10			$	14			$	780				$	89,614			$	112,448			$	220,944			$	916			$	2,196			$	(58	)
March 31, 2015
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$	—			$	5			$	—				$	2,961			$	(1,366	)		$	17,060			$	81			$	1,409			$	—
-1	Primarily results from valuation adjustments of certain private equity investments.  Since we only own a portion of these investments, our share of the net valuation adjustments resulted in a gain of $12.2 million which is included in net income attributable to RJF (after noncontrolling interests).  The noncontrolling interests’ share of the net valuation adjustments was a gain of approximately $4.9 million.
-2	Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
Three months ended March 31, 2014 Level 3 assets at fair value
(in thousands)
	Financial assets																																				Financial
																																					liabilities
	Trading instruments												Available for sale securities												Private equity, other investments and other assets												Payables-
																																					trade and
																																					other
	Non-				Equity				Other				Non-				ARS –				ARS -				Private				Other				Other assets				Other
	agency				securities								agency				municipals				preferred				equity				investments								liabilities
	CMOs &												CMOs								securities				investments
	ABS
Fair value December 31, 2013	$	13			$	35			$	4,199			$	46			$	108,458			$	112,122			$	209,977			$	1,949			$	15			$	(1,417	)
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	—				5				(32		)		—				63				44				13				48				—				1,335
Included in other comprehensive income	—				—				—				6				1,849				374				—				—				—				—
Purchases and contributions	—				23				3,185				—				—				—				5,317				—				—				—
Sales	—				(26		)		(4,649		)		—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Redemptions by issuer	—				—				—				—				(410		)		(325		)		—				(28		)		—				—
Distributions	—				—				—				(14		)		—				—				(5,329		)		(181		)		—				—
Transfers: (1)
Into Level 3	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Out of Level 3	—				—				—				—				—				—				(18,577		)	(2)	—				—				—
Fair value	$	13			$	37			$	2,703			$	38			$	109,960			$	112,215			$	191,401			$	1,788			$	15			$	(82	)
March 31, 2014
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$	—			$	5			$	(32	)		$	—			$	63			$	44			$	13			$	60			$	—			$	—
-1	Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
-2	The transfers out of Level 3 were primarily comprised of the portion of private equity investments which do not represent equity investments, whose balances were transferred to cash and cash equivalents or other receivables on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and whose carrying values approximate fair value.
Six months ended March 31, 2014 Level 3 assets at fair value
(in thousands)
		Financial assets																																						Financial
																																								liabilities
	Trading instruments													Available for sale securities												Private equity, other investments and other assets														Payables-
																																								trade and
																																								other
		Non-				Equity				Other				Non-				ARS –				ARS -				Private				Other				Other receivables				Other assets		Other
		agency				securities								agency				municipals				preferred				equity				investments										liabilities
		CMOs &												CMOs								securities				investments
		ABS
Fair value September 30, 2013		$	14			$	35			$	3,956			$	78			$	130,934			$	110,784			$	216,391			$	4,607			$	2,778			$	15	$	(60	)
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings		—				4				(201		)		(27		)		5,584				44				4,781			(1)	73				(2,778		)		—		(22		)
Included in other comprehensive income		—				—				—				21				938				1,712				—				—				—				—		—
Purchases and contributions		—				24				10,448				—				—				—				9,332				63				—				—		—
Sales		—				(26		)		(11,500		)		—				(370		)		—				(7,076		)		(2,698		)		—				—		—
Redemptions by issuer		—				—				—				—				(27,126		)		(325		)		—				(28		)		—				—		—
Distributions		(1		)		—				—				(34		)		—				—				(13,450		)		(229		)		—				—		—
Transfers: (2)
Into Level 3		—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—		—
Out of Level 3		—				—				—				—				—				—				(18,577		)	(3)	—				—				—		—
Fair value		$	13			$	37			$	2,703			$	38			$	109,960			$	112,215			$	191,401			$	1,788			$	—			$	15	$	(82	)
March 31, 2014
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	20			$	4			$	(201	)		$	(27	)		$	938			$	1,712			$	4,781			$	166			$	—			$	—	$	(22	)
(1) Primarily results from valuation adjustments of certain private equity investments. Since we only own a portion of these investments, our share of the net valuation adjustments resulted in a gain of $4.4 million which is included in net income attributable to RJF (after noncontrolling interests). The noncontrolling interests’ share of the net valuation adjustments was a gain of approximately $400 thousand.
-2	Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
-3	The transfers out of Level 3 were primarily comprised of the portion of private equity investments which do not represent equity investments, whose balances were transferred to cash and cash equivalents or other receivables on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and whose carrying values approximate fair value.
As of March 31, 2015, 8.9% of our assets and 3.9% of our liabilities are instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  Instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized as Level 3 as of March 31, 2015 represent 19% of our assets measured at fair value. In comparison, as of March 31, 2014, 8.7% and 3% of our assets and liabilities, respectively, represented instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  Instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized as Level 3 as of March 31, 2014 represented 21% of our assets measured at fair value. Level 3 instruments as a percentage of total financial instruments decreased by 2% as compared to March 31, 2014, a result of the increase in total instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015, the balances of our level 3 assets have increased compared to March 31, 2014 primarily as a result of the increase in the value of our private equity investments since March 31, 2014.
Gains and losses included in earnings are presented in net trading profit and other revenues in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as follows:
For the three months ended March 31, 2015		Net trading				Other
		profit				revenues
		(in thousands)
Total (losses) gains included in revenues		$	(20	)		$	14,271
Change in unrealized gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	—			$	17,805
For the six months ended March 31, 2015		Net trading				Other
		profit				revenues
		(in thousands)
Total (losses) gains included in revenues		$	(35	)		$	18,577
Change in unrealized gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	5			$	20,145
For the three months ended March 31, 2014		Net trading				Other
		profit				revenues
		(in thousands)
Total (losses) gains included in revenues		$	(27	)		$	1,503
Change in unrealized (losses) gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	(27	)		$	180
For the six months ended March 31, 2014		Net trading				Other
		profit				revenues
		(in thousands)
Total (losses) gains included in revenues		$	(197	)		$	7,655
Change in unrealized (losses) gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	(177	)		$	7,548
Quantitative information about level 3 fair value measurements
The significant assumptions used in the valuation of level 3 financial instruments are as follows (the table that follows includes the significant majority of the financial instruments we hold that are classified as level 3 measures):
Level 3 financial instrument		Fair value at				Valuation technique(s)		Unobservable input		Range (weighted-average)
		March 31,
		2015
		(in thousands)
Recurring measurements:
Available for sale securities:
ARS:
Municipals		$	61,500			Recent trades		Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities		94% of par - 94% of par (94% of par)
								Comparability adjustments(a)		+/- 3% of par (+/- 3% of par)
Municipals		$	10,505			Income or market approach:
						Scenario 1 - recent trades		Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities		70% of par - 70% of par (70% of par)
						Scenario 2 - discounted cash flow		Average discount rate(b)		5.10% - 6.94% (6.02%)
								Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities(c)		1.49% - 3.19% (2.34%)
								Prepayment year(d)		2017 - 2024 (2021)
								Weighting assigned to outcome of scenario1/ scenario 2		20%/80%
Municipals		$	17,609			Discounted cash flow		Average discount rate(b)		3.32% - 5.94% (3.84%)
								Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities(c)		1.28% - 4.25% (1.41%)
								Prepayment year(d)		2017 - 2024 (2020)
Preferred securities		$	112,448			Discounted cash flow		Average discount rate(b)		3.43% - 4.91% (4.13%)
								Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities(c)		1.88% - 3.21% (1.99%)
								Prepayment year(d)		2015 - 2019 (2019)
Private equity investments:		$	46,402			Income or market approach:
						Scenario 1 - income approach - discounted cash flow		Discount rate(b)		13% - 17.5% (15.9%)
								Terminal growth rate of cash flows		3% - 3% (3%)
								Terminal year		2016 - 2018 (2017)
						Scenario 2 - market approach - market multiple method		EBITDA Multiple(e)		4.75 - 7.5 (6.3)
								Weighting assigned to outcome of scenario 1/scenario 2		72%/28%
		$	174,542			Transaction price or other investment-specific events(f)		Not meaningful(f)		Not meaningful(f)
Nonrecurring measurements:
Impaired loans: residential		$	24,075			Discounted cash flow		Prepayment rate		7 yrs. - 12 yrs. (10.3 yrs.)
Impaired loans: corporate		$	27,369			Appraisal, discounted cash flow, or distressed enterprise value(g)		Not meaningful(g)		Not meaningful(g)
The text of the footnotes in the above table are on the following page.
The text of the footnotes to the table on the previous page are as follows:
(a)	Management estimates that market participants apply this range of either discount or premium, as applicable, to the limited observable trade data in order to assess the value of the securities within this portfolio segment.
(b)	Represents discount rates used when we have determined that market participants would take these discounts into account when pricing the investments.
(c)	Future interest rates are projected based upon a forward interest rate path, plus a spread over such projected base rate that is applicable to each future period for each security within this portfolio segment.  The interest rates presented represent the average interest rate over all projected periods for securities within the portfolio segment.
(d)	Assumed year of at least a partial redemption of the outstanding security by the issuer.
(e)	Represents amounts used when we have determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments.
(f)	Certain direct private equity investments are valued initially at the transaction price until either our annual review, significant transactions occur, new developments become known, or we receive information from the fund manager that allows us to update our proportionate share of net assets, when any of which indicate that a change in the carrying values of these investments is appropriate.
(g)	The valuation techniques used for the impaired corporate loan portfolio as of March 31, 2015 were appraisals less selling costs for the collateral dependent loans, and either discounted cash flows or distressed enterprise value for the remaining impaired loans that are not collateral dependent.
Qualitative disclosure about unobservable inputs
For our recurring fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in significant unobservable inputs and interrelationships between those unobservable inputs are described below:
Auction rate securities:
One of the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of auction rate securities presented within our available for sale securities portfolio relates to judgments regarding whether the level of observable trading activity is sufficient to conclude markets are active.  Where insufficient levels of trading activity are determined to exist as of the reporting date, then management’s assessment of how much weight to apply to trading prices in inactive markets versus management’s own valuation models could significantly impact the valuation conclusion.  The valuation of the securities impacted by changes in management’s assessment of market activity levels could be either higher or lower, depending upon the relationship of the inactive trading prices compared to the outcome of management’s internal valuation models.
The future interest rate and maturity assumptions impacting the valuation of the auction rate securities are directly related.  As short-term interest rates rise, due to the variable nature of the penalty interest rate provisions embedded in most of these securities in the event auctions fail to set the security’s interest rate, then a penalty rate that is specified in the security increases.  These penalty rates are based upon a stated interest rate spread over what is typically a short-term base interest rate index.  Management estimates that at some level of increase in short-term interest rates, issuers of the securities will have the economic incentive to refinance (and thus prepay) the securities.  Therefore, the short-term interest rate assumption directly impacts the input related to the timing of any projected prepayment.  The faster and steeper short-term interest rates rise, the earlier prepayments will likely occur and the higher the fair value of the security.
Private equity investments:
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of private equity investments relate to the financial performance of the investment entity and the market’s required return on investments from entities in industries in which we hold investments.  Significant increases (or decreases) in our investment entities’ future economic performance will have a directly proportional impact on the valuation results.  The value of our investment moves inversely with the market’s expectation of returns from such investments.  Should the market require higher returns from industries in which we are invested, all other factors held constant, our investments will decrease in value.  Should the market accept lower returns from industries in which we are invested, all other factors held constant, our investments will increase in value.
Fair value option
The fair value option is an accounting election that allows the reporting entity to apply fair value accounting for certain financial assets and liabilities on an instrument by instrument basis.  As of March 31, 2015, we have elected not to choose the fair value option for any of our financial assets or liabilities not already recorded at fair value.
Other fair value disclosures
Many, but not all, of the financial instruments we hold are recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Refer to Note 5 on pages 131 - 132 of our 2014 Form 10-K for discussion of the methods and assumptions we apply to the determination of fair value of our financial instruments that are not otherwise recorded at fair value.
The estimated fair values by level within the fair value hierarchy and the carrying amounts of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:
		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Total estimated fair value				Carrying amount
		in active				other				unobservable
		markets for				observable				inputs
		identical				inputs				(Level 3)
		assets				(Level 2)
		(Level 1)
		(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
Financial assets:
Bank loans, net(1)		$	—			$	38,848			$	11,854,431			$	11,893,279			$	11,935,121
Financial liabilities:
Bank deposits		$	—			$	10,921,350			$	353,769			$	11,275,119			$	11,272,013
Corporate debt		$	378,700			$	958,688			$	—			$	1,337,388			$	1,188,916
September 30, 2014
Financial assets:
Bank loans, net(1)		$	—			$	23,678			$	10,738,136			$	10,761,814			$	10,857,662
Financial liabilities:
Bank deposits		$	—			$	9,684,221			$	344,234			$	10,028,455			$	10,028,924
Corporate debt		$	366,100			$	955,170			$	—			$	1,321,270			$	1,190,836
-1	Excludes all impaired loans and loans held for sale which have been recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

TRADING_INSTRUMENTS_AND_TRADIN

TRADING INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING INSTRUMENTS SOLD BUT NOT YET PURCHASED	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Trading Instruments and Trading Instruments Sold But Not Yet Purchased [Abstract]
TRADING INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING INSTRUMENTS SOLD BUT NOT YET PURCHASED	TRADING INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING INSTRUMENTS SOLD BUT NOT YET PURCHASED
		March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
		Trading		Instruments		Trading		Instruments
		instruments		sold but not		instruments		sold but not
				yet purchased				yet purchased
		(in thousands)
	Municipal and provincial obligations	$	244,519	$	4,876	$	203,889	$	11,647
	Corporate obligations	96,073		18,648		111,928		15,333
	Government and agency obligations	164,008		284,821		101,362		187,424
	Agency MBS and CMOs	140,403		1,834		127,419		738
	Non-agency CMOs and ABS	51,810		—		58,375		—
	Total debt securities	696,813		310,179		602,973		215,142
	Derivative contracts (1)	41,717		26,022		28,205		12,372
	Equity securities	42,383		34,388		34,142		10,886
	Corporate loans	—		—		990		—
	Other	16,618		1,751		13,083		—
	Total	$	797,531	$	372,340	$	679,393	$	238,400
	-1	Represents the derivative contracts held for trading purposes. These balances do not include all derivative instruments. See Note 12 for further information regarding all of our derivative transactions, and see Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting financial instruments.
	See Note 4 for additional information regarding the fair value of trading instruments and trading instruments sold but not yet purchased.

AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_SECURITIES

AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES	AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES
	Available for sale securities are comprised of MBS and CMOs owned by RJ Bank and ARS owned by one of our non-broker-dealer subsidiaries. Refer to the discussion of our available for sale securities accounting policies, including the fair value determination process, in Note 2 on pages 104 - 106 of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	There were no proceeds from the sale of available for sale securities held by RJ Bank in either of the three or six month periods ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.
	Certain securities in the ARS portion of the available for sale securities portfolio have been redeemed by their issuer or sold in market transactions. Sale or redemption activities within the ARS portion of the portfolio resulted in aggregate proceeds of $295 thousand and an insignificant gain which is included in other revenues on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income in the three and six months ended March 31, 2015. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, sale or redemption activities within the ARS portion of the portfolio resulted in aggregate proceeds of approximately $700 thousand and $27.8 million, respectively, and an insignificant gain in the three months ended March 31, 2014, and a gain of $5.6 million in the six months ended March 31, 2014, which are recorded in other revenues on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. Nearly all of the ARS proceeds and gain in the prior year six month period ended March 31, 2014 resulted from the redemption of the Jefferson County Sewer Revenue Refunding Warrants ARS.
	The amortized cost and fair values of available for sale securities are as follows:
		Cost basis			Gross			Gross			Fair value
					unrealized gains			unrealized losses
		(in thousands)
	March 31, 2015
	Available for sale securities:
	Agency MBS and CMOs	$	239,776		$	1,066		$	(354	)	$	240,488
	Non-agency CMOs (1)	93,272			24			(5,934		)	87,362
	Other securities	1,575			453			—			2,028
	Total RJ Bank available for sale securities	334,623			1,543			(6,288		)	329,878
	Auction rate securities:
	Municipal obligations	81,492			9,683			(1,561		)	89,614
	Preferred securities	104,302			8,146			—			112,448
	Total auction rate securities	185,794			17,829			(1,561		)	202,062
	Total available for sale securities	$	520,417		$	19,372		$	(7,849	)	$	531,940
	September 30, 2014
	Available for sale securities:
	Agency MBS and CMOs	$	267,927		$	822		$	(1,029	)	$	267,720
	Non-agency CMOs (2)	98,946			56			(7,084		)	91,918
	Other securities	1,575			341			—			1,916
	Total RJ Bank available for sale securities	368,448			1,219			(8,113		)	361,554
	Auction rate securities:
	Municipal obligations	81,535			6,240			(1,079		)	86,696
	Preferred securities	104,526			9,513			—			114,039
	Total auction rate securities	186,061			15,753			(1,079		)	200,735
	Total available for sale securities	$	554,509		$	16,972		$	(9,192	)	$	562,289
	-1	As of March 31, 2015, the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) was $4.9 million (before taxes). See Note 16 for additional information.
	-2	As of September 30, 2014, the non-credit portion of OTTI recorded in AOCI was $6.1 million (before taxes).
	See Note 4 for additional information regarding the fair value of available for sale securities.
	The contractual maturities, amortized cost, carrying values and current yields for our available for sale securities are as presented below.  Since RJ Bank’s available for sale securities (MBS & CMOs) are backed by mortgages, actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.  Expected maturities of ARS may differ significantly from contractual maturities, as issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		March 31, 2015
		Within one year			After one but			After five but			After ten years			Total
					within five			within ten
					years			years
		($ in thousands)
	Agency MBS & CMOs:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	7,463		$	10,466		$	221,847		$	239,776
	Carrying value	—			7,480			10,541			222,467			240,488
	Weighted-average yield	—			0.26		%	0.48		%	0.97		%	0.94		%
	Non-agency CMOs:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	93,272		$	93,272
	Carrying value	—			—			—			87,362			87,362
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			2.39		%	2.39		%
	Other securities:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,575		$	1,575
	Carrying value	—			—			—			2,028			2,028
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			—			—
	Sub-total agency MBS & CMOs, non-agency CMOs, and other securities:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	7,463		$	10,466		$	316,694		$	334,623
	Carrying value	—			7,480			10,541			311,857			329,878
	Weighted-average yield	—			0.26		%	0.48		%	1.36		%	1.32		%
	Auction rate securities:
	Municipal obligations
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	81,492		$	81,492
	Carrying value	—			—			—			89,614			89,614
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			0.42		%	0.42		%
	Preferred securities:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	104,302		$	104,302
	Carrying value	—			—			—			112,448			112,448
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			0.27		%	0.27		%
Sub-total auction rate securities:
Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	185,794		$	185,794
Carrying value	—			—			—			202,062			202,062
Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			0.34		%	0.34		%
Total available for sale securities:
Amortized cost	$	—		$	7,463		$	10,466		$	502,488		$	520,417
Carrying value	—			7,480			10,541			513,919			531,940
Weighted-average yield	—			0.26		%	0.48		%	0.96		%	0.95		%
The gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are as follows:
	March 31, 2015
	Less than 12 months						12 months or more						Total
	Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized
	fair value			losses			fair value			losses			fair value			losses
	(in thousands)
Agency MBS and CMOs	$	—		$	—		$	54,584		$	(354	)	$	54,584		$	(354	)
Non-agency CMOs	18,921			(769		)	64,519			(5,165		)	83,440			(5,934		)
ARS municipal obligations	226			(2		)	11,593			(1,559		)	11,819			(1,561		)
Total	$	19,147		$	(771	)	$	130,696		$	(7,078	)	$	149,843		$	(7,849	)
	September 30, 2014
	Less than 12 months						12 months or more						Total
	Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized
	fair value			losses			fair value			losses			fair value			losses
	(in thousands)
Agency MBS and CMOs	$	18,062		$	(53	)	$	71,688		$	(976	)	$	89,750		$	(1,029	)
Non-agency CMOs	5,506			(357		)	69,970			(6,727		)	75,476			(7,084		)
ARS municipal obligations	—			—			12,072			(1,079		)	12,072			(1,079		)
Total	$	23,568		$	(410	)	$	153,730		$	(8,782	)	$	177,298		$	(9,192	)
The reference point for determining when securities are in a loss position is the reporting period end. As such, it is possible that a security had a fair value that exceeded its amortized cost on other days during the period.
Agency MBS and CMOs
The Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), as well as the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), guarantee the contractual cash flows of the agency MBS and CMOs. At March 31, 2015, all seven of our U.S. government-sponsored enterprise MBS and CMOs were in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. We do not consider these securities other-than-temporarily impaired due to the guarantee provided by FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA as to the full payment of principal and interest, and the fact that we have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity.
Non-agency CMOs
All individual non-agency securities are evaluated for OTTI on a quarterly basis.  Only those non-agency CMOs whose amortized cost basis we do not expect to recover in full are considered to be other than temporarily impaired, as we have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity.  To assess whether the amortized cost basis of non-agency CMOs will be recovered, RJ Bank performs a cash flow analysis for each security.  This comprehensive process considers borrower characteristics and the particular attributes of the loans underlying each security.  Loan level analysis includes a review of historical default rates, loss severities, liquidations, prepayment speeds and delinquency trends.  In addition to historical details, home prices and the economic outlook are considered to derive the assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow model to project security-specific cash flows, which factors in the amount of credit enhancement specific to the security.  The difference between the present value of the cash flows expected and the amortized cost basis is the credit loss, and it is recorded as OTTI.
The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis of non-agency CMOs are as follows:
	March 31, 2015
	Range		Weighted-
			average (1)
Default rate	0% - 10.2%		4.06%
Loss severity	0% - 73.4%		41.23%
Prepayment rate	5% - 20%		8.78%
(1)	Represents the expected activity for the next twelve months.
At March 31, 2015, 17 of the 19 non-agency CMOs were in a continuous unrealized loss position. Of these, 12 were in that position for 12 months or more and five were in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. Based on the expected cash flows derived from the model utilized in our analysis, we expect to recover all unrealized losses not already recorded in earnings on our non-agency CMOs. However, it is possible that the underlying loan collateral of these securities will perform worse than current expectations, which may lead to adverse changes in the cash flows expected to be collected on these securities and potential future OTTI losses. As residential mortgage loans are the underlying collateral of these securities, the unrealized losses at March 31, 2015 reflect the uncertainty in the markets for these instruments.
ARS
Our cost basis in the ARS we hold is the fair value of the securities in the period in which we acquired them. The par value of the ARS we hold as of March 31, 2015 is $221.5 million. Only those ARS whose amortized cost basis we do not expect to recover in full are considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired, as we have the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. All of our ARS securities are evaluated for OTTI on a quarterly basis.
Within our ARS preferred securities, we analyze the credit ratings associated with each security as an indicator of potential credit impairment. As of March 31, 2015, and including subsequent ratings changes, all of the ARS preferred securities were rated investment grade by at least one rating agency and there is no potential impairment since the fair values of these securities exceed their cost basis.
Other-than-temporarily impaired securities
Although there is no intent to sell either our ARS or our non-agency CMOs, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities, as of March 31, 2015 we do not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of certain securities within these portfolios.
Changes in the amount of OTTI related to credit losses recognized in other revenues on available for sale securities are as follows:
	Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
	(in thousands)
Amount related to credit losses on securities we held at the beginning of the period	$	18,703		$	28,244		$	18,703		$	28,217
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized	—			—			—			27
Amount related to credit losses on securities we held at the end of the period	$	18,703		$	28,244		$	18,703		$	28,244

BANK_LOANS_NET

BANK LOANS, NET	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
BANK LOANS, NET	BANK LOANS, NET
	Bank client receivables are comprised of loans originated or purchased by RJ Bank, and include commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans, tax-exempt loans, securities based loans (“SBL”), as well as commercial and residential real estate loans. These receivables are collateralized by first or second mortgages on residential or other real property, other assets of the borrower, a pledge of revenue, or are unsecured.
	For a discussion of our accounting policies regarding bank loans and allowances for losses, including the policies regarding loans held for investment, loans held for sale, off-balance sheet loan commitments, nonperforming assets, troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), impaired loans, the allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments, and loan charge-off policies, see Note 2 on pages 108 – 112 of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	We segregate our loan portfolio into six loan portfolio segments: C&I, commercial real estate (“CRE”), CRE construction, tax-exempt, residential mortgage, and SBL. These portfolio segments also serve as the portfolio loan classes for purposes of credit analysis, except for residential mortgage loans which are further disaggregated into residential first mortgage and residential home equity classes.
	The following table presents the balances for both the held for sale and held for investment loan portfolios, as well as the associated percentage of each portfolio segment in RJ Bank’s total loan portfolio:
		March 31, 2015							September 30, 2014
		Balance				%			Balance				%
		($ in thousands)
	Loans held for sale, net(1)	$	87,974			1	%		$	45,988			—
	Loans held for investment:
	Domestic:
	C&I loans	5,776,977				47	%		5,378,592				49	%
	CRE construction loans	78,820				1	%		76,733				1	%
	CRE loans	1,468,813				12	%		1,415,093				13	%
	Tax-exempt loans	361,644				3	%		122,218				1	%
	Residential mortgage loans	1,963,336				16	%		1,749,513				16	%
	SBL	1,249,930				10	%		1,021,358				9	%
	Foreign:
	C&I loans	1,036,223				8	%		1,043,755				9	%
	CRE construction loans	22,094				—			17,462				—
	CRE loans	204,132				2	%		274,070				2	%
	Residential mortgage loans	2,865				—			2,234				—
	SBL	1,954				—			2,390				—
	Total loans held for investment	12,166,788							11,103,418
	Net unearned income and deferred expenses	(34,091		)					(37,533		)
	Total loans held for investment, net(1)	12,132,697							11,065,885
	Total loans held for sale and investment	12,220,671				100	%		11,111,873				100	%
	Allowance for loan losses	(160,008		)					(147,574		)
	Bank loans, net	$	12,060,663						$	10,964,299
	-1	Net of unearned income and deferred expenses, which includes purchase premiums, purchase discounts, and net deferred origination fees and costs.
	At March 31, 2015, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) had a blanket lien on RJ Bank’s residential mortgage loan portfolio as security for the repayment of certain borrowings. See Note 11 for more information regarding borrowings from the FHLB.
	Loans held for sale
	RJ Bank originated or purchased $219.7 million and $617.6 million of loans held for sale during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, and $255.4 million and $548.3 million during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively. Proceeds from the sale of held for sale loans amounted to $60.2 million and $97.5 million during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, and $34.3 million and $94.1 million during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively. Both the net gains resulting from such sales, and unrealized losses resulting from adjustments of the carrying value of loans held for sale to reflect the lower of cost or market, were insignificant in each of the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
	Purchases and sales of loans held for investment
	As more fully described in Note 2 of our 2014 Form 10-K, corporate loan sales generally occur as part of a loan workout situation.
	The following table presents purchases and sales of any loans held for investment by portfolio segment:
		Three months ended March 31,															Six months ended March 31,
		2015								2014							2015							2014
		Purchases				Sales				Purchases				Sales			Purchases				Sales			Purchases				Sales
		(in thousands)
	C&I loans	$	106,197			$	25,500			$	110,406			$	70,350		$	260,281			$	32,360		$	237,736			$	131,323
	Residential mortgage loans	1,337				—				140				—			213,309			(1)	—			27,735				—
	Total	$	107,534			$	25,500			$	110,546			$	70,350		$	473,590			$	32,360		$	265,471			$	131,323
	-1	Includes the purchase of a loan portfolio totaling $207.3 million in principal loan balance.
	Aging analysis of loans held for investment
	The following table presents an analysis of the payment status of loans held for investment:
		30-89				90 days or more				Total past due and accruing				Nonaccrual (1)			Current and accruing				Total loans held for
		days and accruing				and accruing															investment (2)
		(in thousands)
	As of March 31, 2015:
	C&I loans	$	173			$	—			$	173			$	—		$	6,813,027			$	6,813,200
	CRE construction loans	—				—				—				—			100,914				100,914
	CRE loans	—				—				—				17,171			1,655,774				1,672,945
	Tax-exempt loans	—				—				—				—			361,644				361,644
	Residential mortgage loans:
	First mortgage loans	2,795				—				2,795				52,182			1,890,746				1,945,723
	Home equity loans/lines	30				—				30				285			20,163				20,478
	SBL	—				—				—				—			1,251,884				1,251,884
	Total loans held for investment, net	$	2,998			$	—			$	2,998			$	69,638		$	12,094,152			$	12,166,788
	As of September 30, 2014:
	C&I loans	$	124			$	—			$	124			$	—		$	6,422,223			$	6,422,347
	CRE construction loans	—				—				—				—			94,195				94,195
	CRE loans	—				—				—				18,876			1,670,287				1,689,163
	Tax-exempt	—				—				—				—			122,218				122,218
Residential mortgage loans:
First mortgage loans	1,648				—				1,648				61,391			1,668,724				1,731,763
Home equity loans/lines	57				—				57				398			19,529				19,984
SBL	—				—				—				—			1,023,748				1,023,748
Total loans held for investment, net	$	1,829			$	—			$	1,829			$	80,665		$	11,020,924			$	11,103,418
-1	Includes $36.9 million and $41.4 million of nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, which are performing pursuant to their contractual terms.
-2	Excludes any net unearned income and deferred expenses.
Nonperforming loans represent those loans on nonaccrual status, troubled debt restructurings, and accruing loans which are 90 days or more past due and in the process of collection. The gross interest income related to the nonperforming loans reflected in the previous table, which would have been recorded had these loans been current in accordance with their original terms, totaled $487 thousand and $1.2 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, and $1 million and $1.8 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively. The interest income recognized on nonperforming loans was $417 thousand and $645 thousand for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively, and $326 thousand and $888 thousand for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively.
Other real estate owned, included in other assets on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, was $6.5 million at March 31, 2015 and $5.4 million at September 30, 2014.
Impaired loans and troubled debt restructurings
The following table provides a summary of RJ Bank’s impaired loans:
	March 31, 2015												September 30, 2014
	Gross				Unpaid				Allowance				Gross			Unpaid				Allowance
	recorded				principal				for losses				recorded			principal				for losses
	investment				balance								investment			balance
	(in thousands)
Impaired loans with allowance for loan losses:(1)
C&I loans	$	11,418			$	12,022			$	1,220			$	11,959		$	12,563			$	1,289
Residential - first mortgage loans	39,266				54,529				4,376				43,806			61,372				5,012
Total	50,684				66,551				5,596				55,765			73,935				6,301
Impaired loans without allowance for loan losses:(2)
CRE loans	17,171				28,446				—				18,876			39,717				—
Residential - first mortgage loans	19,751				29,451				—				21,987			32,949				—
Total	36,922				57,897				—				40,863			72,666				—
Total impaired loans	$	87,606			$	124,448			$	5,596			$	96,628		$	146,601			$	6,301
-1	Impaired loan balances have had reserves established based upon management’s analysis.
-2	When the discounted cash flow, collateral value or market value equals or exceeds the carrying value of the loan, then the loan does not require an allowance.  These are generally loans in process of foreclosure that have already been adjusted to fair value.
The preceding table includes $17.2 million CRE, $11.4 million of C&I, and $33.9 million residential first mortgage TDR’s at March 31, 2015, and $18.9 million CRE, $12 million C&I, and $36.6 million residential first mortgage TDR’s at September 30, 2014.
The average balance of the total impaired loans and the related interest income recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income are as follows:
	Three months ended March 31,								Six months ended March 31,
	2015				2014				2015				2014
	(in thousands)
Average impaired loan balance:
C&I loans	$	11,613			$	—			$	11,732			$	35
CRE loans	17,257				24,702				17,394				24,949
Residential mortgage loans:
First mortgage loans	59,875				71,277				61,493				71,818
Home equity loans/lines	—				36				—				36
Total	$	88,745			$	96,015			$	90,619			$	96,838
Interest income recognized:
Residential mortgage loans:
First mortgage loans	$	426			$	391			$	741			$	1,027
Total	$	426			$	391			$	741			$	1,027
During the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, RJ Bank granted concessions to borrowers having financial difficulties, for which the resulting modification was deemed a TDR.  The concessions granted for the respective first mortgage residential loans presented in the table below were interest rate reductions, amortization and maturity date extensions, capitalization of past due payments, or release of liability ordered under Chapter 7 bankruptcy not reaffirmed by the borrower.  The table below presents the TDRs that occurred during the respective periods presented:
	Number of			Pre-modification				Post-modification
	contracts			outstanding				outstanding
				recorded				recorded
				investment				investment
	($ in thousands)
Three months ended March 31, 2015
Residential – first mortgage loans	1			$	133			$	134
Three months ended March 31, 2014
Residential – first mortgage loans	4			$	654			$	702
Six months ended March 31, 2015
Residential – first mortgage loans	3			$	290			$	293
Six months ended March 31, 2014
Residential – first mortgage loans	12			$	2,539			$	2,699
There were no TDRs for which there was a payment default and for which the respective loan was modified as a TDR within the 12 months prior to the default during three and six months ended March 31, 2015. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, there were three residential first mortgage TDRs with a recorded investment of $852 thousand, for which there was a payment default and for which the respective loan was modified as a TDR within the 12 months prior to the default.
As of March 31, 2015 and as of September 30, 2014, RJ Bank had one outstanding commitment on a C&I TDR in the amount of $560 thousand.
Credit quality indicators
The credit quality of RJ Bank’s loan portfolio is summarized monthly by management using the standard asset classification system utilized by bank regulators for the SBL and residential mortgage loan portfolios and internal risk ratings, which correspond to the same standard asset classifications for the corporate loan portfolios.  These classifications are divided into three groups:  Not Classified (Pass), Special Mention, and Classified or Adverse Rating (Substandard, Doubtful and Loss). These terms are defined as follows:
Pass – Loans which are well protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor (or guarantors, if any) or by the fair value, less costs to acquire and sell, of any underlying collateral in a timely manner.
Special Mention – Loans which have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. These loans are not adversely classified and do not expose RJ Bank to sufficient risk to warrant an adverse classification.
Substandard – Loans which are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Loans with this classification are characterized by the distinct possibility that RJ Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful – Loans which have all the weaknesses inherent in loans classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable on the basis of currently-known facts, conditions and values.
Loss – Loans which are considered by management to be uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance on RJ Bank’s books as an asset, without establishment of a specific valuation allowance or charge-off, is not warranted.  RJ Bank does not have any loan balances within this classification because, in accordance with its accounting policy, loans, or a portion thereof considered to be uncollectible, are charged-off prior to the assignment of this classification.
The credit quality of RJ Bank’s held for investment loan portfolio is as follows:
																Residential mortgage
	C&I				CRE				CRE				Tax-exempt			First				Home			SBL				Total
					construction											mortgage				equity
	(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
Pass	$	6,712,843			$	100,914			$	1,640,839			$	361,644		$	1,867,841			$	20,125		$	1,251,884			$	11,956,090
Special mention (1)	69,647				—				14,566				—			16,336				66			—				100,615
Substandard (1)	30,710				—				17,540				—			61,546				287			—				110,083
Total	$	6,813,200			$	100,914			$	1,672,945			$	361,644		$	1,945,723			$	20,478		$	1,251,884			$	12,166,788
September 30, 2014
Pass	$	6,321,662			$	94,195			$	1,669,897			$	122,218		$	1,647,325			$	19,572		$	1,023,748			$	10,898,617
Special mention (1)	83,101				—				191				—			15,346				—			—				98,638
Substandard (1)	17,584				—				18,167				—			69,092				412			—				105,255
Doubtful (1)	—				—				908				—			—				—			—				908
Total	$	6,422,347			$	94,195			$	1,689,163			$	122,218		$	1,731,763			$	19,984		$	1,023,748			$	11,103,418
-1	Loans classified as special mention, substandard or doubtful are all considered to be “criticized” loans.
The credit quality of RJ Bank’s performing residential first mortgage loan portfolio is additionally assessed utilizing updated loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios.  RJ Bank segregates all of its performing residential first mortgage loan portfolio with higher reserve percentages allocated to the higher LTV loans.  Current LTVs are updated using the most recently available information (generally on a one-quarter lag) and are estimated based on the initial appraisal obtained at the time of origination, adjusted using relevant market indices for housing price changes that have occurred since origination.  The value of the homes could vary from actual market values due to changes in the condition of the underlying property, variations in housing price changes within current valuation indices, and other factors.
The table below presents the most recently available update of the performing residential first mortgage loan portfolio summarized by current LTV. The amounts in the table represent the entire loan balance:
	Balance(1)
	(in thousands)
LTV range:
LTV less than 50%	$	557,456
LTV greater than 50% but less than 80%	976,306
LTV greater than 80% but less than 100%	169,304
LTV greater than 100%, but less than 120%	23,864
LTV greater than 120%	4,011
Total	$	1,730,941
-1	Excludes loans that have full repurchase recourse for any delinquent loans.
Allowance for loan losses and reserve for unfunded lending commitments
Changes in the allowance for loan losses of RJ Bank by portfolio segment are as follows:
		Loans held for investment
		C&I				CRE				CRE				Tax-exempt			Residential mortgage				SBL			Total
						construction
	(in thousands)
Three months ended March 31, 2015
Balance at beginning of period		$	109,582			$	1,709			$	25,095			$	2,738		$	15,319			2,324			$	156,767
Provision (benefit) for loan losses		1,530				(8		)		900				1,171			168				176			3,937
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs		—				—				—				—			(411		)		—			(411		)
Recoveries		536				—				—				—			—				6			542
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries		536				—				—				—			(411		)		6			131
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(523		)		(26		)		(278		)		—			—				—			(827		)
Balance at March 31, 2015		$	111,125			$	1,675			$	25,717			$	3,909		$	15,076			$	2,506		$	160,008
Six months ended March 31, 2015
Balance at beginning of period		$	103,179			$	1,594			$	25,022			1,380			14,350				2,049			$	147,574
Provision for loan losses		8,364				117				1,062				2,529			787				443			13,302
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs		(238		)		—				—				—			(638		)		—			(876		)
Recoveries		536				—				—				—			577				14			1,127
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries		298				—				—				—			(61		)		14			251
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(716		)		(36		)		(367		)		—			—				—			(1,119		)
Balance at March 31, 2015		$	111,125			$	1,675			$	25,717			$	3,909		$	15,076			$	2,506		$	160,008
Three months ended March 31, 2014
Balance at beginning of period		$	96,629			$	1,647			$	20,210			—			18,300				1,338			$	138,124
Provision (benefit) for loan losses		1,113				169				2,133				—			(1,641		)		205			1,979
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs		(1,805		)		—				—				—			(670		)		—			(2,475		)
Recoveries		12				—				—				—			625				6			643
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries		(1,793		)		—				—				—			(45		)		6			(1,832		)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(247		)		(17		)		(67		)		—			—				—			(331		)
Balance at March 31, 2014		$	95,702			$	1,799			$	22,276			$	—		$	16,614			$	1,549		$	137,940
Six months ended March 31, 2014
Balance at beginning of period		$	95,994			$	1,000			$	19,266			—			19,126				1,115			$	136,501
Provision (benefit) for loan losses		2,015				824				3,062				—			(2,702		)		416			3,615
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs		(1,845		)		—				—				—			(879		)		—			(2,724		)
Recoveries		16				—				80				—			1,069				18			1,183
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries		(1,829		)		—				80				—			190				18			(1,541		)
Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(478		)		(25		)		(132		)		—			—				—			(635		)
Balance at March 31, 2014		$	95,702			$	1,799			$	22,276			$	—		$	16,614			$	1,549		$	137,940
The following table presents, by loan portfolio segment, RJ Bank’s recorded investment and related allowance for loan losses:
		Loans held for investment
		C&I				CRE				CRE				Tax-exempt			Residential				SBL			Total
						construction											mortgage
	(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,220			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	4,376			$	—		$	5,596
Collectively evaluated for impairment		109,905				1,675				25,717				3,909			10,700				2,506			154,412
Total allowance for loan losses		$	111,125			$	1,675			$	25,717			$	3,909		$	15,076			$	2,506		$	160,008
Recorded investment:(1)
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	11,418			$	—			$	17,171			$	—		$	59,017			$	—		$	87,606
Collectively evaluated for impairment		6,801,782				100,914				1,655,774				361,644			1,907,184				1,251,884			12,079,182
Total recorded investment		$	6,813,200			$	100,914			$	1,672,945			$	361,644		$	1,966,201			$	1,251,884		$	12,166,788
September 30, 2014
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,289			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	5,012			$	—		$	6,301
Collectively evaluated for impairment		101,890				1,594				25,022				1,380			9,338				2,049			141,273
Total allowance for loan losses		$	103,179			$	1,594			$	25,022			$	1,380		$	14,350			$	2,049		$	147,574
Recorded investment:(1)
Individually evaluated for impairment		$	11,959			$	—			$	18,876			$	—		$	65,793			$	—		$	96,628
Collectively evaluated for impairment		6,410,388				94,195				1,670,287				122,218			1,685,954				1,023,748			11,006,790
Total recorded investment		$	6,422,347			$	94,195			$	1,689,163			$	122,218		$	1,751,747			$	1,023,748		$	11,103,418
-1	Excludes any net unearned income and deferred expenses.
The reserve for unfunded lending commitments, included in trade and other payables on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, was $13.2 million and $10 million at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
	A VIE requires consolidation by the entity’s primary beneficiary.  We evaluate all of the entities in which we are involved to determine if the entity is a VIE and, if so, whether we hold a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary.
	We hold variable interests in the following VIE’s: Raymond James Employee Investment Funds I and II (the “EIF Funds”), a trust fund established for employee retention purposes (“Restricted Stock Trust Fund”), certain low-income housing tax credit funds (“LIHTC Funds”), various other partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLCs”) involving real estate (“Other Real Estate Limited Partnerships and LLCs”), certain new market tax credit funds (“NMTC Funds”), and certain funds formed for the purpose of making and managing investments in securities of other entities (“Managed Funds”).
	Refer to Note 2 on pages 115 - 118 of our 2014 Form 10-K for a description of our principal involvement with VIEs and the accounting policies regarding determination of whether we are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of any VIEs.  Other than as described below, as of March 31, 2015 there have been no significant changes in either the nature of our involvement with, or the accounting policies associated with the analysis of, VIEs as described in the 2014 Form 10-K.
	Raymond James Tax Credit Funds, Inc. (“RJTCF”), a wholly owned subsidiary of RJF, is the managing member or general partner in LIHTC Funds having one or more investor members or limited partners.  These LIHTC Funds are organized as limited partnerships or LLCs for the purpose of investing in a number of project partnerships, which are limited partnerships or LLCs that in turn purchase and develop low-income housing properties qualifying for tax credits.
	VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary
	Of the VIEs in which we hold an interest, we have determined that the EIF Funds, the Restricted Stock Trust Fund and certain LIHTC Funds require consolidation in our financial statements, as we are deemed the primary beneficiary of those VIEs.  The aggregate assets and liabilities of the VIEs we consolidate are provided in the table below.
		Aggregate			Aggregate
		assets (1)			liabilities (1)
		(in thousands)
	March 31, 2015
	LIHTC Funds	$	156,603		$	49,467
	Guaranteed LIHTC Fund (2)	73,151			2,101
	Restricted Stock Trust Fund	9,727			9,727
	EIF Funds	5,559			—
	Total	$	245,040		$	61,295
	September 30, 2014
	LIHTC Funds	$	179,050		$	60,180
	Guaranteed LIHTC Fund (2)	74,798			—
	Restricted Stock Trust Fund	6,608			6,608
	EIF Funds	6,041			—
	Total	$	266,497		$	66,788
	-1	Aggregate assets and aggregate liabilities differ from the consolidated carrying value of assets and liabilities due to the elimination of intercompany assets and liabilities held by the consolidated VIE.
	-2	In connection with one of the multi-investor tax credit funds in which RJTCF is the managing member, RJTCF has provided one investor member with a guaranteed return on their investment in the fund (the “Guaranteed LIHTC Fund”). See Note 15 for additional information regarding this commitment.
	The following table presents information about the carrying value of the assets, liabilities and equity of the VIEs which we consolidate and which are included within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The noncontrolling interests presented in this table represent the portion of these net assets which are not ours.
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	$	10,221		$	10,887
	Receivables, other	5,817			5,812
	Investments in real estate partnerships held by consolidated variable interest entities	225,557			235,858
	Trust fund investment in RJF common stock (1)	9,726			6,607
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,197			5,728
	Total assets	$	256,518		$	264,892
	Liabilities and equity:
	Trade and other payables	$	18,913		$	10,157
	Intercompany payables	9,721			6,608
	Loans payable of consolidated variable interest entities (2)	34,977			43,877
	Total liabilities	63,611			60,642
	RJF equity	6,152			6,165
	Noncontrolling interests	186,755			198,085
	Total equity	192,907			204,250
	Total liabilities and equity	$	256,518		$	264,892
	-1	Included in treasury stock in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
	-2	Comprised of several non-recourse loans.  We are not contingently liable under any of these loans.
	The following table presents information about the net income (loss) of the VIEs which we consolidate, and is included within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The noncontrolling interests presented in this table represent the portion of the net loss from these VIEs which is not ours.
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Interest	$	2		$	—		$	2		$	1
	Other	(382		)	(1,580		)	292			(1,416		)
	Total revenues	(380		)	(1,580		)	294			(1,415		)
	Interest expense	(537		)	(797		)	(1,066		)	(1,584		)
	Net revenues (expense)	(917		)	(2,377		)	(772		)	(2,999		)
	Non-interest expenses (1)	11,085			12,052			19,099			21,017
	Net loss including noncontrolling interests	(12,002		)	(14,429		)	(19,871		)	(24,016		)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11,975		)	(14,420		)	(19,858		)	(23,996		)
	Net loss attributable to RJF	$	(27	)	$	(9	)	$	(13	)	$	(20	)
	-1	Primarily comprised of items reported in other expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
	Low-income housing tax credit funds
	RJTCF is the managing member or general partner in 98 separate low-income housing tax credit funds having one or more investor members or limited partners, 86 of which are determined to be VIEs and 12 of which are determined not to be VIEs. RJTCF has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of eight non-guaranteed LIHTC Fund VIEs and, accordingly, consolidates these funds. In addition, RJTCF consolidates the one Guaranteed LIHTC Fund VIE it sponsors (see Note 15 for further discussion of the guarantee obligation as well as other RJTCF commitments).  RJTCF also consolidates six of the funds it determined not to be VIEs.
	VIEs where we hold a variable interest but are not the primary beneficiary
	Low-income housing tax credit funds
RJTCF does not consolidate the LIHTC Fund VIEs that it determines it is not the primary beneficiary of. Our risk of loss is limited to our investments in, advances to, and receivables due from these funds.
New market tax credit funds
One of our affiliates is the managing member of six NMTC Funds, and, as discussed in Note 2 on page 117 of our 2014 Form 10-K, this affiliate is not deemed to be the primary beneficiary of these NMTC Funds. These NMTC Funds are therefore not consolidated. Our risk of loss is limited to our receivables due from these funds.
Other real estate limited partnerships and LLCs
We have a variable interest in several limited partnerships involved in various real estate activities in which a subsidiary is either the general partner or a limited partner. As discussed in Note 2 on page 117 of our 2014 Form 10-K, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs. Accordingly, we do not consolidate these partnerships or LLCs. The carrying value of our investment in these partnerships or LLCs represents our risk of loss.
Aggregate assets, liabilities and risk of loss
The aggregate assets, liabilities, and our exposure to loss from those VIEs in which we hold a variable interest, but as to which we have concluded we are not the primary beneficiary, are provided in the table below.
	March 31, 2015									September 30, 2014
	Aggregate			Aggregate			Our risk			Aggregate			Aggregate		Our risk
	assets			liabilities			of loss			assets			liabilities		of loss
	(in thousands)
LIHTC Funds	$	3,266,464		$	946,849		$	20,033		$	2,988,224		$	899,586	$	48,915
NMTC Funds	65,503			30			12			83,474			2		13
Other Real Estate Limited Partnerships and LLCs	29,671			36,369			172			30,202			36,262		183
Total	$	3,361,638		$	983,248		$	20,217		$	3,101,900		$	935,850	$	49,111
VIEs where we hold a variable interest but are not required to consolidate
Managed Funds
As described in Note 2 on page 117 - 118 of our 2014 Form 10-K, we have subsidiaries which serve as the general partner of the Managed Funds. For the Managed Funds, the primary beneficiary assessment applies prior accounting guidance which assesses who will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns, or both. Based upon the outcome of our assessments, we have determined that we are not required to consolidate the Managed Funds.
The aggregate assets, liabilities, and our exposure to loss from Managed Funds in which we hold a variable interest as of the dates indicated are provided in the table below:
	March 31, 2015									September 30, 2014
	Aggregate			Aggregate			Our risk			Aggregate			Aggregate		Our risk
	assets			liabilities			of loss			assets			liabilities		of loss
	(in thousands)
Managed Funds	$	102,524		$	47		$	94		$	103,618		$	11	$	94

GOODWILL_AND_IDENTIFIABLE_INTA

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The following are our goodwill and net identifiable intangible asset balances as of the dates indicated:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	295,486		$	295,486
	Identifiable intangible assets, net	55,187			58,775
	Total goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, net	$	350,673		$	354,261
	Our goodwill and identified intangible assets result from various acquisitions. See Note 13 on pages 150 - 154 of our 2014 Form 10-K for a discussion of the components of our goodwill balance and additional information regarding our identifiable intangible assets. See the discussion of our intangible assets and goodwill accounting policies in Note 2 on page 113 of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	Goodwill
	The following summarizes our goodwill by segment, along with the activity, as of the dates indicated:
		Three months ended March 31,									Six months ended March 31,
		Segment									Segment
		Private client group			Capital markets			Total			Private client group			Capital markets			Total
		(in thousands)
	Fiscal year 2015
	Goodwill as of beginning of period	$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486		$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Goodwill as of end of period	$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486		$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486
	Fiscal year 2014
	Goodwill as of beginning of period	$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486		$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Goodwill as of end of period	$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486		$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486
	We performed our annual goodwill impairment testing during the quarter ended March 31, 2015, evaluating the balances as of December 31, 2014. We performed a qualitative assessment for each reporting unit that includes an allocation of goodwill to determine whether it is more likely than not that the carrying value of such reporting unit, including the recorded goodwill, is in excess of the fair value of the reporting unit. In any instance in which we are unable to qualitatively conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit carrying value including goodwill, a quantitative analysis of the fair value of the reporting unit would be performed. Based upon the outcome of our qualitative assessment, we determined that no quantitative analysis of the fair value of any reporting unit as of December 31, 2014 was required, and we concluded that none of the goodwill allocated to any of our reporting units as of December 31, 2014 was impaired. No events have occurred since December 31, 2014 that would cause us to update this impairment testing.
	Identifiable intangible assets, net
	The following table sets forth our identifiable intangible asset balances by segment, net of accumulated amortization, and activity for the periods indicated:
		Segment
		Private client group			Capital markets			Asset management			RJ Bank			Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of beginning of period	$	8,472		$	36,600		$	10,663		$	1,253		$	56,988
	Additions	—			—			—			118			118
	Amortization expense	(139		)	(1,375		)	(333		)	(72		)	(1,919		)
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of end of period	$	8,333		$	35,225		$	10,330		$	1,299		$	55,187
	For the six months ended March 31, 2015
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of beginning of period	$	8,611		$	37,975		$	10,996		$	1,193		$	58,775
	Additions	—			—			—			233			233
	Amortization expense	(278		)	(2,750		)	(666		)	(127		)	(3,821		)
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of end of period	$	8,333		$	35,225		$	10,330		$	1,299		$	55,187
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of beginning of period	$	9,035		$	42,099		$	11,996		$	1,014		$	64,144
	Additions	—			—			—			118			118
	Amortization expense	(146		)	(1,375		)	(333		)	(48		)	(1,902		)
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of end of period	$	8,889		$	40,724		$	11,663		$	1,084		$	62,360
	For the six months ended March 31, 2014
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of beginning of period	$	9,191		$	43,474		$	12,329		$	984		$	65,978
	Additions	—			—			—			189			189
	Amortization expense	(302		)	(2,750		)	(666		)	(89		)	(3,807		)
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of end of period	$	8,889		$	40,724		$	11,663		$	1,084		$	62,360
	Identifiable intangible assets by type are presented below:
		March 31, 2015						September 30, 2014
		Gross carrying value			Accumulated amortization			Gross carrying value			Accumulated amortization
		(in thousands)
	Customer relationships	$	65,957		$	(16,469	)	$	65,957		$	(13,875	)
	Trade name	—			—			2,000			(2,000		)
	Developed technology	11,000			(6,600		)	11,000			(5,500		)
	Non-compete agreements	—			—			1,000			(1,000		)
	Mortgage servicing rights	1,726			(427		)	1,493			(300		)
	Total	$	78,683		$	(23,496	)	$	81,450		$	(22,675	)

BANK_DEPOSITS

BANK DEPOSITS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Deposits [Abstract]
BANK DEPOSITS	BANK DEPOSITS
	Bank deposits include Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts, demand deposits, savings and money market accounts and certificates of deposit of RJ Bank. The following table presents a summary of bank deposits including the weighted-average rate:
		March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
		Balance		Weighted-average rate (1)		Balance			Weighted-average rate (1)
		($ in thousands)
	Bank deposits:
	NOW accounts	$	6,027	0.01	%	$	5,792		0.01	%
	Demand deposits (non-interest-bearing)	4,776		—		8,386			—
	Savings and money market accounts	10,910,547		0.02	%	9,670,043			0.02	%
	Certificates of deposit	350,663		1.71	%	344,703			1.81	%
	Total bank deposits(2)	$	11,272,013	0.07	%	$	10,028,924		0.09	%
	-1	Weighted-average rate calculation is based on the actual deposit balances at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	-2	Bank deposits exclude affiliate deposits of approximately $421 million and $509 million at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. These affiliate deposits include $400 million and $500 million, held in a deposit account on behalf of RJF as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	RJ Bank’s savings and money market accounts in the table above consist primarily of deposits that are cash balances swept from the investment accounts maintained at RJ&A. These balances are held in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured bank accounts through the Raymond James Bank Deposit Program (“RJBDP”) administered by RJ&A.
	Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:
		March 31, 2015					September 30, 2014
		Denominations		Denominations			Denominations			Denominations
		greater than or		less than $100,000			greater than or			less than $100,000
		equal to $100,000					equal to $100,000
		(in thousands)
	Three months or less	$	8,631	$	8,928		$	11,761		$	9,482
	Over three through six months	9,127		12,614			9,067			10,317
	Over six through twelve months	15,917		14,311			15,809			21,002
	Over one through two years	46,987		35,468			33,366			27,722
	Over two through three years	17,555		13,742			45,842			33,529
	Over three through four years	58,808		19,563			35,362			11,301
	Over four through five years	62,053		26,959			55,556			24,587
	Total	$	219,078	$	131,585		$	206,763		$	137,940
	Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,					Six months ended March 31,
		2015		2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Certificates of deposit	$	1,459	$	1,508		$	2,983		$	3,056
	Money market, savings and NOW accounts	631		431			1,244			828
	Total interest expense on deposits	$	2,090	$	1,939		$	4,227		$	3,884

OTHER_BORROWINGS

OTHER BORROWINGS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Borrowings [Abstract]
OTHER BORROWINGS	OTHER BORROWINGS
	The following table details the components of other borrowings:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Other borrowings:
	FHLB advances	$	550,000	(1)	$	500,000	(2)
	Borrowings on secured lines of credit (3)	171,600			154,700
	Borrowings on ClariVest revolving credit facility (4)	116			216
	Borrowings on unsecured lines of credit (5)	—			—
	Total other borrowings	$	721,716		$	654,916
	-1	Borrowings from the FHLB as of March 31, 2015 are comprised of two floating-rate advances. One FHLB advance in the amount of $250 million, matures in September 2017, and has an interest rate which resets monthly. RJ Bank has the option to prepay this advance on each interest reset date without penalty. The other FHLB advance, in the amount of $300 million, matures in March 2017 and has an interest rate which resets quarterly. We use interest rate swaps to manage the risk of increases in interest rates associated with this floating-rate advance by converting a portion of the variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate. Refer to Note 12 for information regarding these interest rate swaps which are accounted for as hedging instruments. Both of the FHLB advances are secured by a blanket lien granted to the FHLB on RJ Bank’s residential mortgage loan portfolio. The weighted average interest rate on these advances is 0.27%.
	-2	Borrowings from the FHLB as of September 30, 2014 are comprised of two $250 million floating-rate advances. The weighted average interest rate on these advances is 0.20%. These advances are secured by a blanket lien granted to the FHLB on RJ Bank’s residential mortgage loan portfolio and mature in September, 2017. The interest rate resets on a monthly basis for one of the advances and a quarterly basis for the other. RJ Bank has the option to prepay each advance without penalty on each interest reset date.
	-3	Other than a $5 million borrowing outstanding on the Regions Credit Facility (as hereinafter defined) as of both March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, any borrowings on secured lines of credit are day-to-day and are generally utilized to finance certain fixed income securities.
	As of both March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, a subsidiary of RJF (the “Borrower”) is a party to a Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Regions Credit Facility”) with Regions Bank. The Regions Credit Facility provides for a revolving line of credit and is subject to a guarantee in favor of Regions Bank provided by RJF. The proceeds from any borrowings under the line are used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The obligations under the Regions Credit Facility are secured by, subject to certain exceptions, all of the present and future ARS owned by the Borrower (the “Pledged ARS”). The amount of any borrowing under the Regions Credit Facility cannot exceed the lesser of 70% of the value of the Pledged ARS, or $100 million. The maximum amount available to borrow was $91 million and the outstanding borrowings were $5 million as of March 31, 2015. The Regions Credit Facility bears interest at a variable rate which is 2.75% over LIBOR. On April 2, 2015, the Regions Credit Facility expired, was not renewed, and the outstanding balance was paid to the Lender.
	-4	The outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit provided to ClariVest Asset Management, LLC (“ClariVest”), a subsidiary of Eagle, by a third party lender (the “ClariVest Facility”). The maximum amount available to borrow under ClariVest Facility is $500 thousand, bearing interest at a variable rate which is 1% over the lenders prime rate. The ClariVest Facility expires on September 10, 2018.
	-5	Any borrowings on unsecured lines of credit are day-to-day and are generally utilized for cash management purposes.
	There were other collateralized financings outstanding in the amount of $277 million and $244 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. These other collateralized financings are included in securities sold under agreements to repurchase on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. These financings are collateralized by non-customer, RJ&A-owned securities. See Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting asset and liability balances as well as additional information regarding the collateral.

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The significant accounting policies governing our derivative financial instruments, including our methodologies for determining fair value, are described in Note 2 on page 106 of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	Derivatives arising from our fixed income business operations
	We enter into derivatives contracts as part of our fixed income operations in either over-the-counter market activities, or through “matched book” activities. Each of these activities are described further below.
	We enter into interest rate swaps and futures contracts either as part of our fixed income business to facilitate client transactions, to hedge a portion of our trading inventory, or to a limited extent for our own account. The majority of these derivative positions are executed in the over-the-counter market either directly with financial institutions or trades cleared through an exchange (the “OTC Derivatives Operations”). Cash flows related to the interest rate contracts arising from the OTC Derivative Operations are included as operating activities (the “trading instruments, net” line) on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Either Raymond James Financial Products, Inc. or Morgan Keegan Capital Services, LLC (collectively the Raymond James matched book swap subsidiaries or “RJSS”) enter into derivative transactions (primarily interest rate swaps) with clients. For every derivative transaction RJSS enters into with a customer, RJSS enters into an offsetting transaction, on terms that mirror the customer transaction, with a credit support provider which is a third party financial institution. Due to this “pass-through” transaction structure, RJSS has completely mitigated the market and credit risk related to these derivative contracts. Therefore, the ultimate credit and market risk resides with the third party financial institution. RJSS only has credit risk related to its uncollected derivative transaction fee revenues. In these activities, we do not use derivative instruments for trading or hedging purposes. As a result of the structure of these transactions, we refer to the derivative contracts we enter into as a result of these operations as our offsetting “matched book” derivative operations (the “Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations”).
	Any collateral required to be exchanged under the contracts arising from the Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations is administered directly by the client and the third party financial institution. RJSS does not hold any collateral, or administer any collateral transactions, related to these instruments. We record the value of each derivative position arising from the Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations at fair value, as either an asset or offsetting liability, presented as “derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions,” as applicable, on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
	The receivable for uncollected derivative transaction fee revenues of RJSS is $7 million as of both March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, and is included in other receivables on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
	None of the derivatives described above arising from either our OTC Derivatives Operations or our Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations are designated as fair value or cash flow hedges.
	Derivatives arising from RJ Bank’s business operations
	We enter into derivatives contracts as part of RJ Bank’s business operations through its hedging activities, which include forward foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps. Each of these activities is described further below.
	A Canadian subsidiary of RJ Bank conducts operations directly related to RJ Bank’s Canadian corporate loan portfolio. U.S. subsidiaries of RJ Bank utilize forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge RJ Bank’s foreign currency exposure due to its non-U.S. dollar net investment.  Cash flows related to these derivative contracts are classified within operating activities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	The cash flows associated with certain assets held by RJ Bank provide interest income at fixed interest rates. Therefore, the value of these assets, absent any risk mitigation, is subject to fluctuation based upon changes in market rates of interest over time. In February 2015, we entered into certain interest rate swap contracts (the “RJ Bank Interest Hedges”) which swap variable interest payments on certain debt for fixed interest payments. Through the RJ Bank Interest Hedges, RJ Bank is able to mitigate a significant portion of the market risk associated with certain fixed interest earning assets held by RJ Bank.
	The RJ Bank Interest Hedges are recorded at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and are designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the related gain or loss is recorded, net of tax, in shareholders’ equity as part of the cash flow hedge component of AOCI and subsequently reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings, specifically upon the incurrence of interest expense on certain borrowings. The ineffective portions of the related gain and loss are immediately recognized into earnings in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  Hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and each reporting period utilizing regression analysis and performed using the hypothetical derivative method.  However, as the key terms of the hedging instrument and hedged transaction match at inception, management expects there to be no ineffectiveness impacting earnings from this hedge while it is outstanding. As a result of these derivative transactions being executed through a clearing exchange, the cash deposit associated with this transaction that we have provided to the exchange, is included as a component of deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The fair value of RJ Bank Interest Hedges is obtained from internal pricing models that consider current market trading levels and the contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as time value, yield curve and other volatility factors underlying the positions. Since our model inputs can be observed in a liquid market and the models do not require significant judgment, such derivative contracts are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We utilize values obtained from a third party to corroborate the output of our internal pricing models.
	Description of the collateral we hold related to derivative contracts
	Where permitted, we elect to net-by-counterparty certain derivative contracts entered into in our OTC Derivatives Operations. Certain of these contracts contain a legally enforceable master netting arrangement that allows for netting of all derivative transactions with each counterparty and, therefore, the fair value of those derivative contracts are netted by counterparty in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  The credit support annex related to the interest rate swaps and certain forward foreign exchange contracts allows parties to the master agreement to mitigate their credit risk by requiring the party which is out of the money to post collateral.  We accept collateral in the form of cash or other marketable securities.  As we elect to net-by-counterparty the fair value of derivative contracts arising from our OTC Derivatives Operations, we also net-by-counterparty any cash collateral exchanged as part of those derivative agreements. Refer to Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting asset and liability balances. This cash collateral is recorded net-by-counterparty at the related fair value.  The cash collateral included in the net fair value of all open derivative asset positions arising from our OTC Derivatives Operations aggregates to a net liability of $19 million as of March 31, 2015 and $21 million as of September 30, 2014.  The cash collateral included in the net fair value of all open derivative liability positions from our OTC Derivatives Operations aggregates to a net asset of $19 million and $23 million at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.  Our maximum loss exposure under the interest rate swap contracts arising from our OTC Derivatives Operations at March 31, 2015 is $42 million.
	RJ Bank provides to counterparties for the benefit of its U.S. subsidiaries, a guarantee of payment in the event of the subsidiaries’ default under forward foreign exchange contracts.  Due to this RJ Bank guarantee and the short-term nature of these derivatives, RJ Bank’s U.S. subsidiaries are not required to post collateral and do not receive collateral with respect to certain derivative contracts with the respective counterparties.  As of March 31, 2015, all of RJ Bank’s forward foreign exchange contracts are assets, therefore we consider there to be no significant exposure to loss under these contracts.
	Derivative balances included in our financial statements
	See the table below for the notional and fair value amounts of both the asset and liability derivatives.
		Asset derivatives
		March 31, 2015									September 30, 2014
		Balance sheet		Notional			Fair				Balance sheet		Notional			Fair
		location		amount			value(1)				location		amount			value(1)
		(in thousands)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Forward foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	553,766		$	6,794			Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	609,018		$	2,101
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts (2)	Trading instruments		$	2,510,991		$	121,414			Trading instruments		$	2,198,357		$	89,923
	Interest rate contracts (3)	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		$	1,766,733		$	421,850			Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		$	1,796,288		$	323,337
	Forward foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	98,531		$	1,206			Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	105,179		$	361
		Liability derivatives
		March 31, 2015									September 30, 2014
		Balance sheet		Notional			Fair				Balance sheet		Notional			Fair
		location		amount			value(1)				location		amount			value(1)
		(in thousands)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts (4)	Trade and other payables		$	200,000		$	2,481			Trade and other payables		$	—		$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts (2)	Trading instruments sold		$	2,497,071		$	105,050			Trading instruments sold		$	2,185,085		$	75,668
	Interest rate contracts (3)	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		$	1,766,733		$	421,850			Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		$	1,796,288		$	323,337
	-1	The fair value in this table is presented on a gross basis before netting of cash collateral and before any netting by counterparty according to our legally enforceable master netting arrangements. The fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition is presented net. See Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting asset and liability balances.
	-2	These contracts arise from our OTC Derivatives Operations.
	-3	These contracts arise from our Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations.
	-4	These contracts are associated with our RJ Bank Interest Hedges activities.
	Gains recognized on forward foreign exchange derivatives in AOCI totaled $30.5 million and $43.6 million, net of income taxes, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively (see Note 16 for additional information).  There was no hedge ineffectiveness and no components of derivative gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015.
	Gains recognized on forward foreign exchange derivatives in AOCI totaled $14.4 million and $26 million, net of income taxes, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, respectively (see Note 16 for additional information).  There was no hedge ineffectiveness and no components of derivative gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014.
	A loss of $1.5 million was recognized on the RJ Bank Interest Hedges in AOCI, net of income taxes, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 (see Note 16 for additional information). There was no hedge ineffectiveness and no components of derivative gains or losses were excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015. RJ Bank expects to reclassify an estimated $3.3 million as additional interest expense out of AOCI and into earnings within the next 12 months. The maximum length of time over which forecasted transactions are or will be hedged is ten years.
	The table below sets forth the impact of the derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income:
			Location of gain (loss)		Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives
			recognized on derivatives in the		recognized in income
			Condensed Consolidated Statements of		Three months ended March 31,							Six months ended March 31,
			Income and Comprehensive Income		2015			2014				2015			2014
					(in thousands)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts (1)		Net trading profit		$	2,403		$	(70	)		$	2,280		$	579
	Interest rate contracts (2)		Other revenues		$	44		$	651			$	66		$	671
	Forward foreign exchange contracts		Other revenues		$	8,683		$	2,530			$	12,305		$	4,811
	-1	These contracts arise from our OTC Derivatives Operations.
	-2	These contracts arise from our Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations.
	Risks associated with, and our risk mitigation related to, our derivative contracts
	We are exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to forward foreign exchange derivative agreements as well as the interest rate contracts associated with our OTC Derivatives Operations that are not cleared through an exchange. Where we are subject to credit exposure, we perform a credit evaluation of counterparties prior to entering into derivative transactions and we monitor their credit standings.  Currently, we anticipate that all of the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under those agreements.  For our OTC Derivatives Operations that are not cleared through an exchange, we may require collateral from counterparties in the form of cash deposits or other marketable securities to support certain of these obligations as established by the credit threshold specified by the agreement and/or as a result of monitoring the credit standing of the counterparties.  We are required to maintain cash or marketable security deposits with the exchange we utilize to clear our OTC Derivatives transactions that are cleared through such exchanges. These deposits are a component of deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
	We are exposed to interest rate risk related to the interest rate derivative agreements arising from certain of our OTC Derivatives Operations and RJ Bank Interest Hedges.  We are also exposed to foreign exchange risk related to our forward foreign exchange derivative agreements.  We monitor exposure in our derivative agreements which we have risk due to fluctuations in interest rates daily based on established limits with respect to a number of factors, including interest rate, foreign exchange spot and forward rates, spread, ratio, basis and volatility risks.  These exposures are monitored both on a total portfolio basis and separately for each agreement for selected maturity periods.
	Certain of the derivative instruments arising from our OTC Derivatives Operations and from RJ Bank’s forward foreign exchange contracts contain provisions that require our debt to maintain an investment grade rating from one or more of the major credit rating agencies. If our debt were to fall below investment grade, we would be in breach of these provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could request immediate payment or demand immediate and ongoing overnight collateralization on our derivative instruments in liability positions. The aggregate fair value of all derivative instruments with such credit-risk-related contingent features that are in a liability position at March 31, 2015 is $23.3 million, for which we have posted collateral of $22.3 million in the normal course of business. If the credit-risk-related contingent features underlying these agreements were triggered on March 31, 2015, we would have been required to post an additional $1 million of collateral to our counterparties.
	Our only exposure to credit risk in the Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations is related to our uncollected derivative transaction fee revenues. We are not exposed to market risk as it relates to these derivative contracts due to the “pass-through” transaction structure more fully described above.

DISCLOSURE_OF_OFFSETTING_ASSET

DISCLOSURE OF OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, COLLATERAL AND ENCUMBERED ASSETS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, Collateral and Encumbered Assets [Abstract]
DISCLOSURE OF OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, COLLATERAL AND ENCUMBERED ASSETS	DISCLOSURE OF OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, COLLATERAL AND ENCUMBERED ASSETS
	The following table presents information about the financial and derivative instruments that are offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or other similar agreement as of the dates indicated:
													Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
			Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)				Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition			Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition			Financial instruments				Cash (received) paid			Net amount
			(in thousands)
	As of March 31, 2015:
	Assets
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings		$	469,503			$	—		$	469,503		$	(469,503	)	(1)	$	—		$	—
	Derivatives - interest rate contracts(2)		121,414				(79,697		)	41,717			(9,273		)		—			32,444
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		421,850				—			421,850			(421,850		)	(3)	—			—
	Derivatives - forward foreign exchange contracts(4)		8,000				—			8,000			—				—			8,000
	Stock borrowed		167,338				—			167,338			(159,418		)		—			7,920
	Total assets		$	1,188,105			$	(79,697	)	$	1,108,408		$	(1,060,044	)		$	—		$	48,364
	Liabilities
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		$	(277,383	)		$	—		$	(277,383	)	$	277,383		(5)	$	—		$	—
	Derivatives - RJ Bank Interest Hedges		(2,481		)		—			(2,481		)	—				2,481		(6)	—
	Derivatives - interest rate contracts(2)		(105,050		)		79,028			(26,022		)	4,101			(7)	15,941		(7)	(5,980		)
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		(421,850		)		—			(421,850		)	421,850			(3)	—			—
	Stock loaned		(395,609		)		—			(395,609		)	381,327				—			(14,282		)
	Total liabilities		$	(1,202,373	)		$	79,028		$	(1,123,345	)	$	1,084,661			$	18,422		$	(20,262	)
	As of September 30, 2014:
	Assets
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings		$	446,016			$	—		$	446,016		$	(446,016	)	(1)	$	—		$	—
	Derivatives - interest rate contracts(2)		89,923				(61,718		)	28,205			(3,877		)		—			24,328
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		323,337				—			323,337			(323,337		)	(3)	—			—
	Derivatives - forward foreign exchange contracts(4)		2,462				—			2,462			—				—			2,462
	Stock borrowed		158,988				—			158,988			(153,261		)		—			5,727
	Total assets		$	1,020,726			$	(61,718	)	$	959,008		$	(926,491	)		$	—		$	32,517
	Liabilities
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		$	(244,495	)		$	—		$	(244,495	)	$	244,495		(5)	$	—		$	—
	Derivatives - interest rate contracts(2)		(75,668		)		63,296			(12,372		)	3,502			(7)	4,620		(7)	(4,250		)
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		(323,337		)		—			(323,337		)	323,337			(3)	—			—
	Stock loaned		(417,383		)		—			(417,383		)	402,180				—			(15,203		)
	Total liabilities		$	(1,060,883	)		$	63,296		$	(997,587	)	$	973,514			$	4,620		$	(19,453	)
	The text of the footnotes in the above table are on the following page.
	The text of the footnotes to the table on the previous page are as follows:
	-1	We are over-collateralized since the actual amount of financial instruments pledged as collateral for securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings amounts to $483.8 million and $463.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	-2	Derivatives - interest rate contracts are included in Trading instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 12 for additional information.
	-3	Although these derivative arrangements do not meet the definition of a master netting arrangement as specified by GAAP, the nature of the agreement with the third party intermediary include terms that are similar to a master netting agreement, thus we present the offsetting amounts net in the table above. See Note 12 for further discussion of the “pass through” structure of the derivative instruments associated with Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations.
	-4	As of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014. the fair value of the forward foreign exchange contract derivatives are in an asset position and are included in prepaid expenses and other assets on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 12 for additional information.
	-5	We are over-collateralized since the actual amount of financial instruments pledged as collateral for securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounts to $289.4 million and $253.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	-6	Derivatives - RJ Bank Interest Hedges are included in other liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 12 for additional information. The RJ Bank Interest Hedges are transacted through an exchange. The nature of the agreement with the clearing member exchange includes terms that are similar to a master netting agreement, thus we present offsetting deposits paid to the exchange assoicated with these contracts. These deposits are included in deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. We are over-collateralized since the actual amount of cash deposited with the exchange for these RJ Bank Interest Hedges amounts to $8.9 million as of March 31, 2015.
	-7	For the portion of these derivative contracts that are transacted through an exchange, the nature of the agreement with the clearing member exchange include terms that are similar to a master netting agreement, thus we present offsetting deposits paid to the exchange associated with these contracts. These deposits are a component of deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 12 for additional information.
	For financial statement purposes, we do not offset our repurchase agreements or securities borrowing, securities lending transactions and certain of our derivative instruments including those transacted through an exchange because the conditions for netting as specified by GAAP are not met. Our repurchase agreements, securities borrowing and securities lending transactions, and certain of our derivative instruments transacted through an exchange, are governed by master agreements that are widely used by counterparties and that may allow for net settlements of payments in the normal course as well as offsetting of all contracts with a given counterparty in the event of bankruptcy or default of one of the two parties to the transaction. Although not offset on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, these transactions are included in the preceding table.
	Collateral and deposits with clearing organizations
	We receive cash and securities as collateral, primarily in connection with Reverse Repurchase Agreements, securities borrowed, derivative transactions not transacted through an exchange, client margin loans arising from our domestic operations, and the secured call loans that are held by RJ Ltd. The cash collateral we receive is primarily associated with our OTC Derivative Operations (see Note 12 for additional information). The collateral we receive reduces our credit exposure to individual counterparties.
	We also pay cash to the exchange, or receive cash from the exchange, related to derivative contracts transacted through an exchange. We account for such cash as a component of deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
	In many cases, we are permitted to deliver or repledge financial instruments we have received as collateral, for our own use in our repurchase agreements, securities lending agreements, other secured borrowings, satisfaction of deposit requirements with clearing organizations, or otherwise meeting either our, or our clients, settlement requirements.
	The table below presents financial instruments at fair value, that we received as collateral, are not included on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and that were available to be delivered or repledged, along with the balances of such instruments that were used to deliver or repledge, to satisfy one of our purposes described above:
		March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Collateral we received that is available to be delivered or repledged	$	2,146,076			$	2,178,868
	Collateral that we delivered or repledged	949,809			(1)	879,071			(2)
	-1	The collateral delivered or repledged as of March 31, 2015, includes client margin securities which we pledged with a clearing organization in the amount of $155.4 million which were applied against our requirement of $125.1 million.
	-2	The collateral delivered or repledged as of September 30, 2014, includes client margin securities which we pledged with a clearing organization in the amount of $138.8 million which were applied against our requirement of $116.5 million.
	Encumbered assets
	We pledge certain of our trading instrument assets to collateralize either Repurchase Agreements, other secured borrowings, or to satisfy our settlement requirements, with counterparties who may or may not have the right to deliver or repledge such securities.
	The table below presents information about the fair value of our assets that have been pledged for one of the purposes described above:
		March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Financial instruments owned, at fair value, pledged to counterparties that:
	Had the right to deliver or repledge	$	417,609			$	394,746
	Did not have the right to deliver or repledge	137,467			(1)	50,983			(2)
	-1	Assets delivered or repledged as of March 31, 2015, includes securities which we pledged with a clearing organization in the amount of $24.4 million which were applied against our requirement of $125.1 million (client margin securities we pledged which are described in the preceding table constitute the remainder of the assets pledged to meet the requirement).
-2	Assets delivered or repledged as of September 30, 2014, includes securities which we pledged with a clearing organization in the amount of $18.9 million which were applied against our requirement of $116.5 million (client margin securities we pledged which are described in the preceding table constitute the remainder of the assets pledged to meet the requirement).

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES
	For discussion of income tax accounting policies and other income tax related information, see Note 2 on page 115, and Note 20 on pages 163 - 166, of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015, our effective income tax rate is 37.1%, which is higher than the 35.8% effective tax rate for fiscal year 2014. The primary factor contributing to the increase in the current quarter effective tax rate compared to the prior year rate is a reduction in the amount of our non-taxable income associated with our corporate owned life insurance. In addition, the fiscal year 2014 effective tax rate was favorably impacted by the recognition of prior year state tax refunds, a benefit that is not expected to recur in fiscal year 2015.
	For the six months ended March 31, 2015, our effective income tax rate is 37.4%, which is higher than the 35.8% effective tax rate for fiscal year 2014. The factors contributing to the increase in the current year-to-date effective tax rate compared to the prior fiscal year rate are the same factors that are described in the preceding paragraph for the quarter.
	As of March 31, 2015, we have not experienced significant changes in our unrecognized tax benefits balances from September 30, 2014.

COMMITMENTS_CONTINGENCIES_AND_

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES	COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES
	Commitments and contingencies
	In the normal course of business we enter into underwriting commitments. As of March 31, 2015, RJ&A had two open transactions involving such commitments which were subsequently settled in open market transactions at amounts which approximated the carrying value of these commitments in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2015.  Transactions of RJ Ltd. involving such commitments that were recorded and open at March 31, 2015 were approximately $52.1 million in Canadian currency (“CDN”).
	As part of our recruiting efforts, we offer loans to prospective financial advisors and certain key revenue producers, primarily for recruiting and/or retention purposes (see Note 2 on pages 107 - 108 of our 2014 Form 10-K for a discussion of our accounting policies governing these transactions). These commitments are contingent upon certain events occurring, including, but not limited to, the individual joining us.  As of March 31, 2015, we had made commitments, to either prospects that had accepted our offer, or recently recruited producers, of approximately $59.6 million that had not yet been funded.
	As of March 31, 2015, RJ Bank had not settled purchases of $46.3 million in syndicated loans.  These loan purchases are expected to be settled within 90 days.
	A subsidiary of RJ Bank has committed $61.6 million as an investor member in a low-income housing tax credit fund in which a subsidiary of RJTCF is the managing member (see the discussion of “direct investments in LIHTC project partnerships” in Note 2 on page 117 of our 2014 Form 10-K for information regarding the accounting policies governing these investments). As of March 31, 2015, the RJ Bank subsidiary has invested $20.6 million of the committed amount.
	RJ Bank has a committed limited partner investment of $3 million to a limited partnership, $1.2 million of this committed amount has been invested as of March 31, 2015.
	During fiscal year 2014, RJ Bank entered into a forward-starting advance transaction with the FHLB to borrow $25 million on October 13, 2015. Once funded, this borrowing will bear interest at the rate of 3.4% and will mature on October 13, 2020.
	See Note 20 for additional information regarding RJ Bank’s commitments to extend credit and other credit-related off-balance sheet financial instruments, such as standby letters of credit and loan purchases.
	We have unfunded commitments to various venture capital or private equity partnerships, which aggregate to approximately $56 million as of March 31, 2015. Of the total, we have unfunded commitments to internally-sponsored private equity limited partnerships in which we control the general partner, of approximately $20 million.
	RJF has committed to lend to RJTCF, or to guarantee obligations in connection with RJTCF’s low-income housing development/rehabilitation and syndication activities, in amounts aggregating up to $250 million upon request, subject to certain limitations and to annual review and renewal. At March 31, 2015, RJTCF has $39.7 million in outstanding cash borrowings and $88.9 million in unfunded commitments outstanding against this commitment. RJTCF borrows from RJF in order to make investments in, or fund loans or advances to, either partnerships that purchase and develop properties qualifying for tax credits (“Project Partnerships”) or LIHTC Funds. Investments in Project Partnerships are sold to various LIHTC Funds, which have third party investors, and for which RJTCF serves as the managing member or general partner. RJTCF typically sells investments in Project Partnerships to LIHTC Funds within 90 days of their acquisition, and the proceeds from the sales are used to repay RJTCF’s borrowings from RJF. RJTCF may also make short-term loans or advances to Project Partnerships, and LIHTC Funds.
	As a part of our fixed income public finance operations, RJ&A enters into forward commitments to purchase GNMA or FNMA MBS (see the discussion of these activities within “financial instruments owned, financial instruments sold but not purchased and fair value” in Note 2 on page 104 of our 2014 Form 10-K).  At March 31, 2015, RJ&A had approximately $498 million principal amount of outstanding forward MBS purchase commitments which are expected to be purchased over the following 90 days.  In order to hedge the market interest rate risk to which RJ&A would otherwise be exposed between the date of the commitment and the date of sale of the MBS, RJ&A enters into to be announced (“TBA”) security contracts with investors for generic MBS securities at specific rates and prices to be delivered on settlement dates in the future.  These TBA securities are accounted for at fair value and are included in Agency MBS securities in the table of assets and liabilities measured at fair value included in Note 4, and at March 31, 2015 aggregate to a net liability having a fair value of $2.2 million.  The estimated fair value of the purchase commitment is a $2.2 million asset balance as of March 31, 2015.
	As a result of extensive regulation of financial holding companies, banks, broker-dealers and investment advisory entities, RJF and certain of its subsidiaries are subject to regular reviews and inspections by regulatory authorities and self-regulatory organizations. The reviews can result in the imposition of sanctions for regulatory violations, ranging from non-monetary censure to fines and, in serious cases, temporary or permanent suspension from conducting business. In addition, regulatory agencies and self-regulatory organizations institute investigations from time to time into industry practices, which can also result in the imposition of sanctions. See Note 19 for additional information regarding regulatory capital requirements applicable to RJF and certain of its broker-dealer subsidiaries.
	Guarantees
	RJ Bank provides to its affiliate, Raymond James Capital Services, Inc. (“RJ Cap Services”), on behalf of certain corporate borrowers, a guarantee of payment in the event of the borrower’s default for exposure under interest rate swaps entered into with RJ Cap Services. At March 31, 2015, the exposure under these guarantees is $6.6 million, which was underwritten as part of RJ Bank’s corporate credit relationship with such borrowers.  The outstanding interest rate swaps at March 31, 2015 have maturities ranging from June 2015 through December 2026.  RJ Bank records an estimated reserve for its credit risk associated with the guarantee of these client swaps, which was insignificant as of March 31, 2015.  The estimated total potential exposure under these guarantees is $30.4 million at March 31, 2015.
	RJ Bank guarantees the forward foreign exchange contract obligations of its U.S. subsidiaries.  See Note 12 for additional information regarding these derivatives.
	RJF guarantees interest rate swap obligations of RJ Cap Services. See Note 12 for additional information regarding interest rate swaps.
	We have from time to time authorized performance guarantees for the completion of trades with counterparties in Argentina. At March 31, 2015, there were no such outstanding performance guarantees.
	In March 2008, RJF guaranteed an $8 million letter of credit issued for settlement purposes that was requested by the Capital Markets Board (“CMB”) for a joint venture we were at one time affiliated with in the country of Turkey.  While our Turkish joint venture ceased operations in December 2008, the CMB has not released this letter of credit.  The issuing bank has instituted an action seeking payment of its fees on the underlying letter of credit and to confirm that the guarantee remains in effect.
	RJF has guaranteed the Borrower’s performance under the Regions Credit Facility.  See further discussion in Note 11.
	RJF guarantees the existing mortgage debt of RJ&A of approximately $39.8 million.
	Our U.S. broker-dealer subsidiaries are required by federal law to be members of the Securities Investors Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). The SIPC fund provides protection for securities held in client accounts up to $500 thousand per client, with a limitation of $250 thousand on claims for cash balances. We have purchased excess SIPC coverage through various syndicates of Lloyd’s (the “Excess SIPC Insurer”). For RJ&A, our clearing broker-dealer, the additional protection currently provided has an aggregate firm limit of $750 million for cash and securities, including a sub-limit of $1.9 million per client for cash above basic SIPC. Account protection applies when a SIPC member fails financially and is unable to meet obligations to clients. This coverage does not protect against market fluctuations. RJF has provided an indemnity to the Excess SIPC Insurer against any and all losses they may incur associated with the excess SIPC policies.
	RJTCF issues certain guarantees to various third parties related to Project Partnerships whose interests have been sold to one or more of the funds in which RJTCF is the managing member or general partner. In some instances, RJTCF is not the primary guarantor of these obligations, which aggregate to approximately $1.6 million as of March 31, 2015.
	RJTCF has provided a guaranteed return on investment to a third party investor in one of its fund offerings (“Fund 34”), and RJF has guaranteed RJTCF’s performance under the arrangement.  Under the terms of the performance guarantee, should the underlying LIHTC project partnerships held by Fund 34 fail to deliver a certain amount of tax credits and other tax benefits to this investor over the next seven years, RJTCF is obligated to pay the investor an amount that results in the investor achieving a minimum specified return on their investment.  A $28.4 million financing asset is included in prepaid expenses and other assets, and a related $28.4 million liability is included in trade and other payables on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of March 31, 2015 related to this obligation. The maximum exposure to loss under this guarantee is approximately $35.4 million at March 31, 2015, which represents the undiscounted future payments due the investor.
	Legal matter contingencies
	Indemnification from Regions
	On April 2, 2012 (the “Closing Date”), RJF completed its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. (a broker-dealer hereinafter referred to as “MK & Co.”) and MK Holding, Inc. and certain of its affiliates (collectively referred to hereinafter as “Morgan Keegan”) from Regions Financial Corporation (“Regions”). The terms of the stock purchase agreement provide that Regions will indemnify RJF for losses incurred in connection with legal proceedings pending as of the closing date or commenced after the closing date and related to pre-closing matters that are received prior to April 2, 2015, as well as any cost of defense pertaining thereto (see Note 3 on pages 118 - 119 of our 2014 Form 10-K for a discussion of the indemnifications provided to RJF by Regions). All of the Morgan Keegan matters described below are subject to such indemnification provisions. Management estimates the range of potential liability of all such matters subject to indemnification, including the cost of defense, to be from $37 million to $205 million. Any loss arising from such matters, after consideration of the applicable annual deductible, if any, will be borne by Regions. As of March 31, 2015, a receivable from Regions of approximately $800 thousand is included in other receivables, an indemnification asset of approximately $149 million is included in other assets, and a liability for potential losses of approximately $147 million is included within trade and other payables, all of which are reflected on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition pertaining to the matters described below and the related indemnification from Regions. The amount included within trade and other payables is the amount within the range of potential liability related to such matters which management estimates is more likely than any other amount within such range.
	Morgan Keegan matters subject to indemnification
	In July 2006, MK & Co. and a former MK & Co. analyst were named as defendants in a lawsuit filed by a Canadian insurance and financial services company, Fairfax Financial Holdings, and its American subsidiary in the Circuit Court of Morris County, New Jersey. Plaintiffs made claims under a civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (“RICO”) statute, for commercial disparagement, tortious interference with contractual relationships, tortious interference with prospective economic advantage and common law conspiracy. Plaintiffs alleged that defendants engaged in a multi-year conspiracy to publish and disseminate false and defamatory information about plaintiffs to improperly drive down plaintiff’s stock price, so that others could profit from short positions. Plaintiffs alleged that defendants’ actions damaged their reputations and harmed their business relationships. Plaintiffs alleged a number of categories of damages they sustained, including lost insurance business, lost financings and increased financing costs, increased audit fees and directors and officers insurance premiums and lost acquisitions, and have requested monetary damages. On May 11, 2012, the trial court ruled that New York law applied to plaintiff’s RICO claims, therefore the claims were not subject to treble damages. On June 27, 2012, the trial court dismissed plaintiffs’ tortious interference with prospective relations claim, but allowed other claims to go forward. A jury trial was set to begin on September 10, 2012. Prior to its commencement the court dismissed the remaining claims with prejudice. Plaintiffs have appealed the court’s rulings.
	Certain of the Morgan Keegan entities, along with Regions, have been named in class-action lawsuits filed in federal and state courts on behalf of shareholders of Regions and investors who purchased shares of certain mutual funds in the Regions Morgan Keegan Fund complex (the “Regions Funds”). The Regions Funds were formerly managed by Morgan Asset Management (“MAM”), an entity which was at one time a subsidiary of one of the Morgan Keegan affiliates, but an entity which was not part of our Morgan Keegan acquisition (see further information regarding the Morgan Keegan acquisition in Note 3 on pages 118 - 119 of our 2014 Form 10-K). The complaints contain various allegations, including claims that the Regions Funds and the defendants misrepresented or failed to disclose material facts relating to the activities of the funds. In August 2013, the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee approved the settlement of the class action and the derivative action regarding the closed end funds for $62 million and $6 million, respectively. No class has been certified. Certain of the shareholders in the funds and other interested parties have entered into arbitration proceedings and individual civil claims, in lieu of participating in the class action lawsuits.
	The SEC and states of Missouri and Texas are investigating alleged securities law violations by MK & Co. in the underwriting and sale of certain municipal bonds. An enforcement action brought by the Missouri Secretary of State in April 2013, seeking monetary penalties and other relief, was dismissed and refiled in November 2013. A civil action was brought by institutional investors of the bonds in March 2012, seeking a return of their investment and unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Trial of this case is currently set for July 2015 in the Circuit Court for Cole County, Missouri. A class action was brought on behalf of retail purchasers of the bonds in September 2012, seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. In September 2014, the District Court for the Western District of Missouri granted class certification. The matter was resolved and the settlement approved by the District Court in January 2015. Other individual investors and investor groups have also filed arbitration claims or separate civil claims, which are pending in various stages and several have been resolved.
	Prior to the Closing Date, Morgan Keegan was involved in other litigation arising in the normal course of its business. On all such matters, RJF is subject to indemnification from Regions pursuant to the terms of the stock purchase agreement as summarized above.
	Other matters
	We are a defendant or co-defendant in various lawsuits and arbitrations incidental to our securities business as well as regulatory investigations and other corporate litigation. We are contesting the allegations in these matters and believe that there are meritorious defenses in each. In view of the number and diversity of claims against us, the number of jurisdictions in which litigation is pending and the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of litigation and other claims, we cannot state with certainty what the eventual outcome of pending litigation or other claims will be. Refer to Note 2 on page 114 of our 2014 Form 10-K for a discussion of our criteria for establishing a range of possible loss related to such matters.  Excluding any amounts subject to indemnification from Regions related to pre-Closing Date Morgan Keegan matters discussed above, as of March 31, 2015, management currently estimates the aggregate range of possible loss is from $0 to an amount of up to $9 million in excess of the accrued liability (if any) related to these matters.  In the opinion of management, based on current available information, review with outside legal counsel, and consideration of the accrued liability amounts provided for in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters, ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or cumulative results of operations. However, resolution of one or more of these matters may have a material effect on the results of operations in any future period, depending upon the ultimate resolution of those matters and upon the level of income for such period.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
	The following table presents the after-tax changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Unrealized gains on available for sale securities				Net currency translations and net investment hedges (1)			Cash flow hedges(2)			Total
		(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the beginning of the period	$	4,721			$	(13,073	)	$	—		$	(8,352	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	3,801				441			(2,481		)	1,761
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(2		)		—			60			58
	Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	3,799				441			(2,421		)	1,819
	Income tax effect	(1,462		)		(15,720		)	920			(16,262		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	2,337				(15,279		)	(1,501		)	(14,443		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2015	$	7,058			$	(28,352	)	$	(1,501	)	$	(22,795	)
	Six months ended March 31, 2015
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the beginning of the period	$	4,745			$	(6,633	)	$	—		$	(1,888	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	3,745				733			(2,481		)	1,997
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(2		)		—			60			58
	Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	3,743				733			(2,421		)	2,055
	Income tax effect	(1,430		)		(22,452		)	920			(22,962		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	2,313				(21,719		)	(1,501		)	(20,907		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2015	$	7,058			$	(28,352	)	$	(1,501	)	$	(22,795	)
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of the beginning of the period	$	(182	)		$	5,727		$	—		$	5,545
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	5,668				(2,691		)	—			2,977
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	(39		)		—			—			(39		)
	Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	5,629				(2,691		)	—			2,938
	Income tax effect	(2,147		)		(7,570		)	—			(9,717		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	3,482				(10,261		)	—			(6,779		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2014	$	3,300			$	(4,534	)	$	—		$	(1,234	)
	Six months ended March 31, 2014
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of the beginning of the period	$	(1,276	)		$	12,002		$	—		$	10,726
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	11,127				(2,898		)	—			8,229
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	(3,731		)		—			—			(3,731		)
	Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	7,396				(2,898		)	—			4,498
	Income tax effect	(2,820		)		(13,638		)	—			(16,458		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	4,576				(16,536		)	—			(11,960		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2014	$	3,300			$	(4,534	)	$	—		$	(1,234	)
	-1	Includes net gains (losses) recognized on forward foreign exchange derivatives associated with hedges of RJ Bank’s foreign currency exposure due to its non-U.S. dollar net investments (see Note 12 for additional information on these derivatives).
	-2	Represents the RJ Bank Interest Hedges (see Note 12 for additional information on these derivatives).
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income
	The following table presents the income statement line items impacted by reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and the related tax effects, for the periods indicated:
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components:		Increase (decrease) in amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)				Affected line items in income statement
			(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Available for sale securities: (1)
	Auction rate securities		$	(2	)		Other revenue
	RJ Bank available for sale securities		—				Other revenue
	RJ Bank Interest Hedges(2)		60				Interest expense
			58				Total before tax
			(22		)		Provision for income taxes
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	36			Net of tax
	Six months ended March 31, 2015
	Available for sale securities: (1)
	Auction rate securities		$	(2	)		Other revenue
	RJ Bank available for sale securities		—				Other revenue
	RJ Bank Interest Hedges(2)		60				Interest expense
			58				Total before tax
			(22		)		Provision for income taxes
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	36			Net of tax
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Available for sale securities: (1)
	Auction rate securities		$	(39	)		Other revenue
	RJ Bank available for sale securities		—				Other revenue
			(39		)		Total before tax
		15				Provision for income taxes
Total reclassifications for the period		$	(24	)		Net of tax
Six months ended March 31, 2014
Available for sale securities: (1)
Auction rate securities (3)		$	(3,758	)		Other revenue
RJ Bank available for sale securities		27				Other revenue
		(3,731		)		Total before tax
		1,437				Provision for income taxes
Total reclassifications for the period		$	(2,294	)		Net of tax
-1	See Note 6 for additional information regarding the available for sale securities, and Note 4 for additional fair value information regarding these securities.
-2	See Note 12 for additional information regarding the RJ Bank Interest Hedges, and Note 4 for additional fair value information regarding these derivatives.
-3	For the six months ended March 31, 2014, other revenues include realized gains on the redemption or sale of ARS in the amount of $5.6 million (see Note 6 for further information). The amounts presented in the table represent the reversal out of AOCI associated with such ARS’ redeemed or sold. The net of such realized gain and this reversal out of AOCI represents the net effect of such redemptions and sales activities on other comprehensive income (“OCI”) for each respective period, on a pre-tax basis.
All of the components of other comprehensive income (loss) described above, net of tax, are attributable to RJF.

INTEREST_INCOME_AND_INTEREST_E

INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Interest Income (Expense), Net [Abstract]
INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE	INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE
	The components of interest income and interest expense are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Interest income:
	Margin balances	$	16,237		$	16,628		$	33,513		$	34,415
	Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	3,179			3,558			6,789			8,188
	Bank loans, net of unearned income	100,054			83,639			196,812			164,848
	Available for sale securities	1,284			1,655			2,596			3,578
	Trading instruments	4,925			4,615			9,425			9,143
	Stock loan	3,699			2,809			7,210			4,682
	Loans to financial advisors	1,687			1,647			3,437			3,303
	Corporate cash and all other	3,348			3,842			6,740			7,329
	Total interest income	$	134,413		$	118,393		$	266,522		$	235,486
	Interest expense:
	Brokerage client liabilities	$	241		$	286		$	524		$	717
	Retail bank deposits	2,090			1,939			4,227			3,884
	Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased	1,133			1,255			2,218			2,123
	Stock borrow	1,795			814			3,413			1,306
	Borrowed funds	1,129			876			2,188			1,848
	Senior notes	19,009			19,010			38,019			38,020
	Interest expense of consolidated VIEs	537			797			1,066			1,584
	Other	912			1,003			2,575			1,870
	Total interest expense	26,846			25,980			54,230			51,352
	Net interest income	107,567			92,413			212,292			184,134
	Subtract: provision for loan losses	(3,937		)	(1,979		)	(13,302		)	(3,615		)
	Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$	103,630		$	90,434		$	198,990		$	180,519

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION	SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
	We maintain one share-based compensation plan for our employees, Board of Directors and non-employees (comprised of independent contractor financial advisors). The 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) permits us to grant share-based and cash-based awards designed to be exempt from the limitation on deductible compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. In our 2014 Form 10-K, our share-based compensation accounting policies are described in Note 2 on page 114.  Other information relating to our employee and Board of Director share-based awards are outlined in our 2014 Form 10-K in Note 24, on pages 172 – 176, while Note 25 on pages 176 – 178 discusses our non-employee share-based awards.  For purposes of this report, we have combined our presentation of both our employee and Board of Director share-based awards with our non-employee share-based awards.
	Stock option awards
	Expense and income tax benefits related to our stock options awards granted to employees, members of our Board of Directors and independent contractor financial advisors are presented below:
		Three months ended March 31,				Six months ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Total share-based expense	$	2,571	$	3,128	$	5,688	$	6,861
	Income tax benefit related to share-based expense	250		483		626		1,278
	For the six months ended March 31, 2015, we realized $1 million of excess tax benefits related to our stock option awards.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we granted 7,779 stock options to employees and no stock options were granted to our independent contractor financial advisors. During the six months ended March 31, 2015, we granted 1,093,279 stock options to employees and 39,200 stock options were granted to our independent contractor financial advisors. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, no stock options were granted to outside directors.
	Unrecognized pre-tax expense for stock option awards granted to employees, members of our Board of Directors, and independent contractor financial advisors, net of estimated forfeitures, and the remaining period over which the expense will be recognized as of March 31, 2015, are presented below:
		Unrecognized		Remaining
		pre-tax expense		weighted-
				average amortization period
		(in thousands)		(in years)
	Employees and members of our Board of Directors	$	29,043	3.5
	Independent contractor financial advisors	1,825		3.4
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock option awards to employees and members of our Board of Directors for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 was $14.31 and $14.20, respectively.
	The fair value of each option awarded to our independent contractor financial advisors is estimated on the date of grant and periodically revalued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The weighted-average fair value for unvested stock options granted to independent contractor financial advisors as of March 31, 2015 was $22.01.
	Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards
	Expense and income tax benefits related to our restricted equity awards (which include restricted stock and restricted stock units) granted to employees, members of our Board of Directors, and independent contractor financial advisors are presented below:
		Three months ended March 31,				Six months ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Total share-based expense	$	14,189	$	12,422	$	33,155	$	29,057
	Income tax benefit related to share-based expense	5,038		4,304		11,900		10,220
	For the six months ended March 31, 2015, we realized $8.1 million of excess tax benefits related to our restricted equity awards.
	During the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, we granted 79,698 and 1,128,971, respectively, restricted stock units to employees. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, we granted 16,656 restricted stock units to outside members of our Board of Directors.  We granted no restricted stock units to our independent contractor financial advisors during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015.
	Unrecognized pre-tax expense for restricted equity awards granted to employees, members of our Board of Directors and independent contractor financial advisors, net of estimated forfeitures, and the remaining period over which the expense will be recognized as of March 31, 2015, are presented below:
		Unrecognized		Remaining
		pre-tax expense		weighted-
				average amortization period
		(in thousands)		(in years)
	Employees and members of our Board of Directors	$	108,156	3
	Independent contractor financial advisors	65		1.3
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock unit awards granted to employees and outside members of our Board of Directors for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 were $56.87 and $56.15, respectively.
	The fair value of each restricted equity award to our independent contractor financial advisors is computed on the date of grant and periodically revalued at the current stock price.  The fair value for unvested restricted equity awards granted to independent contractor financial advisors as of March 31, 2015 was $56.78 per unit.

REGULATIONS_AND_CAPITAL_REQUIR

REGULATIONS AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Regulatory Capital Requirements [Abstract]
REGULATIONS AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS	REGULATIONS AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
	RJF, as a financial holding company, and RJ Bank, are subject to various regulatory capital requirements.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our and RJ Bank’s financial results. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, RJF and RJ Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. RJF’s and RJ Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk-weightings, and other factors.
	Effective January 1, 2015, RJF and RJ Bank became subject to Basel III. Under the Basel III rules, the quantity and quality of regulatory capital increases, a capital conservation buffer is established, selected changes were made to the calculation of risk-weighted assets, and a new ratio, common equity Tier 1 was introduced, all of which are applicable to both RJF and RJ Bank. RJF and RJ Bank report regulatory capital under Basel III under the standardized approach. Various aspects of Basel III will be subject to multi-year transition periods through December 31, 2018. Prior to January 1, 2015, RJF and RJ Bank were subject to the capital requirements of Basel 2.5 and Basel I, respectively.
	RJF and RJ Bank are required to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total, Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations)to risk-weighted assets (as defined), Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined), and under rules defined in Basel III, Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets. RJF and RJ Bank each calculate these ratios in order to assess compliance with both regulatory requirements and their internal capital policies.  Effective January 1, 2016, RJF and RJ Bank will be required to report their capital conservation buffers. Capital levels are monitored to assess both RJF and RJ Bank’s capital position. At current capital levels, RJF and RJ Bank are each categorized as “well capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.
	For further discussion of the various regulations and capital requirements applicable to certain of our businesses and subsidiaries, see Note 26 on pages 178 - 181 of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	To meet requirements for capital adequacy purposes or to be categorized as “well capitalized,” RJF must maintain minimum Common equity tier 1, Tier 1 risk-based, Total risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage amounts and ratios as set forth in the table below.
		Actual						Requirement for capital				To be well capitalized under prompt
								adequacy purposes				corrective action
												provisions
		Amount			Ratio			Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
		($ in thousands)
	RJF as of March 31, 2015:
	(computed in accordance with Basel III)
	Common equity tier 1 capital	$	3,912,863		19.2	%		$	916,946	4.5	%	$	1,324,477	6.5	%
	Tier 1 capital	3,912,863			19.2	%		1,222,595		6	%	1,630,126		8	%
	Total capital	4,093,835			20.1	%		1,630,126		8	%	2,037,658		10	%
	Tier 1 leverage	3,912,863			16.2	%		966,350		4	%	1,207,937		5	%
	RJF as of September 30, 2014:
	(computed in accordance with Basel 2.5)
	Tier 1 capital	$	3,775,385		19.7	%		$	765,589	4	%	$	1,148,384	6	%
	Total capital	3,940,516			20.6	%		1,531,178		8	%	1,913,973		10	%
	Tier 1 leverage	3,775,385			16.4	%		919,546		4	%	1,149,433		5	%
	The decrease in RJF’s Total capital, Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 leverage ratios at March 31, 2015 compared to September 30, 2014 was primarily the result of the change in rules governing the computations in Basel III versus Basel 2.5 as well as the significant loan growth during the period offset by our increase in earnings during the six month period ended March 31, 2015.
	To meet the requirements for capital adequacy or to be categorized as “well capitalized,” RJ Bank must maintain minimum Common equity Tier 1, tier 1 risk-based, Total risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage amounts and ratios as set forth in the table below.
		Actual						Requirement for capital				To be well capitalized under prompt
								adequacy purposes				corrective action
												provisions
		Amount			Ratio			Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
		($ in thousands)
	RJ Bank as of March 31, 2015:
	(computed in accordance with Basel III)
	Common equity tier I capital	$	1,437,093		11.5	%		$	561,822	4.5	%	$	811,520	6.5	%
	Tier 1 capital	1,437,093			11.5	%		749,096		6	%	998,794		8	%
	Total capital	1,593,572			12.8	%		998,794		8	%	1,248,493		10	%
	Tier 1 leverage	1,437,093			10.8	%		530,077		4	%	662,596		5	%
	RJ Bank as of September 30, 2014:
	(computed in accordance with Basel I)
	Tier 1 capital	$	1,314,374		11.2	%		$	467,926	4	%	$	701,889	6	%
	Total capital	1,460,895			12.5	%		935,852		8	%	1,169,815		10	%
	Tier 1 leverage	1,314,374			10.7	%		492,186		4	%	615,232		5	%
	The increase in RJ Bank’s Total and Tier 1 capital ratios and Tier 1 leverage ratio at March 31, 2015 compared to September 30, 2014 was primarily due to earnings and a $35 million capital contribution from RJF, which exceed the impact of significant loan growth during the six month period ended March 31, 2015. The impact from the conversion to Basel III on the capital ratios was insignificant.
	Certain of our broker-dealer subsidiaries are subject to the requirements of the Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3-1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
	The net capital position of our wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary RJ&A is as follows:
		As of
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		($ in thousands)
	Raymond James & Associates, Inc.:
	(Alternative Method elected)
	Net capital as a percent of aggregate debit items	24.99		%	24.14		%
	Net capital	$	440,542		$	442,866
	Less: required net capital	(35,251		)	(36,694		)
	Excess net capital	$	405,291		$	406,172
	The net capital position of our wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary RJFS is as follows:
		As of
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.:
	(Alternative Method elected)
	Net capital	$	19,363		$	23,748
	Less: required net capital	(250		)	(250		)
	Excess net capital	$	19,113		$	23,498
	The risk adjusted capital of RJ Ltd. is as follows (in Canadian dollars):
		As of
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
Raymond James Ltd.:
Risk adjusted capital before minimum	$	112,192		$	107,645
Less: required minimum capital	(250		)	(250		)
Risk adjusted capital	$	111,942		$	107,395
At March 31, 2015, all of our other active regulated domestic and international subsidiaries are in compliance with and met all capital requirements.

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_WITH_OFF

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK	FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK
	For a discussion of our financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk, see Note 27 on pages 181 - 182 of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	RJ Bank has outstanding at any time a significant number of commitments to extend credit and other credit-related off-balance sheet financial instruments such as standby letters of credit and loan purchases, which then extend over varying periods of time. These arrangements are subject to strict credit control assessments and each customer’s credit worthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Fixed-rate commitments are also subject to market risk resulting from fluctuations in interest rates and RJ Bank’s exposure is limited to the replacement value of those commitments.
	RJ Bank’s commitments to extend credit and other credit-related off-balance sheet financial instruments outstanding are as follows:
		March 31, 2015
		(in thousands)
	Standby letters of credit	$	83,968
	Open-end consumer lines of credit	1,897,896
	Commercial lines of credit	1,604,622
	Unfunded loan commitments	259,206
	Because many of RJ Bank’s lending commitments expire without being funded in whole or part, the contract amounts are not estimates of RJ Bank’s actual future credit exposure or future liquidity requirements. RJ Bank maintains a reserve to provide for potential losses related to the unfunded lending commitments. See Note 7 for further discussion of this reserve for unfunded lending commitments.
	RJ Ltd. is subject to foreign exchange risk primarily due to financial instruments denominated in U.S. dollars that may be impacted by fluctuation in foreign exchange rates. In order to mitigate this risk, RJ Ltd. enters into forward foreign exchange contracts. The fair value of these contracts is not significant. As of March 31, 2015, forward contracts outstanding to buy and sell U.S. dollars totaled CDN $6.9 million and CDN $10.4 million, respectively. RJ Bank is also subject to foreign exchange risk related to its net investment in a Canadian subsidiary. See Note 12 for information regarding how RJ Bank utilizes net investment hedges to mitigate a significant portion of this risk.
	As a part of our fixed income public finance operations, RJ&A enters into forward commitments to purchase GNMA or FNMA MBS. See Note 15 for information on these commitments. We utilize TBA security contracts to hedge our interest rate risk associated with these commitments. We are subject to loss if the timing of, or the actual amount of, the MBS securities differs significantly from the term and notional amount of the TBA security contracts we enter into.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Income for basic earnings per common share:
	Net income attributable to RJF	$	113,463		$	104,560		$	239,759		$	221,193
	Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities (1)	(371		)	(656		)	(823		)	(1,530		)
	Net income attributable to RJF common shareholders	$	113,092		$	103,904		$	238,936		$	219,663
	Income for diluted earnings per common share:
	Net income attributable to RJF	$	113,463		$	104,560		$	239,759		$	221,193
	Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities (1)	(364		)	(642		)	(803		)	(1,500		)
	Net income attributable to RJF common shareholders	$	113,099		$	103,918		$	238,956		$	219,693
	Common shares:
	Average common shares in basic computation	142,320			139,888			141,813			139,498
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and certain restricted stock units	3,730			3,748			4,375			3,567
	Average common shares used in diluted computation	146,050			143,636			146,188			143,065
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.79		$	0.74		$	1.68		$	1.57
	Diluted	$	0.77		$	0.72		$	1.64		$	1.54
	Stock options and certain restricted stock units excluded from weighted-average diluted common shares because their effect would be antidilutive	2,062			228			2,294			527
	-1	Represents dividends paid during the period to participating securities plus an allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities.  Participating securities represent unvested restricted stock and certain restricted stock units and amounted to weighted-average shares of 472 thousand and 896 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Participating securities amounted to weighted-average shares of 493 thousand and 976 thousand for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Dividends paid to participating securities amounted to $81 thousand and $133 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Dividends paid to participating securities amounted to $159 thousand and $286 thousand for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Undistributed earnings are allocated to participating securities based upon their right to share in earnings if all earnings for the period had been distributed.
	Dividends per common share declared and paid are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Dividends per common share - declared	$	0.18		$	0.16		$	0.36		$	0.32
	Dividends per common share - paid	$	0.18		$	0.16		$	0.34		$	0.3

SEGMENT_ANALYSIS

SEGMENT ANALYSIS	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We currently operate through the following five business segments: “Private Client Group;” “Capital Markets;” “Asset Management;” RJ Bank; and our “Other” segment, which includes our principal capital and private equity activities as well as various corporate overhead costs of RJF including the interest cost on our public debt.  The business segments are based upon factors such as the services provided and the distribution channels served and are consistent with how we assess performance and determine how to allocate our resources throughout our subsidiaries. For a further discussion of our business segments, see Note 29 on pages 183 - 186 of our 2014 Form 10-K.
	Information concerning operations in these segments of business is as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Private Client Group	$	873,634		$	817,581		$	1,722,877		$	1,600,330
	Capital Markets	238,921			225,226			474,095			466,666
	Asset Management	94,022			87,534			193,652			183,550
	RJ Bank	105,390			87,157			208,346			171,030
	Other	17,806			3,982			27,572			24,071
	Intersegment eliminations	(17,149		)	(16,855		)	(34,074		)	(32,248		)
	Total revenues(1)	$	1,312,624		$	1,204,625		$	2,592,468		$	2,413,399
	Income (loss) excluding noncontrolling interests and before provision for income taxes:
	Private Client Group	$	75,420		$	77,115		$	168,164		$	148,625
	Capital Markets	20,848			29,571			48,501			63,016
	Asset Management	31,095			29,864			70,891			61,700
	RJ Bank	71,264			56,798			135,620			113,856
	Other	(18,307		)	(27,884		)	(39,948		)	(42,809		)
	Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	180,320			165,464			383,228			344,388
	Add: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,687		)	(12,465		)	(8,946		)	(12,577		)
	Income including noncontrolling interests and before provision for income taxes	$	175,633		$	152,999		$	374,282		$	331,811
	-1	No individual client accounted for more than ten percent of total revenues in any of the periods presented.
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Net interest income (expense):
	Private Client Group	$	21,696		$	22,136		$	43,759		$	45,586
	Capital Markets	2,034			1,414			4,127			3,262
	Asset Management	24			12			91			41
	RJ Bank	99,857			84,527			196,579			166,641
	Other	(16,044		)	(15,676		)	(32,264		)	(31,396		)
	Net interest income	$	107,567		$	92,413		$	212,292		$	184,134
	The following table presents our total assets on a segment basis:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Total assets:
	Private Client Group (1)	$	6,338,908		$	6,255,176
	Capital Markets (2)	2,909,119			2,645,926
	Asset Management	173,249			186,170
	RJ Bank	13,327,340			12,036,945
	Other	2,219,319			2,201,435
	Total	$	24,967,935		$	23,325,652
	-1	Includes $174.6 million of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes $120.9 million of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
	We have operations in the United States, Canada, Europe and joint ventures in Latin America. Substantially all long-lived assets are located in the United States.  Revenues and income before provision for income taxes and excluding noncontrolling interests, classified by major geographic areas in which they are earned, are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	United States	$	1,214,397		$	1,093,936		$	2,395,705		$	2,182,031
	Canada	69,581			76,380			137,293			164,494
	Europe	21,211			25,588			45,125			50,584
	Other	7,435			8,721			14,345			16,290
	Total	$	1,312,624		$	1,204,625		$	2,592,468		$	2,413,399
	Pre-tax income (loss) excluding noncontrolling interests:
	United States	$	176,602		$	153,577		$	378,787		$	320,183
	Canada	5,262			8,997			7,487			20,543
	Europe	(1,970		)	656			(3,726		)	855
	Other	426			2,234			680			2,807
	Total	$	180,320		$	165,464		$	383,228		$	344,388
	Our total assets, classified by major geographic area in which they are held, are presented below:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
	(in thousands)
Total assets:
United States (1)	$	23,319,673		$	21,469,999
Canada(2)	1,568,758			1,773,703
Europe	32,878			39,872
Other	46,626			42,078
Total	$	24,967,935		$	23,325,652
-1	Includes $262.5 million of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
-2	Includes $33 million of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.

UPDATE_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTI1

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.

CASH_AND_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_ASSE1

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ASSETS SEGREGATED PURSUANT TO REGULATIONS, AND DEPOSITS WITH CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Our cash and cash equivalents, assets segregated pursuant to regulations or other segregated assets, and deposits with clearing organization balances are as follows:
		March 31,		September 30,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Cash in banks	$	2,532,322	$	2,195,683
	Money market fund investments	7,815		3,380
	Total cash and cash equivalents (1)	2,540,137		2,199,063
	Cash segregated pursuant to federal regulations and other segregated assets (2)	2,560,449		2,489,264
	Deposits with clearing organizations (3)	216,178		150,457
		$	5,316,764	$	4,838,784
	-1	The total amounts presented include cash and cash equivalents of $1.21 billion as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, which is either held directly by RJF in depository accounts at third party financial institutions, held in a depository account at RJ Bank, or is otherwise invested by one of our subsidiaries on behalf of RJF, all of which are available without restrictions.
	-2	Consists of cash and cash equivalents maintained in accordance with Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. RJ&A as a broker-dealer carrying client accounts, is subject to requirements related to maintaining cash or qualified securities in segregated reserve accounts for the exclusive benefit of its clients. Additionally, RJ Ltd. is required to hold client Registered Retirement Savings Plan funds in trust.
	-3	Consists of deposits of cash and cash equivalents or other short-term securities held by other clearing organizations or exchanges.

FAIR_VALUE_Tables

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis are presented below:
	March 31, 2015		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Netting				Balance as of
			in active				other				unobservable				adjustments (2)				March 31,
			markets for				observable				inputs								2015
			identical				inputs				(Level 3)
			assets				(Level 2) (1)
			(Level 1) (1)
			(in thousands)
	Assets at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Trading instruments:
	Municipal and provincial obligations		$	4,955			$	239,564			$	—			$	—			$	244,519
	Corporate obligations		15,899				80,174				—				—				96,073
	Government and agency obligations		38,717				125,291				—				—				164,008
	Agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”)		603				139,800				—				—				140,403
	Non-agency CMOs and asset-backed securities (“ABS”)		—				51,800				10				—				51,810
	Total debt securities		60,174				636,629				10				—				696,813
	Derivative contracts		—				121,414				—				(79,697		)		41,717
	Equity securities		36,790				5,579				14				—				42,383
	Other		657				15,181				780				—				16,618
	Total trading instruments		97,621				778,803				804				(79,697		)		797,531
	Available for sale securities:
	Agency MBS and CMOs		—				240,488				—				—				240,488
	Non-agency CMOs		—				87,362				—				—				87,362
	Other securities		2,028				—				—				—				2,028
	Auction rate securities (“ARS”):
	Municipals		—				—				89,614			(3)	—				89,614
	Preferred securities		—				—				112,448				—				112,448
	Total available for sale securities		2,028				327,850				202,062				—				531,940
	Private equity investments		—				—				220,944			(4)	—				220,944
	Other investments (5)		206,888				1,172				916				—				208,976
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		—				421,850				—				—				421,850
	Deposits with clearing organizations(6)		23,592				—				—				—				23,592
	Other assets:
	Derivatives - forward foreign exchange contracts		—				8,000				—				—				8,000
	Other assets		—				—				2,196			(7)	—				2,196
	Total other assets		—				8,000				2,196				—				10,196
	Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		$	330,129			$	1,537,675			$	426,922			$	(79,697	)		$	2,215,029
	Assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:
	Bank loans, net:
	Impaired loans		$	—			$	30,566			$	51,444			$	—			$	82,010
	Loans held for sale(8)		—				49,130				—				—				49,130
	Total bank loans, net		—				79,696				51,444				—				131,140
	Other real estate owned (“OREO”)(9)		—				1,196				—				—				1,196
	Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis		$	—			$	80,892			$	51,444			$	—			$	132,336
	(continued on next page)
	March 31, 2015		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Netting				Balance as of
			in active				other				unobservable				adjustments (2)				March 31,
			markets for				observable				inputs								2015
			identical				inputs				(Level 3)
			assets				(Level 2) (1)
			(Level 1) (1)
			(in thousands)
			(continued from previous page)
	Liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:
	Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased:
	Municipal and provincial obligations		$	4,482			$	394			$	—			$	—			$	4,876
	Corporate obligations		33				18,615				—				—				18,648
	Government obligations		284,821				—				—				—				284,821
	Agency MBS and CMOs		1,834				—				—				—				1,834
	Total debt securities		291,170				19,009				—				—				310,179
	Derivative contracts		—				105,050				—				(79,028		)		26,022
	Equity securities		34,387				1				—				—				34,388
	Other securities		2				1,749				—				—				1,751
	Total trading instruments sold but not yet purchased		325,559				125,809				—				(79,028		)		372,340
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		—				421,850				—				—				421,850
Trade and other payables:
Derivative contracts(10)		—				2,481				—				—				2,481
Other liabilities		—				—				58				—				58
Total trade and other payables		—				2,481				58				—				2,539
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis		$	325,559			$	550,140			$	58			$	(79,028	)		$	796,729
-1	We had $600 thousand and $1.1 million in transfers of financial instruments from Level 1 to Level 2 during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, respectively.  These transfers were a result of a decrease in availability and reliability of the observable inputs utilized in the respective instruments’ fair value measurement. We had $1.1 million in transfers of financial instruments from Level 2 to Level 1 during the six months ended March 31, 2015.  These transfers were a result of an increase in availability and reliability of the observable inputs utilized in the respective instruments’ fair value measurement.  Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
-2	For derivative transactions not cleared through an exchange, and where permitted, we have elected to net derivative receivables and derivative payables and the related cash collateral received and paid when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists (see Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting financial instruments). Deposits associated with derivative transactions cleared through an exchange are included in deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
-3	Includes $62 million of Jefferson County, Alabama Limited Obligation School Warrants ARS.
-4	The portion of these investments we do not own is approximately $56 million as of March 31, 2015 and are included as a component of noncontrolling interest in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The weighted average portion we own is approximately $165 million or 75% of the total private equity investments of $221 million included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
-5	Other investments include $143 million of financial instruments that are related to obligations to perform under certain deferred compensation plans (see Note 2 on page 114, and Note 24 on page 173, of our 2014 Form 10-K for further information regarding these plans).
-6	Consists of deposits we provide to clearing organizations or exchanges that are in the form of marketable securities.
-7	Includes forward commitments to purchase GNMA or FNMA (as hereinafter defined) MBS arising from our fixed income public finance operations, and to a much lesser extent, other certain commitments. See Note 2 on page 104, and Note 21 on page 167 of our 2014 Form 10-K, as well as Note 15 in this report, for additional information regarding the GNMA or FNMA MBS commitments.
-8	Includes individual loans classified as held for sale, which were recorded at a fair value lower than cost.
-9	Represents the fair value of foreclosed properties which were measured at a fair value subsequent to their initial classification as OREO. The recorded value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition is net of the estimated selling costs.
-10	Consists of RJ Bank Interest Hedges (as hereinafter defined), see Note 12 for additional information.
September 30, 2014		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Netting				Balance as of
		in active				other				unobservable				adjustments (2)				September 30,
		markets for				observable				inputs								2014
		identical				inputs				(Level 3)
		assets				(Level 2) (1)
		(Level 1) (1)
		(in thousands)
Assets at fair value on a recurring basis:
Trading instruments:
Municipal and provincial obligations		$	11,407			$	192,482			$	—			$	—			$	203,889
Corporate obligations		1,989				109,939				—				—				111,928
Government and agency obligations		7,376				93,986				—				—				101,362
Agency MBS and CMOs		247				127,172				—				—				127,419
Non-agency CMOs and ABS		—				58,364				11				—				58,375
Total debt securities		21,019				581,943				11				—				602,973
Derivative contracts		—				89,923				—				(61,718		)		28,205
Equity securities		28,834				5,264				44				—				34,142
Corporate loans		—				990				—				—				990
Other		566				10,208				2,309				—				13,083
Total trading instruments		50,419				688,328				2,364				(61,718		)		679,393
Available for sale securities:
Agency MBS and CMOs		—				267,720				—				—				267,720
Non-agency CMOs		—				91,918				—				—				91,918
Other securities		1,916				—				—				—				1,916
ARS:
Municipals		—				—				86,696			(3)	—				86,696
Preferred securities		—				—				114,039				—				114,039
Total available for sale securities		1,916				359,638				200,735				—				562,289
Private equity investments		—				—				211,666			(4)	—				211,666
Other investments (5)		212,753				1,267				1,731				—				215,751
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		—				323,337				—				—				323,337
Other assets:
Derivative contracts		—				2,462				—				—				2,462
Other assets		—				—				787			(6)	—				787
Total other assets		—				2,462				787				—				3,249
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis		$	265,088			$	1,375,032			$	417,283			$	(61,718	)		$	1,995,685
Assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:
Bank loans, net:
Impaired loans		$	—			$	34,799			$	55,528			$	—			$	90,327
Loans held for sale(7)		—				22,611				—				—				22,611
Total bank loans, net		—				57,410				55,528				—				112,938
OREO(8)		—				768				—				—				768
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis		$	—			$	58,178			$	55,528			$	—			$	113,706
(continued on next page)
September 30, 2014		Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Netting				Balance as of
		in active				other				unobservable				adjustments (2)				September 30,
		markets for				observable				inputs								2014
		identical				inputs				(Level 3)
		assets				(Level 2) (1)
		(Level 1) (1)
		(in thousands)
		(continued from previous page)
Liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased:
Municipal and provincial obligations		$	11,093			$	554			$	—			$	—			$	11,647
Corporate obligations		29				15,304				—				—				15,333
Government obligations		187,424				—				—				—				187,424
Agency MBS and CMOs		738				—				—				—				738
Total debt securities		199,284				15,858				—				—				215,142
Derivative contracts		—				75,668				—				(63,296		)		12,372
Equity securities		10,884				2				—				—				10,886
Total trading instruments sold but not yet purchased		210,168				91,528				—				(63,296		)		238,400
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		—				323,337				—				—				323,337
Other liabilities		—				—				58				—				58
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis		$	210,168			$	414,865			$	58			$	(63,296	)		$	561,795
-1	We had $800 thousand in transfers of financial instruments from Level 1 to Level 2 during the year ended September 30, 2014.  These transfers were a result of a decrease in availability and reliability of the observable inputs utilized in the respective instruments’ fair value measurement. We had $1.3 million in transfers of financial instruments from Level 2 to Level 1 during the year ended September 30, 2014.  These transfers were a result of an increase in availability and reliability of the observable inputs utilized in the respective instruments’ fair value measurement.  Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
-2	For derivative transactions not cleared through an exchange, and where permitted, we have elected to net derivative receivables and derivative payables and the related cash collateral received and paid when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists (see Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting financial instruments). Deposits associated with derivative transactions cleared through an exchange are included in deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
-3	Includes $58 million of Jefferson County, Alabama Limited Obligation School Warrants ARS.
-4	The portion of these investments we do not own is approximately $55 million as of September 30, 2014 and are included as a component of noncontrolling interest in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The weighted average portion we own is approximately $157 million or 74% of the total private equity investments of $212 million included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
-5	Other investments include $144 million of financial instruments that are related to obligations to perform under certain deferred compensation plans (see Note 2 on page 114, and Note 24 on page 173, of our 2014 Form 10-K for further information regarding these plans).
-6	Primarily comprised of forward commitments to purchase GNMA or FNMA (as hereinafter defined) MBS arising from our fixed income public finance operations (see Note 2 on page 104, and Note 21 on page 167 of our 2014 Form 10-K for additional information).
-7	Includes individual loans classified as held for sale, which were recorded at a fair value lower than cost.
-8	Represents the fair value of foreclosed properties which were measured at a fair value subsequent to their initial classification as OREO. The recorded value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition is net of the estimated selling costs.
Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis, Roll Forward Table of Change in Balances	Additional information about Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis is presented below:
	Three months ended March 31, 2015 Level 3 assets at fair value
	(in thousands)
		Financial assets																																	Financial
																																			liabilities
		Trading instruments												Available for sale securities									Private equity, other investments and other assets												Payables-
																																			trade and
																																			other
		Non-				Equity				Other					ARS –				ARS -				Private				Other				Other assets				Other
		agency				securities									municipals				preferred				equity				investments								liabilities
		CMOs &																	securities				investments
		ABS
	Fair value	$	11			$	14			$	5,264				$	85,814			$	112,955			$	208,674			$	1,564			$	2,407			$	(58	)
	December 31, 2014
	Total gains (losses) for the period:
	Included in earnings	—				—				(20		)			2				25				14,414			(1)	41				(211		)		—
	Included in other comprehensive income	—				—				—					3,843				(282		)		—				—				—				—
	Purchases and contributions	—				—				11,358					—				—				2,241				—				—				—
	Sales	—				—				(15,822		)			(45		)		—				—				—				—				—
	Redemptions by issuer	—				—				—					—				(250		)		—				(663		)		—				—
	Distributions	(1		)		—				—					—				—				(4,385		)		(26		)		—				—
	Transfers: (2)
	Into Level 3	—				—				—					—				—				—				—				—				—
	Out of Level 3	—				—				—					—				—				—				—				—				—
	Fair value	$	10			$	14			$	780				$	89,614			$	112,448			$	220,944			$	916			$	2,196			$	(58	)
	March 31, 2015
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$	—			$	—			$	—				$	3,843			$	(282	)		$	14,414			$	41			$	(211	)		$	—
	-1	Primarily results from valuation adjustments of certain private equity investments.  Since we only own a portion of these investments, our share of the net valuation adjustments resulted in a gain of $9.8 million which is included in net income attributable to RJF (after noncontrolling interests).  The noncontrolling interests’ share of the net valuation adjustments was a gain of approximately $4.6 million.
	-2	Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
	Six months ended March 31, 2015 Level 3 assets at fair value
	(in thousands)
		Financial assets																																	Financial
																																			liabilities
		Trading instruments												Available for sale securities									Private equity, other investments and other assets												Payables-
																																			trade and
																																			other
		Non-				Equity				Other					ARS –				ARS -				Private				Other				Other assets				Other
		agency				securities									municipals				preferred				equity				investments								liabilities
		CMOs &																	securities				investments
		ABS
	Fair value	$	11			$	44			$	2,309				$	86,696			$	114,039			$	211,666			$	1,731			$	787			$	(58	)
	September 30, 2014
	Total gains (losses) for the period:
	Included in earnings	—				5				(40		)			2				25				17,060			(1)	81				1,409				—
	Included in other comprehensive income	—				—				—					2,961				(1,366		)		—				—				—				—
	Purchases and contributions	—				20				23,333					—				—				6,343				—				—				—
	Sales	—				—				(24,822		)			(45		)		—				—				—				—				—
	Redemptions by issuer	—				—				—					—				(250		)		—				(673		)		—				—
	Distributions	(1		)		—				—					—				—				(14,125		)		(223		)		—				—
	Transfers: (2)
	Into Level 3	—				—				—					—				—				—				—				—				—
	Out of Level 3	—				(55		)		—					—				—				—				—				—				—
	Fair value	$	10			$	14			$	780				$	89,614			$	112,448			$	220,944			$	916			$	2,196			$	(58	)
	March 31, 2015
	Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$	—			$	5			$	—				$	2,961			$	(1,366	)		$	17,060			$	81			$	1,409			$	—
	-1	Primarily results from valuation adjustments of certain private equity investments.  Since we only own a portion of these investments, our share of the net valuation adjustments resulted in a gain of $12.2 million which is included in net income attributable to RJF (after noncontrolling interests).  The noncontrolling interests’ share of the net valuation adjustments was a gain of approximately $4.9 million.
	-2	Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
	Three months ended March 31, 2014 Level 3 assets at fair value
	(in thousands)
		Financial assets																																				Financial
																																						liabilities
		Trading instruments												Available for sale securities												Private equity, other investments and other assets												Payables-
																																						trade and
																																						other
	Non-				Equity				Other				Non-				ARS –				ARS -				Private				Other				Other assets				Other
	agency				securities								agency				municipals				preferred				equity				investments								liabilities
	CMOs &												CMOs								securities				investments
	ABS
Fair value December 31, 2013	$	13			$	35			$	4,199			$	46			$	108,458			$	112,122			$	209,977			$	1,949			$	15			$	(1,417	)
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	—				5				(32		)		—				63				44				13				48				—				1,335
Included in other comprehensive income	—				—				—				6				1,849				374				—				—				—				—
Purchases and contributions	—				23				3,185				—				—				—				5,317				—				—				—
Sales	—				(26		)		(4,649		)		—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Redemptions by issuer	—				—				—				—				(410		)		(325		)		—				(28		)		—				—
Distributions	—				—				—				(14		)		—				—				(5,329		)		(181		)		—				—
Transfers: (1)
Into Level 3	—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—
Out of Level 3	—				—				—				—				—				—				(18,577		)	(2)	—				—				—
Fair value	$	13			$	37			$	2,703			$	38			$	109,960			$	112,215			$	191,401			$	1,788			$	15			$	(82	)
March 31, 2014
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$	—			$	5			$	(32	)		$	—			$	63			$	44			$	13			$	60			$	—			$	—
-1	Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
-2	The transfers out of Level 3 were primarily comprised of the portion of private equity investments which do not represent equity investments, whose balances were transferred to cash and cash equivalents or other receivables on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and whose carrying values approximate fair value.
Six months ended March 31, 2014 Level 3 assets at fair value
(in thousands)
		Financial assets																																						Financial
																																								liabilities
	Trading instruments													Available for sale securities												Private equity, other investments and other assets														Payables-
																																								trade and
																																								other
		Non-				Equity				Other				Non-				ARS –				ARS -				Private				Other				Other receivables				Other assets		Other
		agency				securities								agency				municipals				preferred				equity				investments										liabilities
		CMOs &												CMOs								securities				investments
		ABS
Fair value September 30, 2013		$	14			$	35			$	3,956			$	78			$	130,934			$	110,784			$	216,391			$	4,607			$	2,778			$	15	$	(60	)
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings		—				4				(201		)		(27		)		5,584				44				4,781			(1)	73				(2,778		)		—		(22		)
Included in other comprehensive income		—				—				—				21				938				1,712				—				—				—				—		—
Purchases and contributions		—				24				10,448				—				—				—				9,332				63				—				—		—
Sales		—				(26		)		(11,500		)		—				(370		)		—				(7,076		)		(2,698		)		—				—		—
Redemptions by issuer		—				—				—				—				(27,126		)		(325		)		—				(28		)		—				—		—
Distributions		(1		)		—				—				(34		)		—				—				(13,450		)		(229		)		—				—		—
Transfers: (2)
Into Level 3		—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—				—		—
Out of Level 3		—				—				—				—				—				—				(18,577		)	(3)	—				—				—		—
Fair value		$	13			$	37			$	2,703			$	38			$	109,960			$	112,215			$	191,401			$	1,788			$	—			$	15	$	(82	)
March 31, 2014
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	20			$	4			$	(201	)		$	(27	)		$	938			$	1,712			$	4,781			$	166			$	—			$	—	$	(22	)
(1) Primarily results from valuation adjustments of certain private equity investments. Since we only own a portion of these investments, our share of the net valuation adjustments resulted in a gain of $4.4 million which is included in net income attributable to RJF (after noncontrolling interests). The noncontrolling interests’ share of the net valuation adjustments was a gain of approximately $400 thousand.
-2	Our policy is that the end of each respective quarterly reporting period determines when transfers of financial instruments between levels are recognized.
-3	The transfers out of Level 3 were primarily comprised of the portion of private equity investments which do not represent equity investments, whose balances were transferred to cash and cash equivalents or other receivables on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and whose carrying values approximate fair value.
Gains and Losses (Realized and Unrealized) Included in Revenues	Gains and losses included in earnings are presented in net trading profit and other revenues in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as follows:
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015		Net trading				Other
			profit				revenues
			(in thousands)
	Total (losses) gains included in revenues		$	(20	)		$	14,271
	Change in unrealized gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	—			$	17,805
	For the six months ended March 31, 2015		Net trading				Other
			profit				revenues
			(in thousands)
	Total (losses) gains included in revenues		$	(35	)		$	18,577
	Change in unrealized gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	5			$	20,145
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014		Net trading				Other
			profit				revenues
			(in thousands)
	Total (losses) gains included in revenues		$	(27	)		$	1,503
	Change in unrealized (losses) gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	(27	)		$	180
	For the six months ended March 31, 2014		Net trading				Other
			profit				revenues
			(in thousands)
	Total (losses) gains included in revenues		$	(197	)		$	7,655
	Change in unrealized (losses) gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period		$	(177	)		$	7,548
Significant Assumptions Used in Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments	The significant assumptions used in the valuation of level 3 financial instruments are as follows (the table that follows includes the significant majority of the financial instruments we hold that are classified as level 3 measures):
	Level 3 financial instrument		Fair value at				Valuation technique(s)		Unobservable input		Range (weighted-average)
			March 31,
			2015
			(in thousands)
	Recurring measurements:
	Available for sale securities:
	ARS:
	Municipals		$	61,500			Recent trades		Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities		94% of par - 94% of par (94% of par)
									Comparability adjustments(a)		+/- 3% of par (+/- 3% of par)
	Municipals		$	10,505			Income or market approach:
							Scenario 1 - recent trades		Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities		70% of par - 70% of par (70% of par)
							Scenario 2 - discounted cash flow		Average discount rate(b)		5.10% - 6.94% (6.02%)
									Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities(c)		1.49% - 3.19% (2.34%)
									Prepayment year(d)		2017 - 2024 (2021)
									Weighting assigned to outcome of scenario1/ scenario 2		20%/80%
	Municipals		$	17,609			Discounted cash flow		Average discount rate(b)		3.32% - 5.94% (3.84%)
									Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities(c)		1.28% - 4.25% (1.41%)
									Prepayment year(d)		2017 - 2024 (2020)
	Preferred securities		$	112,448			Discounted cash flow		Average discount rate(b)		3.43% - 4.91% (4.13%)
									Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities(c)		1.88% - 3.21% (1.99%)
									Prepayment year(d)		2015 - 2019 (2019)
	Private equity investments:		$	46,402			Income or market approach:
							Scenario 1 - income approach - discounted cash flow		Discount rate(b)		13% - 17.5% (15.9%)
									Terminal growth rate of cash flows		3% - 3% (3%)
									Terminal year		2016 - 2018 (2017)
							Scenario 2 - market approach - market multiple method		EBITDA Multiple(e)		4.75 - 7.5 (6.3)
									Weighting assigned to outcome of scenario 1/scenario 2		72%/28%
			$	174,542			Transaction price or other investment-specific events(f)		Not meaningful(f)		Not meaningful(f)
	Nonrecurring measurements:
	Impaired loans: residential		$	24,075			Discounted cash flow		Prepayment rate		7 yrs. - 12 yrs. (10.3 yrs.)
	Impaired loans: corporate		$	27,369			Appraisal, discounted cash flow, or distressed enterprise value(g)		Not meaningful(g)		Not meaningful(g)
	The text of the footnotes in the above table are on the following page.
	The text of the footnotes to the table on the previous page are as follows:
	(a)	Management estimates that market participants apply this range of either discount or premium, as applicable, to the limited observable trade data in order to assess the value of the securities within this portfolio segment.
	(b)	Represents discount rates used when we have determined that market participants would take these discounts into account when pricing the investments.
	(c)	Future interest rates are projected based upon a forward interest rate path, plus a spread over such projected base rate that is applicable to each future period for each security within this portfolio segment.  The interest rates presented represent the average interest rate over all projected periods for securities within the portfolio segment.
	(d)	Assumed year of at least a partial redemption of the outstanding security by the issuer.
	(e)	Represents amounts used when we have determined that market participants would use such multiples when pricing the investments.
	(f)	Certain direct private equity investments are valued initially at the transaction price until either our annual review, significant transactions occur, new developments become known, or we receive information from the fund manager that allows us to update our proportionate share of net assets, when any of which indicate that a change in the carrying values of these investments is appropriate.
	(g)	The valuation techniques used for the impaired corporate loan portfolio as of March 31, 2015 were appraisals less selling costs for the collateral dependent loans, and either discounted cash flows or distressed enterprise value for the remaining impaired loans that are not collateral dependent.
Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value	The estimated fair values by level within the fair value hierarchy and the carrying amounts of our financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows:
			Quoted prices				Significant				Significant				Total estimated fair value				Carrying amount
			in active				other				unobservable
			markets for				observable				inputs
			identical				inputs				(Level 3)
			assets				(Level 2)
			(Level 1)
			(in thousands)
	March 31, 2015
	Financial assets:
	Bank loans, net(1)		$	—			$	38,848			$	11,854,431			$	11,893,279			$	11,935,121
	Financial liabilities:
	Bank deposits		$	—			$	10,921,350			$	353,769			$	11,275,119			$	11,272,013
	Corporate debt		$	378,700			$	958,688			$	—			$	1,337,388			$	1,188,916
	September 30, 2014
	Financial assets:
	Bank loans, net(1)		$	—			$	23,678			$	10,738,136			$	10,761,814			$	10,857,662
	Financial liabilities:
	Bank deposits		$	—			$	9,684,221			$	344,234			$	10,028,455			$	10,028,924
	Corporate debt		$	366,100			$	955,170			$	—			$	1,321,270			$	1,190,836
	-1	Excludes all impaired loans and loans held for sale which have been recorded at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.

TRADING_INSTRUMENTS_AND_TRADIN1

TRADING INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING INSTRUMENTS SOLD BUT NOT YET PURCHASED (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Trading Instruments and Trading Instruments Sold But Not Yet Purchased [Abstract]
Trading Instruments and Trading Instruments Sold but Not Yet Purchased
		March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
		Trading		Instruments		Trading		Instruments
		instruments		sold but not		instruments		sold but not
				yet purchased				yet purchased
		(in thousands)
	Municipal and provincial obligations	$	244,519	$	4,876	$	203,889	$	11,647
	Corporate obligations	96,073		18,648		111,928		15,333
	Government and agency obligations	164,008		284,821		101,362		187,424
	Agency MBS and CMOs	140,403		1,834		127,419		738
	Non-agency CMOs and ABS	51,810		—		58,375		—
	Total debt securities	696,813		310,179		602,973		215,142
	Derivative contracts (1)	41,717		26,022		28,205		12,372
	Equity securities	42,383		34,388		34,142		10,886
	Corporate loans	—		—		990		—
	Other	16,618		1,751		13,083		—
	Total	$	797,531	$	372,340	$	679,393	$	238,400
	-1	Represents the derivative contracts held for trading purposes. These balances do not include all derivative instruments. See Note 12 for further information regarding all of our derivative transactions, and see Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting financial instruments.

AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_SECURITIES_

AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Values of Available For Sale Securities	The amortized cost and fair values of available for sale securities are as follows:
		Cost basis			Gross			Gross			Fair value
					unrealized gains			unrealized losses
		(in thousands)
	March 31, 2015
	Available for sale securities:
	Agency MBS and CMOs	$	239,776		$	1,066		$	(354	)	$	240,488
	Non-agency CMOs (1)	93,272			24			(5,934		)	87,362
	Other securities	1,575			453			—			2,028
	Total RJ Bank available for sale securities	334,623			1,543			(6,288		)	329,878
	Auction rate securities:
	Municipal obligations	81,492			9,683			(1,561		)	89,614
	Preferred securities	104,302			8,146			—			112,448
	Total auction rate securities	185,794			17,829			(1,561		)	202,062
	Total available for sale securities	$	520,417		$	19,372		$	(7,849	)	$	531,940
	September 30, 2014
	Available for sale securities:
	Agency MBS and CMOs	$	267,927		$	822		$	(1,029	)	$	267,720
	Non-agency CMOs (2)	98,946			56			(7,084		)	91,918
	Other securities	1,575			341			—			1,916
	Total RJ Bank available for sale securities	368,448			1,219			(8,113		)	361,554
	Auction rate securities:
	Municipal obligations	81,535			6,240			(1,079		)	86,696
	Preferred securities	104,526			9,513			—			114,039
	Total auction rate securities	186,061			15,753			(1,079		)	200,735
	Total available for sale securities	$	554,509		$	16,972		$	(9,192	)	$	562,289
	-1	As of March 31, 2015, the non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) was $4.9 million (before taxes). See Note 16 for additional information.
	-2	As of September 30, 2014, the non-credit portion of OTTI recorded in AOCI was $6.1 million (before taxes).
Contractual Maturities, Amortized Cost, Carrying Values, and Current Yields for Available For Sales Securities	The contractual maturities, amortized cost, carrying values and current yields for our available for sale securities are as presented below.  Since RJ Bank’s available for sale securities (MBS & CMOs) are backed by mortgages, actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.  Expected maturities of ARS may differ significantly from contractual maturities, as issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		March 31, 2015
		Within one year			After one but			After five but			After ten years			Total
					within five			within ten
					years			years
		($ in thousands)
	Agency MBS & CMOs:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	7,463		$	10,466		$	221,847		$	239,776
	Carrying value	—			7,480			10,541			222,467			240,488
	Weighted-average yield	—			0.26		%	0.48		%	0.97		%	0.94		%
	Non-agency CMOs:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	93,272		$	93,272
	Carrying value	—			—			—			87,362			87,362
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			2.39		%	2.39		%
	Other securities:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	1,575		$	1,575
	Carrying value	—			—			—			2,028			2,028
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			—			—
	Sub-total agency MBS & CMOs, non-agency CMOs, and other securities:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	7,463		$	10,466		$	316,694		$	334,623
	Carrying value	—			7,480			10,541			311,857			329,878
	Weighted-average yield	—			0.26		%	0.48		%	1.36		%	1.32		%
	Auction rate securities:
	Municipal obligations
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	81,492		$	81,492
	Carrying value	—			—			—			89,614			89,614
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			0.42		%	0.42		%
	Preferred securities:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	104,302		$	104,302
	Carrying value	—			—			—			112,448			112,448
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			0.27		%	0.27		%
	Sub-total auction rate securities:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	185,794		$	185,794
	Carrying value	—			—			—			202,062			202,062
	Weighted-average yield	—			—			—			0.34		%	0.34		%
	Total available for sale securities:
	Amortized cost	$	—		$	7,463		$	10,466		$	502,488		$	520,417
	Carrying value	—			7,480			10,541			513,919			531,940
	Weighted-average yield	—			0.26		%	0.48		%	0.96		%	0.95		%
Available For Sale Securities in a Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	The gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, are as follows:
		March 31, 2015
		Less than 12 months						12 months or more						Total
		Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized
		fair value			losses			fair value			losses			fair value			losses
		(in thousands)
	Agency MBS and CMOs	$	—		$	—		$	54,584		$	(354	)	$	54,584		$	(354	)
	Non-agency CMOs	18,921			(769		)	64,519			(5,165		)	83,440			(5,934		)
	ARS municipal obligations	226			(2		)	11,593			(1,559		)	11,819			(1,561		)
	Total	$	19,147		$	(771	)	$	130,696		$	(7,078	)	$	149,843		$	(7,849	)
		September 30, 2014
		Less than 12 months						12 months or more						Total
		Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized
		fair value			losses			fair value			losses			fair value			losses
		(in thousands)
	Agency MBS and CMOs	$	18,062		$	(53	)	$	71,688		$	(976	)	$	89,750		$	(1,029	)
	Non-agency CMOs	5,506			(357		)	69,970			(6,727		)	75,476			(7,084		)
	ARS municipal obligations	—			—			12,072			(1,079		)	12,072			(1,079		)
	Total	$	23,568		$	(410	)	$	153,730		$	(8,782	)	$	177,298		$	(9,192	)
Non-Agency CMOs Cash Flow Analysis Assumptions	The significant assumptions used in the cash flow analysis of non-agency CMOs are as follows:
		March 31, 2015
		Range		Weighted-
				average (1)
	Default rate	0% - 10.2%		4.06%
	Loss severity	0% - 73.4%		41.23%
	Prepayment rate	5% - 20%		8.78%
	(1)	Represents the expected activity for the next twelve months.
Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings on Available For Sale Securities	Changes in the amount of OTTI related to credit losses recognized in other revenues on available for sale securities are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Amount related to credit losses on securities we held at the beginning of the period	$	18,703		$	28,244		$	18,703		$	28,217
	Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized	—			—			—			27
	Amount related to credit losses on securities we held at the end of the period	$	18,703		$	28,244		$	18,703		$	28,244

BANK_LOANS_NET_Tables

BANK LOANS, NET (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Held for Sale and Held for Investment Loan Portfolios	The following table presents the balances for both the held for sale and held for investment loan portfolios, as well as the associated percentage of each portfolio segment in RJ Bank’s total loan portfolio:
		March 31, 2015							September 30, 2014
		Balance				%			Balance				%
		($ in thousands)
	Loans held for sale, net(1)	$	87,974			1	%		$	45,988			—
	Loans held for investment:
	Domestic:
	C&I loans	5,776,977				47	%		5,378,592				49	%
	CRE construction loans	78,820				1	%		76,733				1	%
	CRE loans	1,468,813				12	%		1,415,093				13	%
	Tax-exempt loans	361,644				3	%		122,218				1	%
	Residential mortgage loans	1,963,336				16	%		1,749,513				16	%
	SBL	1,249,930				10	%		1,021,358				9	%
	Foreign:
	C&I loans	1,036,223				8	%		1,043,755				9	%
	CRE construction loans	22,094				—			17,462				—
	CRE loans	204,132				2	%		274,070				2	%
	Residential mortgage loans	2,865				—			2,234				—
	SBL	1,954				—			2,390				—
	Total loans held for investment	12,166,788							11,103,418
	Net unearned income and deferred expenses	(34,091		)					(37,533		)
	Total loans held for investment, net(1)	12,132,697							11,065,885
	Total loans held for sale and investment	12,220,671				100	%		11,111,873				100	%
	Allowance for loan losses	(160,008		)					(147,574		)
	Bank loans, net	$	12,060,663						$	10,964,299
	-1	Net of unearned income and deferred expenses, which includes purchase premiums, purchase discounts, and net deferred origination fees and costs.
Loan Purchases and Sales	The following table presents purchases and sales of any loans held for investment by portfolio segment:
		Three months ended March 31,															Six months ended March 31,
		2015								2014							2015							2014
		Purchases				Sales				Purchases				Sales			Purchases				Sales			Purchases				Sales
		(in thousands)
	C&I loans	$	106,197			$	25,500			$	110,406			$	70,350		$	260,281			$	32,360		$	237,736			$	131,323
	Residential mortgage loans	1,337				—				140				—			213,309			(1)	—			27,735				—
	Total	$	107,534			$	25,500			$	110,546			$	70,350		$	473,590			$	32,360		$	265,471			$	131,323
	-1	Includes the purchase of a loan portfolio totaling $207.3 million in principal loan balance.
Analysis of the Payment Status of Loans Held for Investment	The following table presents an analysis of the payment status of loans held for investment:
		30-89				90 days or more				Total past due and accruing				Nonaccrual (1)			Current and accruing				Total loans held for
		days and accruing				and accruing															investment (2)
		(in thousands)
	As of March 31, 2015:
	C&I loans	$	173			$	—			$	173			$	—		$	6,813,027			$	6,813,200
	CRE construction loans	—				—				—				—			100,914				100,914
	CRE loans	—				—				—				17,171			1,655,774				1,672,945
	Tax-exempt loans	—				—				—				—			361,644				361,644
	Residential mortgage loans:
	First mortgage loans	2,795				—				2,795				52,182			1,890,746				1,945,723
	Home equity loans/lines	30				—				30				285			20,163				20,478
	SBL	—				—				—				—			1,251,884				1,251,884
	Total loans held for investment, net	$	2,998			$	—			$	2,998			$	69,638		$	12,094,152			$	12,166,788
	As of September 30, 2014:
	C&I loans	$	124			$	—			$	124			$	—		$	6,422,223			$	6,422,347
	CRE construction loans	—				—				—				—			94,195				94,195
	CRE loans	—				—				—				18,876			1,670,287				1,689,163
	Tax-exempt	—				—				—				—			122,218				122,218
	Residential mortgage loans:
	First mortgage loans	1,648				—				1,648				61,391			1,668,724				1,731,763
	Home equity loans/lines	57				—				57				398			19,529				19,984
	SBL	—				—				—				—			1,023,748				1,023,748
	Total loans held for investment, net	$	1,829			$	—			$	1,829			$	80,665		$	11,020,924			$	11,103,418
	-1	Includes $36.9 million and $41.4 million of nonaccrual loans at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively, which are performing pursuant to their contractual terms.
	-2	Excludes any net unearned income and deferred expenses.
Summary of Impaired Loans	The following table provides a summary of RJ Bank’s impaired loans:
		March 31, 2015												September 30, 2014
		Gross				Unpaid				Allowance				Gross			Unpaid				Allowance
		recorded				principal				for losses				recorded			principal				for losses
		investment				balance								investment			balance
		(in thousands)
	Impaired loans with allowance for loan losses:(1)
	C&I loans	$	11,418			$	12,022			$	1,220			$	11,959		$	12,563			$	1,289
	Residential - first mortgage loans	39,266				54,529				4,376				43,806			61,372				5,012
	Total	50,684				66,551				5,596				55,765			73,935				6,301
	Impaired loans without allowance for loan losses:(2)
	CRE loans	17,171				28,446				—				18,876			39,717				—
	Residential - first mortgage loans	19,751				29,451				—				21,987			32,949				—
	Total	36,922				57,897				—				40,863			72,666				—
	Total impaired loans	$	87,606			$	124,448			$	5,596			$	96,628		$	146,601			$	6,301
	-1	Impaired loan balances have had reserves established based upon management’s analysis.
	-2	When the discounted cash flow, collateral value or market value equals or exceeds the carrying value of the loan, then the loan does not require an allowance.  These are generally loans in process of foreclosure that have already been adjusted to fair value.
	The average balance of the total impaired loans and the related interest income recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,								Six months ended March 31,
		2015				2014				2015				2014
		(in thousands)
	Average impaired loan balance:
	C&I loans	$	11,613			$	—			$	11,732			$	35
	CRE loans	17,257				24,702				17,394				24,949
	Residential mortgage loans:
	First mortgage loans	59,875				71,277				61,493				71,818
	Home equity loans/lines	—				36				—				36
	Total	$	88,745			$	96,015			$	90,619			$	96,838
	Interest income recognized:
	Residential mortgage loans:
	First mortgage loans	$	426			$	391			$	741			$	1,027
	Total	$	426			$	391			$	741			$	1,027
Impact of TDRs	The table below presents the TDRs that occurred during the respective periods presented:
		Number of			Pre-modification				Post-modification
		contracts			outstanding				outstanding
					recorded				recorded
					investment				investment
		($ in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Residential – first mortgage loans	1			$	133			$	134
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Residential – first mortgage loans	4			$	654			$	702
	Six months ended March 31, 2015
	Residential – first mortgage loans	3			$	290			$	293
	Six months ended March 31, 2014
	Residential – first mortgage loans	12			$	2,539			$	2,699
Credit Quality of Held for Investment Loan Portfolio	The credit quality of RJ Bank’s held for investment loan portfolio is as follows:
																	Residential mortgage
		C&I				CRE				CRE				Tax-exempt			First				Home			SBL				Total
						construction											mortgage				equity
		(in thousands)
	March 31, 2015
	Pass	$	6,712,843			$	100,914			$	1,640,839			$	361,644		$	1,867,841			$	20,125		$	1,251,884			$	11,956,090
	Special mention (1)	69,647				—				14,566				—			16,336				66			—				100,615
	Substandard (1)	30,710				—				17,540				—			61,546				287			—				110,083
	Total	$	6,813,200			$	100,914			$	1,672,945			$	361,644		$	1,945,723			$	20,478		$	1,251,884			$	12,166,788
	September 30, 2014
	Pass	$	6,321,662			$	94,195			$	1,669,897			$	122,218		$	1,647,325			$	19,572		$	1,023,748			$	10,898,617
	Special mention (1)	83,101				—				191				—			15,346				—			—				98,638
	Substandard (1)	17,584				—				18,167				—			69,092				412			—				105,255
	Doubtful (1)	—				—				908				—			—				—			—				908
	Total	$	6,422,347			$	94,195			$	1,689,163			$	122,218		$	1,731,763			$	19,984		$	1,023,748			$	11,103,418
	-1	Loans classified as special mention, substandard or doubtful are all considered to be “criticized” loans.
Performing Residential First Mortgage Loan Portfolio Summarized by Loan-to-value ratios	The table below presents the most recently available update of the performing residential first mortgage loan portfolio summarized by current LTV. The amounts in the table represent the entire loan balance:
		Balance(1)
		(in thousands)
	LTV range:
	LTV less than 50%	$	557,456
	LTV greater than 50% but less than 80%	976,306
	LTV greater than 80% but less than 100%	169,304
	LTV greater than 100%, but less than 120%	23,864
	LTV greater than 120%	4,011
	Total	$	1,730,941
	-1	Excludes loans that have full repurchase recourse for any delinquent loans.
Changes in the Allowance for Loan Losses	Changes in the allowance for loan losses of RJ Bank by portfolio segment are as follows:
			Loans held for investment
			C&I				CRE				CRE				Tax-exempt			Residential mortgage				SBL			Total
							construction
		(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at beginning of period		$	109,582			$	1,709			$	25,095			$	2,738		$	15,319			2,324			$	156,767
	Provision (benefit) for loan losses		1,530				(8		)		900				1,171			168				176			3,937
	Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
	Charge-offs		—				—				—				—			(411		)		—			(411		)
	Recoveries		536				—				—				—			—				6			542
	Net (charge-offs)/recoveries		536				—				—				—			(411		)		6			131
	Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(523		)		(26		)		(278		)		—			—				—			(827		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	111,125			$	1,675			$	25,717			$	3,909		$	15,076			$	2,506		$	160,008
	Six months ended March 31, 2015
	Balance at beginning of period		$	103,179			$	1,594			$	25,022			1,380			14,350				2,049			$	147,574
	Provision for loan losses		8,364				117				1,062				2,529			787				443			13,302
	Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
	Charge-offs		(238		)		—				—				—			(638		)		—			(876		)
	Recoveries		536				—				—				—			577				14			1,127
	Net (charge-offs)/recoveries		298				—				—				—			(61		)		14			251
	Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(716		)		(36		)		(367		)		—			—				—			(1,119		)
	Balance at March 31, 2015		$	111,125			$	1,675			$	25,717			$	3,909		$	15,076			$	2,506		$	160,008
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	96,629			$	1,647			$	20,210			—			18,300				1,338			$	138,124
	Provision (benefit) for loan losses		1,113				169				2,133				—			(1,641		)		205			1,979
	Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
	Charge-offs		(1,805		)		—				—				—			(670		)		—			(2,475		)
	Recoveries		12				—				—				—			625				6			643
	Net (charge-offs)/recoveries		(1,793		)		—				—				—			(45		)		6			(1,832		)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(247		)		(17		)		(67		)		—			—				—			(331		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	95,702			$	1,799			$	22,276			$	—		$	16,614			$	1,549		$	137,940
	Six months ended March 31, 2014
	Balance at beginning of period		$	95,994			$	1,000			$	19,266			—			19,126				1,115			$	136,501
	Provision (benefit) for loan losses		2,015				824				3,062				—			(2,702		)		416			3,615
	Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
	Charge-offs		(1,845		)		—				—				—			(879		)		—			(2,724		)
	Recoveries		16				—				80				—			1,069				18			1,183
	Net (charge-offs)/recoveries		(1,829		)		—				80				—			190				18			(1,541		)
	Foreign exchange translation adjustment		(478		)		(25		)		(132		)		—			—				—			(635		)
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	95,702			$	1,799			$	22,276			$	—		$	16,614			$	1,549		$	137,940
Recorded Investment and Related Allowance for Loan Losses, by Loan Portfolio Segment	The following table presents, by loan portfolio segment, RJ Bank’s recorded investment and related allowance for loan losses:
			Loans held for investment
			C&I				CRE				CRE				Tax-exempt			Residential				SBL			Total
							construction											mortgage
		(in thousands)
	March 31, 2015
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,220			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	4,376			$	—		$	5,596
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		109,905				1,675				25,717				3,909			10,700				2,506			154,412
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	111,125			$	1,675			$	25,717			$	3,909		$	15,076			$	2,506		$	160,008
	Recorded investment:(1)
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	11,418			$	—			$	17,171			$	—		$	59,017			$	—		$	87,606
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		6,801,782				100,914				1,655,774				361,644			1,907,184				1,251,884			12,079,182
	Total recorded investment		$	6,813,200			$	100,914			$	1,672,945			$	361,644		$	1,966,201			$	1,251,884		$	12,166,788
	September 30, 2014
	Allowance for loan losses:
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	1,289			$	—			$	—			$	—		$	5,012			$	—		$	6,301
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		101,890				1,594				25,022				1,380			9,338				2,049			141,273
	Total allowance for loan losses		$	103,179			$	1,594			$	25,022			$	1,380		$	14,350			$	2,049		$	147,574
	Recorded investment:(1)
	Individually evaluated for impairment		$	11,959			$	—			$	18,876			$	—		$	65,793			$	—		$	96,628
	Collectively evaluated for impairment		6,410,388				94,195				1,670,287				122,218			1,685,954				1,023,748			11,006,790
	Total recorded investment		$	6,422,347			$	94,195			$	1,689,163			$	122,218		$	1,751,747			$	1,023,748		$	11,103,418
	-1	Excludes any net unearned income and deferred expenses.

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_Tab

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary - aggregate assets and liabilities	The aggregate assets and liabilities of the VIEs we consolidate are provided in the table below.
		Aggregate			Aggregate
		assets (1)			liabilities (1)
		(in thousands)
	March 31, 2015
	LIHTC Funds	$	156,603		$	49,467
	Guaranteed LIHTC Fund (2)	73,151			2,101
	Restricted Stock Trust Fund	9,727			9,727
	EIF Funds	5,559			—
	Total	$	245,040		$	61,295
	September 30, 2014
	LIHTC Funds	$	179,050		$	60,180
	Guaranteed LIHTC Fund (2)	74,798			—
	Restricted Stock Trust Fund	6,608			6,608
	EIF Funds	6,041			—
	Total	$	266,497		$	66,788
	-1	Aggregate assets and aggregate liabilities differ from the consolidated carrying value of assets and liabilities due to the elimination of intercompany assets and liabilities held by the consolidated VIE.
	-2	In connection with one of the multi-investor tax credit funds in which RJTCF is the managing member, RJTCF has provided one investor member with a guaranteed return on their investment in the fund (the “Guaranteed LIHTC Fund”). See Note 15 for additional information regarding this commitment.
VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary - carrying value of assets, liabilities and equity	The following table presents information about the carrying value of the assets, liabilities and equity of the VIEs which we consolidate and which are included within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The noncontrolling interests presented in this table represent the portion of these net assets which are not ours.
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Assets:
	Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	$	10,221		$	10,887
	Receivables, other	5,817			5,812
	Investments in real estate partnerships held by consolidated variable interest entities	225,557			235,858
	Trust fund investment in RJF common stock (1)	9,726			6,607
	Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,197			5,728
	Total assets	$	256,518		$	264,892
	Liabilities and equity:
	Trade and other payables	$	18,913		$	10,157
	Intercompany payables	9,721			6,608
	Loans payable of consolidated variable interest entities (2)	34,977			43,877
	Total liabilities	63,611			60,642
	RJF equity	6,152			6,165
	Noncontrolling interests	186,755			198,085
	Total equity	192,907			204,250
	Total liabilities and equity	$	256,518		$	264,892
	-1	Included in treasury stock in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
	-2	Comprised of several non-recourse loans.  We are not contingently liable under any of these loans.
VIEs where we are the primary beneficiary - information about net income (loss) of VIEs	The following table presents information about the net income (loss) of the VIEs which we consolidate, and is included within our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. The noncontrolling interests presented in this table represent the portion of the net loss from these VIEs which is not ours.
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Interest	$	2		$	—		$	2		$	1
	Other	(382		)	(1,580		)	292			(1,416		)
	Total revenues	(380		)	(1,580		)	294			(1,415		)
	Interest expense	(537		)	(797		)	(1,066		)	(1,584		)
	Net revenues (expense)	(917		)	(2,377		)	(772		)	(2,999		)
	Non-interest expenses (1)	11,085			12,052			19,099			21,017
	Net loss including noncontrolling interests	(12,002		)	(14,429		)	(19,871		)	(24,016		)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(11,975		)	(14,420		)	(19,858		)	(23,996		)
	Net loss attributable to RJF	$	(27	)	$	(9	)	$	(13	)	$	(20	)
	-1	Primarily comprised of items reported in other expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
VIEs where we hold a variable interest but we are not the primary beneficiary - aggregate assets, liabilities and exposure to loss	The aggregate assets, liabilities, and our exposure to loss from those VIEs in which we hold a variable interest, but as to which we have concluded we are not the primary beneficiary, are provided in the table below.
		March 31, 2015									September 30, 2014
		Aggregate			Aggregate			Our risk			Aggregate			Aggregate		Our risk
		assets			liabilities			of loss			assets			liabilities		of loss
		(in thousands)
	LIHTC Funds	$	3,266,464		$	946,849		$	20,033		$	2,988,224		$	899,586	$	48,915
	NMTC Funds	65,503			30			12			83,474			2		13
	Other Real Estate Limited Partnerships and LLCs	29,671			36,369			172			30,202			36,262		183
	Total	$	3,361,638		$	983,248		$	20,217		$	3,101,900		$	935,850	$	49,111
VIEs where we hold a variable interest but we are not required to consolidated - aggregate assets, liabilities and exposure to loss	The aggregate assets, liabilities, and our exposure to loss from Managed Funds in which we hold a variable interest as of the dates indicated are provided in the table below:
		March 31, 2015									September 30, 2014
		Aggregate			Aggregate			Our risk			Aggregate			Aggregate		Our risk
		assets			liabilities			of loss			assets			liabilities		of loss
		(in thousands)
	Managed Funds	$	102,524		$	47		$	94		$	103,618		$	11	$	94

GOODWILL_AND_IDENTIFIABLE_INTA1

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill and Net Identifiable Intangible Asset Balances	The following are our goodwill and net identifiable intangible asset balances as of the dates indicated:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Goodwill	$	295,486		$	295,486
	Identifiable intangible assets, net	55,187			58,775
	Total goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, net	$	350,673		$	354,261
Schedule of Goodwill	The following summarizes our goodwill by segment, along with the activity, as of the dates indicated:
		Three months ended March 31,									Six months ended March 31,
		Segment									Segment
		Private client group			Capital markets			Total			Private client group			Capital markets			Total
		(in thousands)
	Fiscal year 2015
	Goodwill as of beginning of period	$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486		$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Goodwill as of end of period	$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486		$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486
	Fiscal year 2014
	Goodwill as of beginning of period	$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486		$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Goodwill as of end of period	$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486		$	174,584		$	120,902		$	295,486
Schedule of Net Amortizable Intangible Assets	The following table sets forth our identifiable intangible asset balances by segment, net of accumulated amortization, and activity for the periods indicated:
		Segment
		Private client group			Capital markets			Asset management			RJ Bank			Total
		(in thousands)
	For the three months ended March 31, 2015
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of beginning of period	$	8,472		$	36,600		$	10,663		$	1,253		$	56,988
	Additions	—			—			—			118			118
	Amortization expense	(139		)	(1,375		)	(333		)	(72		)	(1,919		)
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of end of period	$	8,333		$	35,225		$	10,330		$	1,299		$	55,187
	For the six months ended March 31, 2015
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of beginning of period	$	8,611		$	37,975		$	10,996		$	1,193		$	58,775
	Additions	—			—			—			233			233
	Amortization expense	(278		)	(2,750		)	(666		)	(127		)	(3,821		)
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of end of period	$	8,333		$	35,225		$	10,330		$	1,299		$	55,187
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of beginning of period	$	9,035		$	42,099		$	11,996		$	1,014		$	64,144
	Additions	—			—			—			118			118
	Amortization expense	(146		)	(1,375		)	(333		)	(48		)	(1,902		)
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of end of period	$	8,889		$	40,724		$	11,663		$	1,084		$	62,360
	For the six months ended March 31, 2014
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of beginning of period	$	9,191		$	43,474		$	12,329		$	984		$	65,978
	Additions	—			—			—			189			189
	Amortization expense	(302		)	(2,750		)	(666		)	(89		)	(3,807		)
	Impairment losses	—			—			—			—			—
	Net identifiable intangible assets as of end of period	$	8,889		$	40,724		$	11,663		$	1,084		$	62,360
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	Identifiable intangible assets by type are presented below:
		March 31, 2015						September 30, 2014
		Gross carrying value			Accumulated amortization			Gross carrying value			Accumulated amortization
		(in thousands)
	Customer relationships	$	65,957		$	(16,469	)	$	65,957		$	(13,875	)
	Trade name	—			—			2,000			(2,000		)
	Developed technology	11,000			(6,600		)	11,000			(5,500		)
	Non-compete agreements	—			—			1,000			(1,000		)
	Mortgage servicing rights	1,726			(427		)	1,493			(300		)
	Total	$	78,683		$	(23,496	)	$	81,450		$	(22,675	)

BANK_DEPOSITS_Tables

BANK DEPOSITS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Deposits [Abstract]
Summary of Bank Deposits	The following table presents a summary of bank deposits including the weighted-average rate:
		March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
		Balance		Weighted-average rate (1)		Balance			Weighted-average rate (1)
		($ in thousands)
	Bank deposits:
	NOW accounts	$	6,027	0.01	%	$	5,792		0.01	%
	Demand deposits (non-interest-bearing)	4,776		—		8,386			—
	Savings and money market accounts	10,910,547		0.02	%	9,670,043			0.02	%
	Certificates of deposit	350,663		1.71	%	344,703			1.81	%
	Total bank deposits(2)	$	11,272,013	0.07	%	$	10,028,924		0.09	%
	-1	Weighted-average rate calculation is based on the actual deposit balances at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	-2	Bank deposits exclude affiliate deposits of approximately $421 million and $509 million at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively. These affiliate deposits include $400 million and $500 million, held in a deposit account on behalf of RJF as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
Scheduled Maturities of Certificates of Deposit	Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:
		March 31, 2015					September 30, 2014
		Denominations		Denominations			Denominations			Denominations
		greater than or		less than $100,000			greater than or			less than $100,000
		equal to $100,000					equal to $100,000
		(in thousands)
	Three months or less	$	8,631	$	8,928		$	11,761		$	9,482
	Over three through six months	9,127		12,614			9,067			10,317
	Over six through twelve months	15,917		14,311			15,809			21,002
	Over one through two years	46,987		35,468			33,366			27,722
	Over two through three years	17,555		13,742			45,842			33,529
	Over three through four years	58,808		19,563			35,362			11,301
	Over four through five years	62,053		26,959			55,556			24,587
	Total	$	219,078	$	131,585		$	206,763		$	137,940
Interest Expense on Deposits	Interest expense on deposits is summarized as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,					Six months ended March 31,
		2015		2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Certificates of deposit	$	1,459	$	1,508		$	2,983		$	3,056
	Money market, savings and NOW accounts	631		431			1,244			828
	Total interest expense on deposits	$	2,090	$	1,939		$	4,227		$	3,884

OTHER_BORROWINGS_Tables

OTHER BORROWINGS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Borrowings [Abstract]
Schedule of Short-term Debt	The following table details the components of other borrowings:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Other borrowings:
	FHLB advances	$	550,000	(1)	$	500,000	(2)
	Borrowings on secured lines of credit (3)	171,600			154,700
	Borrowings on ClariVest revolving credit facility (4)	116			216
	Borrowings on unsecured lines of credit (5)	—			—
	Total other borrowings	$	721,716		$	654,916
	-1	Borrowings from the FHLB as of March 31, 2015 are comprised of two floating-rate advances. One FHLB advance in the amount of $250 million, matures in September 2017, and has an interest rate which resets monthly. RJ Bank has the option to prepay this advance on each interest reset date without penalty. The other FHLB advance, in the amount of $300 million, matures in March 2017 and has an interest rate which resets quarterly. We use interest rate swaps to manage the risk of increases in interest rates associated with this floating-rate advance by converting a portion of the variable interest rate to a fixed interest rate. Refer to Note 12 for information regarding these interest rate swaps which are accounted for as hedging instruments. Both of the FHLB advances are secured by a blanket lien granted to the FHLB on RJ Bank’s residential mortgage loan portfolio. The weighted average interest rate on these advances is 0.27%.
	-2	Borrowings from the FHLB as of September 30, 2014 are comprised of two $250 million floating-rate advances. The weighted average interest rate on these advances is 0.20%. These advances are secured by a blanket lien granted to the FHLB on RJ Bank’s residential mortgage loan portfolio and mature in September, 2017. The interest rate resets on a monthly basis for one of the advances and a quarterly basis for the other. RJ Bank has the option to prepay each advance without penalty on each interest reset date.
	-3	Other than a $5 million borrowing outstanding on the Regions Credit Facility (as hereinafter defined) as of both March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, any borrowings on secured lines of credit are day-to-day and are generally utilized to finance certain fixed income securities.
	As of both March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, a subsidiary of RJF (the “Borrower”) is a party to a Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Regions Credit Facility”) with Regions Bank. The Regions Credit Facility provides for a revolving line of credit and is subject to a guarantee in favor of Regions Bank provided by RJF. The proceeds from any borrowings under the line are used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The obligations under the Regions Credit Facility are secured by, subject to certain exceptions, all of the present and future ARS owned by the Borrower (the “Pledged ARS”). The amount of any borrowing under the Regions Credit Facility cannot exceed the lesser of 70% of the value of the Pledged ARS, or $100 million. The maximum amount available to borrow was $91 million and the outstanding borrowings were $5 million as of March 31, 2015. The Regions Credit Facility bears interest at a variable rate which is 2.75% over LIBOR. On April 2, 2015, the Regions Credit Facility expired, was not renewed, and the outstanding balance was paid to the Lender.
	-4	The outstanding balance on the revolving line of credit provided to ClariVest Asset Management, LLC (“ClariVest”), a subsidiary of Eagle, by a third party lender (the “ClariVest Facility”). The maximum amount available to borrow under ClariVest Facility is $500 thousand, bearing interest at a variable rate which is 1% over the lenders prime rate. The ClariVest Facility expires on September 10, 2018.
	-5	Any borrowings on unsecured lines of credit are day-to-day and are generally utilized for cash management purposes.

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN1

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Notional and Fair Value Amounts of Asset and Liability Derivatives, by Balance Sheet Location	See the table below for the notional and fair value amounts of both the asset and liability derivatives.
		Asset derivatives
		March 31, 2015									September 30, 2014
		Balance sheet		Notional			Fair				Balance sheet		Notional			Fair
		location		amount			value(1)				location		amount			value(1)
		(in thousands)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Forward foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	553,766		$	6,794			Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	609,018		$	2,101
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts (2)	Trading instruments		$	2,510,991		$	121,414			Trading instruments		$	2,198,357		$	89,923
	Interest rate contracts (3)	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		$	1,766,733		$	421,850			Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		$	1,796,288		$	323,337
	Forward foreign exchange contracts	Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	98,531		$	1,206			Prepaid expenses and other assets		$	105,179		$	361
		Liability derivatives
		March 31, 2015									September 30, 2014
		Balance sheet		Notional			Fair				Balance sheet		Notional			Fair
		location		amount			value(1)				location		amount			value(1)
		(in thousands)
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts (4)	Trade and other payables		$	200,000		$	2,481			Trade and other payables		$	—		$	—
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts (2)	Trading instruments sold		$	2,497,071		$	105,050			Trading instruments sold		$	2,185,085		$	75,668
	Interest rate contracts (3)	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		$	1,766,733		$	421,850			Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		$	1,796,288		$	323,337
	-1	The fair value in this table is presented on a gross basis before netting of cash collateral and before any netting by counterparty according to our legally enforceable master netting arrangements. The fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition is presented net. See Note 13 for additional information regarding offsetting asset and liability balances.
	-2	These contracts arise from our OTC Derivatives Operations.
	-3	These contracts arise from our Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations.
	-4	These contracts are associated with our RJ Bank Interest Hedges activities.
Amount of Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Income	The table below sets forth the impact of the derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income:
			Location of gain (loss)		Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives
			recognized on derivatives in the		recognized in income
			Condensed Consolidated Statements of		Three months ended March 31,							Six months ended March 31,
			Income and Comprehensive Income		2015			2014				2015			2014
					(in thousands)
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate contracts (1)		Net trading profit		$	2,403		$	(70	)		$	2,280		$	579
	Interest rate contracts (2)		Other revenues		$	44		$	651			$	66		$	671
	Forward foreign exchange contracts		Other revenues		$	8,683		$	2,530			$	12,305		$	4,811
	-1	These contracts arise from our OTC Derivatives Operations.
	-2	These contracts arise from our Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations.

DISCLOSURE_OF_OFFSETTING_ASSET1

DISCLOSURE OF OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, COLLATERAL AND ENCUMBERED ASSETS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, Collateral and Encumbered Assets [Abstract]
Offsetting Assets and Liabilities	The following table presents information about the financial and derivative instruments that are offset or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or other similar agreement as of the dates indicated:
													Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
			Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)				Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition			Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition			Financial instruments				Cash (received) paid			Net amount
			(in thousands)
	As of March 31, 2015:
	Assets
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings		$	469,503			$	—		$	469,503		$	(469,503	)	(1)	$	—		$	—
	Derivatives - interest rate contracts(2)		121,414				(79,697		)	41,717			(9,273		)		—			32,444
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		421,850				—			421,850			(421,850		)	(3)	—			—
	Derivatives - forward foreign exchange contracts(4)		8,000				—			8,000			—				—			8,000
	Stock borrowed		167,338				—			167,338			(159,418		)		—			7,920
	Total assets		$	1,188,105			$	(79,697	)	$	1,108,408		$	(1,060,044	)		$	—		$	48,364
	Liabilities
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		$	(277,383	)		$	—		$	(277,383	)	$	277,383		(5)	$	—		$	—
	Derivatives - RJ Bank Interest Hedges		(2,481		)		—			(2,481		)	—				2,481		(6)	—
	Derivatives - interest rate contracts(2)		(105,050		)		79,028			(26,022		)	4,101			(7)	15,941		(7)	(5,980		)
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		(421,850		)		—			(421,850		)	421,850			(3)	—			—
	Stock loaned		(395,609		)		—			(395,609		)	381,327				—			(14,282		)
	Total liabilities		$	(1,202,373	)		$	79,028		$	(1,123,345	)	$	1,084,661			$	18,422		$	(20,262	)
	As of September 30, 2014:
	Assets
	Securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings		$	446,016			$	—		$	446,016		$	(446,016	)	(1)	$	—		$	—
	Derivatives - interest rate contracts(2)		89,923				(61,718		)	28,205			(3,877		)		—			24,328
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		323,337				—			323,337			(323,337		)	(3)	—			—
	Derivatives - forward foreign exchange contracts(4)		2,462				—			2,462			—				—			2,462
	Stock borrowed		158,988				—			158,988			(153,261		)		—			5,727
	Total assets		$	1,020,726			$	(61,718	)	$	959,008		$	(926,491	)		$	—		$	32,517
	Liabilities
	Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		$	(244,495	)		$	—		$	(244,495	)	$	244,495		(5)	$	—		$	—
	Derivatives - interest rate contracts(2)		(75,668		)		63,296			(12,372		)	3,502			(7)	4,620		(7)	(4,250		)
	Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		(323,337		)		—			(323,337		)	323,337			(3)	—			—
	Stock loaned		(417,383		)		—			(417,383		)	402,180				—			(15,203		)
	Total liabilities		$	(1,060,883	)		$	63,296		$	(997,587	)	$	973,514			$	4,620		$	(19,453	)
	The text of the footnotes in the above table are on the following page.
	The text of the footnotes to the table on the previous page are as follows:
	-1	We are over-collateralized since the actual amount of financial instruments pledged as collateral for securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings amounts to $483.8 million and $463.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	-2	Derivatives - interest rate contracts are included in Trading instruments on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 12 for additional information.
	-3	Although these derivative arrangements do not meet the definition of a master netting arrangement as specified by GAAP, the nature of the agreement with the third party intermediary include terms that are similar to a master netting agreement, thus we present the offsetting amounts net in the table above. See Note 12 for further discussion of the “pass through” structure of the derivative instruments associated with Offsetting Matched Book Derivatives Operations.
	-4	As of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014. the fair value of the forward foreign exchange contract derivatives are in an asset position and are included in prepaid expenses and other assets on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 12 for additional information.
	-5	We are over-collateralized since the actual amount of financial instruments pledged as collateral for securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounts to $289.4 million and $253.7 million as of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively.
	-6	Derivatives - RJ Bank Interest Hedges are included in other liabilities on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 12 for additional information. The RJ Bank Interest Hedges are transacted through an exchange. The nature of the agreement with the clearing member exchange includes terms that are similar to a master netting agreement, thus we present offsetting deposits paid to the exchange assoicated with these contracts. These deposits are included in deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. We are over-collateralized since the actual amount of cash deposited with the exchange for these RJ Bank Interest Hedges amounts to $8.9 million as of March 31, 2015.
	-7	For the portion of these derivative contracts that are transacted through an exchange, the nature of the agreement with the clearing member exchange include terms that are similar to a master netting agreement, thus we present offsetting deposits paid to the exchange associated with these contracts. These deposits are a component of deposits with clearing organizations on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 12 for additional information.
Collateral	The table below presents financial instruments at fair value, that we received as collateral, are not included on our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and that were available to be delivered or repledged, along with the balances of such instruments that were used to deliver or repledge, to satisfy one of our purposes described above:
		March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Collateral we received that is available to be delivered or repledged	$	2,146,076			$	2,178,868
	Collateral that we delivered or repledged	949,809			(1)	879,071			(2)
	-1	The collateral delivered or repledged as of March 31, 2015, includes client margin securities which we pledged with a clearing organization in the amount of $155.4 million which were applied against our requirement of $125.1 million.
	-2	The collateral delivered or repledged as of September 30, 2014, includes client margin securities which we pledged with a clearing organization in the amount of $138.8 million which were applied against our requirement of $116.5 million.
Encumbered assets	The table below presents information about the fair value of our assets that have been pledged for one of the purposes described above:
		March 31, 2015				September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Financial instruments owned, at fair value, pledged to counterparties that:
	Had the right to deliver or repledge	$	417,609			$	394,746
	Did not have the right to deliver or repledge	137,467			(1)	50,983			(2)
	-1	Assets delivered or repledged as of March 31, 2015, includes securities which we pledged with a clearing organization in the amount of $24.4 million which were applied against our requirement of $125.1 million (client margin securities we pledged which are described in the preceding table constitute the remainder of the assets pledged to meet the requirement).
	-2	Assets delivered or repledged as of September 30, 2014, includes securities which we pledged with a clearing organization in the amount of $18.9 million which were applied against our requirement of $116.5 million (client margin securities we pledged which are described in the preceding table constitute the remainder of the assets pledged to meet the requirement).

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents the after-tax changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
		Unrealized gains on available for sale securities				Net currency translations and net investment hedges (1)			Cash flow hedges(2)			Total
		(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the beginning of the period	$	4,721			$	(13,073	)	$	—		$	(8,352	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	3,801				441			(2,481		)	1,761
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(2		)		—			60			58
	Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	3,799				441			(2,421		)	1,819
	Income tax effect	(1,462		)		(15,720		)	920			(16,262		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	2,337				(15,279		)	(1,501		)	(14,443		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2015	$	7,058			$	(28,352	)	$	(1,501	)	$	(22,795	)
	Six months ended March 31, 2015
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the beginning of the period	$	4,745			$	(6,633	)	$	—		$	(1,888	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	3,745				733			(2,481		)	1,997
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, before tax	(2		)		—			60			58
	Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	3,743				733			(2,421		)	2,055
	Income tax effect	(1,430		)		(22,452		)	920			(22,962		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	2,313				(21,719		)	(1,501		)	(20,907		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2015	$	7,058			$	(28,352	)	$	(1,501	)	$	(22,795	)
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of the beginning of the period	$	(182	)		$	5,727		$	—		$	5,545
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	5,668				(2,691		)	—			2,977
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	(39		)		—			—			(39		)
	Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	5,629				(2,691		)	—			2,938
	Income tax effect	(2,147		)		(7,570		)	—			(9,717		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	3,482				(10,261		)	—			(6,779		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2014	$	3,300			$	(4,534	)	$	—		$	(1,234	)
	Six months ended March 31, 2014
	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as of the beginning of the period	$	(1,276	)		$	12,002		$	—		$	10,726
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	11,127				(2,898		)	—			8,229
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	(3,731		)		—			—			(3,731		)
	Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	7,396				(2,898		)	—			4,498
	Income tax effect	(2,820		)		(13,638		)	—			(16,458		)
	Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	4,576				(16,536		)	—			(11,960		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of March 31, 2014	$	3,300			$	(4,534	)	$	—		$	(1,234	)
	-1	Includes net gains (losses) recognized on forward foreign exchange derivatives associated with hedges of RJ Bank’s foreign currency exposure due to its non-U.S. dollar net investments (see Note 12 for additional information on these derivatives).
	-2	Represents the RJ Bank Interest Hedges (see Note 12 for additional information on these derivatives).
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table presents the income statement line items impacted by reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and the related tax effects, for the periods indicated:
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components:		Increase (decrease) in amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)				Affected line items in income statement
			(in thousands)
	Three months ended March 31, 2015
	Available for sale securities: (1)
	Auction rate securities		$	(2	)		Other revenue
	RJ Bank available for sale securities		—				Other revenue
	RJ Bank Interest Hedges(2)		60				Interest expense
			58				Total before tax
			(22		)		Provision for income taxes
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	36			Net of tax
	Six months ended March 31, 2015
	Available for sale securities: (1)
	Auction rate securities		$	(2	)		Other revenue
	RJ Bank available for sale securities		—				Other revenue
	RJ Bank Interest Hedges(2)		60				Interest expense
			58				Total before tax
			(22		)		Provision for income taxes
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	36			Net of tax
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Available for sale securities: (1)
	Auction rate securities		$	(39	)		Other revenue
	RJ Bank available for sale securities		—				Other revenue
			(39		)		Total before tax
			15				Provision for income taxes
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(24	)		Net of tax
	Six months ended March 31, 2014
	Available for sale securities: (1)
	Auction rate securities (3)		$	(3,758	)		Other revenue
	RJ Bank available for sale securities		27				Other revenue
			(3,731		)		Total before tax
			1,437				Provision for income taxes
	Total reclassifications for the period		$	(2,294	)		Net of tax
	-1	See Note 6 for additional information regarding the available for sale securities, and Note 4 for additional fair value information regarding these securities.
	-2	See Note 12 for additional information regarding the RJ Bank Interest Hedges, and Note 4 for additional fair value information regarding these derivatives.
	-3	For the six months ended March 31, 2014, other revenues include realized gains on the redemption or sale of ARS in the amount of $5.6 million (see Note 6 for further information). The amounts presented in the table represent the reversal out of AOCI associated with such ARS’ redeemed or sold. The net of such realized gain and this reversal out of AOCI represents the net effect of such redemptions and sales activities on other comprehensive income (“OCI”) for each respective period, on a pre-tax basis.

INTEREST_INCOME_AND_INTEREST_E1

INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Interest Income (Expense), Net [Abstract]
Interest Income and Interest Expense	The components of interest income and interest expense are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Interest income:
	Margin balances	$	16,237		$	16,628		$	33,513		$	34,415
	Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	3,179			3,558			6,789			8,188
	Bank loans, net of unearned income	100,054			83,639			196,812			164,848
	Available for sale securities	1,284			1,655			2,596			3,578
	Trading instruments	4,925			4,615			9,425			9,143
	Stock loan	3,699			2,809			7,210			4,682
	Loans to financial advisors	1,687			1,647			3,437			3,303
	Corporate cash and all other	3,348			3,842			6,740			7,329
	Total interest income	$	134,413		$	118,393		$	266,522		$	235,486
	Interest expense:
	Brokerage client liabilities	$	241		$	286		$	524		$	717
	Retail bank deposits	2,090			1,939			4,227			3,884
	Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased	1,133			1,255			2,218			2,123
	Stock borrow	1,795			814			3,413			1,306
	Borrowed funds	1,129			876			2,188			1,848
	Senior notes	19,009			19,010			38,019			38,020
	Interest expense of consolidated VIEs	537			797			1,066			1,584
	Other	912			1,003			2,575			1,870
	Total interest expense	26,846			25,980			54,230			51,352
	Net interest income	107,567			92,413			212,292			184,134
	Subtract: provision for loan losses	(3,937		)	(1,979		)	(13,302		)	(3,615		)
	Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$	103,630		$	90,434		$	198,990		$	180,519

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Stock option awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	Expense and income tax benefits related to our stock options awards granted to employees, members of our Board of Directors and independent contractor financial advisors are presented below:
		Three months ended March 31,				Six months ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Total share-based expense	$	2,571	$	3,128	$	5,688	$	6,861
	Income tax benefit related to share-based expense	250		483		626		1,278
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards	Unrecognized pre-tax expense for stock option awards granted to employees, members of our Board of Directors, and independent contractor financial advisors, net of estimated forfeitures, and the remaining period over which the expense will be recognized as of March 31, 2015, are presented below:
		Unrecognized		Remaining
		pre-tax expense		weighted-
				average amortization period
		(in thousands)		(in years)
	Employees and members of our Board of Directors	$	29,043	3.5
	Independent contractor financial advisors	1,825		3.4
Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan	Expense and income tax benefits related to our restricted equity awards (which include restricted stock and restricted stock units) granted to employees, members of our Board of Directors, and independent contractor financial advisors are presented below:
		Three months ended March 31,				Six months ended March 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Total share-based expense	$	14,189	$	12,422	$	33,155	$	29,057
	Income tax benefit related to share-based expense	5,038		4,304		11,900		10,220
Schedule of Unrecognized Compensation Cost, Nonvested Awards	Unrecognized pre-tax expense for restricted equity awards granted to employees, members of our Board of Directors and independent contractor financial advisors, net of estimated forfeitures, and the remaining period over which the expense will be recognized as of March 31, 2015, are presented below:
		Unrecognized		Remaining
		pre-tax expense		weighted-
				average amortization period
		(in thousands)		(in years)
	Employees and members of our Board of Directors	$	108,156	3
	Independent contractor financial advisors	65		1.3

REGULATIONS_AND_CAPITAL_REQUIR1

REGULATIONS AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Raymond James Financial Inc
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Summary of Minimum Requirements Under Regulatory Framework	To meet requirements for capital adequacy purposes or to be categorized as “well capitalized,” RJF must maintain minimum Common equity tier 1, Tier 1 risk-based, Total risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage amounts and ratios as set forth in the table below.
		Actual						Requirement for capital				To be well capitalized under prompt
								adequacy purposes				corrective action
												provisions
		Amount			Ratio			Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
		($ in thousands)
	RJF as of March 31, 2015:
	(computed in accordance with Basel III)
	Common equity tier 1 capital	$	3,912,863		19.2	%		$	916,946	4.5	%	$	1,324,477	6.5	%
	Tier 1 capital	3,912,863			19.2	%		1,222,595		6	%	1,630,126		8	%
	Total capital	4,093,835			20.1	%		1,630,126		8	%	2,037,658		10	%
	Tier 1 leverage	3,912,863			16.2	%		966,350		4	%	1,207,937		5	%
	RJF as of September 30, 2014:
	(computed in accordance with Basel 2.5)
	Tier 1 capital	$	3,775,385		19.7	%		$	765,589	4	%	$	1,148,384	6	%
	Total capital	3,940,516			20.6	%		1,531,178		8	%	1,913,973		10	%
	Tier 1 leverage	3,775,385			16.4	%		919,546		4	%	1,149,433		5	%
RJ Bank
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Summary of Minimum Requirements Under Regulatory Framework	To meet the requirements for capital adequacy or to be categorized as “well capitalized,” RJ Bank must maintain minimum Common equity Tier 1, tier 1 risk-based, Total risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage amounts and ratios as set forth in the table below.
		Actual						Requirement for capital				To be well capitalized under prompt
								adequacy purposes				corrective action
												provisions
		Amount			Ratio			Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
		($ in thousands)
	RJ Bank as of March 31, 2015:
	(computed in accordance with Basel III)
	Common equity tier I capital	$	1,437,093		11.5	%		$	561,822	4.5	%	$	811,520	6.5	%
	Tier 1 capital	1,437,093			11.5	%		749,096		6	%	998,794		8	%
	Total capital	1,593,572			12.8	%		998,794		8	%	1,248,493		10	%
	Tier 1 leverage	1,437,093			10.8	%		530,077		4	%	662,596		5	%
	RJ Bank as of September 30, 2014:
	(computed in accordance with Basel I)
	Tier 1 capital	$	1,314,374		11.2	%		$	467,926	4	%	$	701,889	6	%
	Total capital	1,460,895			12.5	%		935,852		8	%	1,169,815		10	%
	Tier 1 leverage	1,314,374			10.7	%		492,186		4	%	615,232		5	%
Raymond James & Associates Inc
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Net Capital and Risk Adjusted Capital Positions of Certain Businesses and Subsidiaries	The net capital position of our wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary RJ&A is as follows:
		As of
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		($ in thousands)
	Raymond James & Associates, Inc.:
	(Alternative Method elected)
	Net capital as a percent of aggregate debit items	24.99		%	24.14		%
	Net capital	$	440,542		$	442,866
	Less: required net capital	(35,251		)	(36,694		)
	Excess net capital	$	405,291		$	406,172
Raymond James Financial Services Inc
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Net Capital and Risk Adjusted Capital Positions of Certain Businesses and Subsidiaries	The net capital position of our wholly owned broker-dealer subsidiary RJFS is as follows:
		As of
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.:
	(Alternative Method elected)
	Net capital	$	19,363		$	23,748
	Less: required net capital	(250		)	(250		)
	Excess net capital	$	19,113		$	23,498
Raymond James Ltd
Compliance with Regulatory Capital Requirements under Banking Regulations [Line Items]
Net Capital and Risk Adjusted Capital Positions of Certain Businesses and Subsidiaries	The risk adjusted capital of RJ Ltd. is as follows (in Canadian dollars):
		As of
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Raymond James Ltd.:
	Risk adjusted capital before minimum	$	112,192		$	107,645
	Less: required minimum capital	(250		)	(250		)
	Risk adjusted capital	$	111,942		$	107,395

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_WITH_OFF1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK [Abstract]
Summary of Commitments to Extend Credit and Other Credit-Related Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments Outstanding	RJ Bank’s commitments to extend credit and other credit-related off-balance sheet financial instruments outstanding are as follows:
		March 31, 2015
		(in thousands)
	Standby letters of credit	$	83,968
	Open-end consumer lines of credit	1,897,896
	Commercial lines of credit	1,604,622
	Unfunded loan commitments	259,206

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Income for basic earnings per common share:
	Net income attributable to RJF	$	113,463		$	104,560		$	239,759		$	221,193
	Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities (1)	(371		)	(656		)	(823		)	(1,530		)
	Net income attributable to RJF common shareholders	$	113,092		$	103,904		$	238,936		$	219,663
	Income for diluted earnings per common share:
	Net income attributable to RJF	$	113,463		$	104,560		$	239,759		$	221,193
	Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities (1)	(364		)	(642		)	(803		)	(1,500		)
	Net income attributable to RJF common shareholders	$	113,099		$	103,918		$	238,956		$	219,693
	Common shares:
	Average common shares in basic computation	142,320			139,888			141,813			139,498
	Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and certain restricted stock units	3,730			3,748			4,375			3,567
	Average common shares used in diluted computation	146,050			143,636			146,188			143,065
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	$	0.79		$	0.74		$	1.68		$	1.57
	Diluted	$	0.77		$	0.72		$	1.64		$	1.54
	Stock options and certain restricted stock units excluded from weighted-average diluted common shares because their effect would be antidilutive	2,062			228			2,294			527
	-1	Represents dividends paid during the period to participating securities plus an allocation of undistributed earnings to participating securities.  Participating securities represent unvested restricted stock and certain restricted stock units and amounted to weighted-average shares of 472 thousand and 896 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Participating securities amounted to weighted-average shares of 493 thousand and 976 thousand for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Dividends paid to participating securities amounted to $81 thousand and $133 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Dividends paid to participating securities amounted to $159 thousand and $286 thousand for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Undistributed earnings are allocated to participating securities based upon their right to share in earnings if all earnings for the period had been distributed.
Dividends per Common Share Declared and Paid	Dividends per common share declared and paid are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
	Dividends per common share - declared	$	0.18		$	0.16		$	0.36		$	0.32
	Dividends per common share - paid	$	0.18		$	0.16		$	0.34		$	0.3

SEGMENT_ANALYSIS_Tables

SEGMENT ANALYSIS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Information Concerning Operations on a Segment Basis	Information concerning operations in these segments of business is as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Private Client Group	$	873,634		$	817,581		$	1,722,877		$	1,600,330
	Capital Markets	238,921			225,226			474,095			466,666
	Asset Management	94,022			87,534			193,652			183,550
	RJ Bank	105,390			87,157			208,346			171,030
	Other	17,806			3,982			27,572			24,071
	Intersegment eliminations	(17,149		)	(16,855		)	(34,074		)	(32,248		)
	Total revenues(1)	$	1,312,624		$	1,204,625		$	2,592,468		$	2,413,399
	Income (loss) excluding noncontrolling interests and before provision for income taxes:
	Private Client Group	$	75,420		$	77,115		$	168,164		$	148,625
	Capital Markets	20,848			29,571			48,501			63,016
	Asset Management	31,095			29,864			70,891			61,700
	RJ Bank	71,264			56,798			135,620			113,856
	Other	(18,307		)	(27,884		)	(39,948		)	(42,809		)
	Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	180,320			165,464			383,228			344,388
	Add: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(4,687		)	(12,465		)	(8,946		)	(12,577		)
	Income including noncontrolling interests and before provision for income taxes	$	175,633		$	152,999		$	374,282		$	331,811
	-1	No individual client accounted for more than ten percent of total revenues in any of the periods presented.
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Net interest income (expense):
	Private Client Group	$	21,696		$	22,136		$	43,759		$	45,586
	Capital Markets	2,034			1,414			4,127			3,262
	Asset Management	24			12			91			41
	RJ Bank	99,857			84,527			196,579			166,641
	Other	(16,044		)	(15,676		)	(32,264		)	(31,396		)
	Net interest income	$	107,567		$	92,413		$	212,292		$	184,134
	The following table presents our total assets on a segment basis:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Total assets:
	Private Client Group (1)	$	6,338,908		$	6,255,176
	Capital Markets (2)	2,909,119			2,645,926
	Asset Management	173,249			186,170
	RJ Bank	13,327,340			12,036,945
	Other	2,219,319			2,201,435
	Total	$	24,967,935		$	23,325,652
	-1	Includes $174.6 million of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes $120.9 million of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
Revenues, Income Before Provision for Income Taxes and Excluding Noncontrolling Interests, and Total Assets, Classified by Major Geographic Areas	Revenues and income before provision for income taxes and excluding noncontrolling interests, classified by major geographic areas in which they are earned, are as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,						Six months ended March 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	United States	$	1,214,397		$	1,093,936		$	2,395,705		$	2,182,031
	Canada	69,581			76,380			137,293			164,494
	Europe	21,211			25,588			45,125			50,584
	Other	7,435			8,721			14,345			16,290
	Total	$	1,312,624		$	1,204,625		$	2,592,468		$	2,413,399
	Pre-tax income (loss) excluding noncontrolling interests:
	United States	$	176,602		$	153,577		$	378,787		$	320,183
	Canada	5,262			8,997			7,487			20,543
	Europe	(1,970		)	656			(3,726		)	855
	Other	426			2,234			680			2,807
	Total	$	180,320		$	165,464		$	383,228		$	344,388
	Our total assets, classified by major geographic area in which they are held, are presented below:
		March 31, 2015			September 30, 2014
		(in thousands)
	Total assets:
	United States (1)	$	23,319,673		$	21,469,999
	Canada(2)	1,568,758			1,773,703
	Europe	32,878			39,872
	Other	46,626			42,078
	Total	$	24,967,935		$	23,325,652
	-1	Includes $262.5 million of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.
	-2	Includes $33 million of goodwill at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014.

INTRODUCTION_AND_BASIS_OF_PRES1

INTRODUCTION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percent ownership of subsidiaries that are consolidated (in hundredths)	100.00%
Cougar Global Investments, Ltd.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Assets acquired (more than)		$1

UPDATE_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNTI2

UPDATE OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Brokerage client receivables, loans to financial advisors and allowance for doubtful accounts [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts balance associated with our loans to financial advisors	$3.30	$2.50
Loans associated with financial advisors no longer affiliated with us, net of allowance	$4.90

CASH_AND_CASH_EQUIVALENTS_ASSE2

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ASSETS SEGREGATED PURSUANT TO REGULATIONS, AND DEPOSITS WITH CLEARING ORGANIZATIONS (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash in banks	$2,532,322,000	$2,195,683,000
Money market fund investments	7,815,000	3,380,000
Total cash and cash equivalents	2,540,137,000	2,199,063,000	2,641,876,000	2,596,616,000
Cash segregated pursuant to federal regulations and other segregated assets	2,560,449,000	2,489,264,000
Deposits with clearing organizations	216,178,000	150,457,000
Total cash and cash equivalents, assets segregated pursuant to regulations, and deposits with clearing organizations	5,316,764,000	4,838,784,000
Amount of cash and cash equivalents which are either held directly by RJF or are otherwise invested by one of our subsidiaries on behalf of RJF, and are available without restrictions	$1,210,000,000	$1,210,000,000

FAIR_VALUE_Recurring_and_Nonre

FAIR VALUE, Recurring and Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	$696,813,000	$696,813,000		$602,973,000
Derivative contracts	41,717,000	41,717,000		28,205,000
Equity securities	42,383,000	42,383,000		34,142,000
Corporate loans	0	0		990,000
Other	16,618,000	16,618,000		13,083,000
Total trading instruments	797,531,000	797,531,000		679,393,000
Available for sale securities	531,940,000	531,940,000		562,289,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	421,850,000	421,850,000		323,337,000
Other real estate owned (OREO)	6,500,000	6,500,000		5,400,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	310,179,000	310,179,000		215,142,000
Derivative liability	26,022,000	26,022,000		12,372,000
Equity securities	34,388,000	34,388,000		10,886,000
Other securities	1,751,000	1,751,000		0
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased	372,340,000	372,340,000		238,400,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	421,850,000	421,850,000		323,337,000
Transfers of Financial Instruments into (out of) Level 1 and 2 [Abstract]
Fair value of financial instruments, level 1 to level 2 transfers	600,000	1,100,000		800,000
Fair value of financial instruments, level 2 to level 1 transfers		1,100,000		1,300,000
Adjustments to fair value of nonrecurring fair value measurements [Abstract]
Additional provision for loan losses due to fair value adjustment		222,000	176,000
Other losses due to fair value adjustment		149,000	1,500,000
Recurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	696,813,000	696,813,000		602,973,000
Netting adjustments	-79,697,000	-79,697,000		-61,718,000
Equity securities	42,383,000	42,383,000		34,142,000
Corporate loans				990,000
Other	16,618,000	16,618,000		13,083,000
Total trading instruments	797,531,000	797,531,000		679,393,000
Available for sale securities	531,940,000	531,940,000		562,289,000
Private equity investments	220,944,000	220,944,000		211,666,000
Other investments	208,976,000	208,976,000		215,751,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	421,850,000	421,850,000		323,337,000
Deposits with clearing organizations	23,592,000	23,592,000
Other assets	2,196,000	2,196,000		787,000
Total other assets	10,196,000	10,196,000		3,249,000
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	2,215,029,000	2,215,029,000		1,995,685,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	310,179,000	310,179,000		215,142,000
Netting adjustments	-79,028,000	-79,028,000		-63,296,000
Equity securities	34,388,000	34,388,000		10,886,000
Other securities	1,751,000	1,751,000
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased	372,340,000	372,340,000		238,400,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	421,850,000	421,850,000		323,337,000
Other liabilities	58,000	58,000		58,000
Trade and other payables	2,539,000	2,539,000
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	796,729,000	796,729,000		561,795,000
Recurring | Municipal and provincial obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	4,876,000	4,876,000		11,647,000
Recurring | Corporate obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	18,648,000	18,648,000		15,333,000
Recurring | Government obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	284,821,000	284,821,000		187,424,000
Recurring | Agency MBS and CMOs
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	1,834,000	1,834,000		738,000
Recurring | MK&Co
Adjustments to fair value of nonrecurring fair value measurements [Abstract]
Other investments with obligations to perform under deferred compensation plan	143,000,000	143,000,000		144,000,000
Recurring | Interest rate contract
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Netting adjustments	-79,697,000	-79,697,000		-61,718,000
Derivative contracts	41,717,000	41,717,000		28,205,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Netting adjustments	-79,028,000	-79,028,000		-63,296,000
Derivative liability	26,022,000	26,022,000		12,372,000
Recurring | Forward foreign exchange contracts
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Netting adjustments	0	0		0
Derivative contracts	8,000,000	8,000,000		2,462,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Netting adjustments	0	0
Derivative liability	2,481,000	2,481,000
Recurring | Municipal and provincial obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	244,519,000	244,519,000		203,889,000
Recurring | Corporate obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	96,073,000	96,073,000		111,928,000
Recurring | Government and agency obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	164,008,000	164,008,000		101,362,000
Recurring | Agency MBS and CMOs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	140,403,000	140,403,000		127,419,000
Available for sale securities	240,488,000	240,488,000		267,720,000
Recurring | Non-agency CMOs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	87,362,000	87,362,000		91,918,000
Recurring | Other securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	2,028,000	2,028,000		1,916,000
Recurring | Non-agency CMOs and ABS
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	51,810,000	51,810,000		58,375,000
Recurring | ARS - municipals
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	89,614,000	89,614,000		86,696,000
Recurring | ARS - preferred securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	112,448,000	112,448,000		114,039,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	60,174,000	60,174,000		21,019,000
Equity securities	36,790,000	36,790,000		28,834,000
Corporate loans				0
Other	657,000	657,000		566,000
Total trading instruments	97,621,000	97,621,000		50,419,000
Available for sale securities	2,028,000	2,028,000		1,916,000
Private equity investments	0	0		0
Other investments	206,888,000	206,888,000		212,753,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	0	0		0
Deposits with clearing organizations	23,592,000	23,592,000
Other assets	0	0		0
Total other assets	0	0		0
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	330,129,000	330,129,000		265,088,000
Total bank loans, net	0	0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	291,170,000	291,170,000		199,284,000
Equity securities	34,387,000	34,387,000		10,884,000
Other securities	2,000	2,000
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased	325,559,000	325,559,000		210,168,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	0	0		0
Other liabilities	0	0		0
Trade and other payables	0	0
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	325,559,000	325,559,000		210,168,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Municipal and provincial obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	4,482,000	4,482,000		11,093,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Corporate obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	33,000	33,000		29,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Government obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	284,821,000	284,821,000		187,424,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Agency MBS and CMOs
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	1,834,000	1,834,000		738,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Interest rate contract
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative contracts	0	0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	0	0		0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Forward foreign exchange contracts
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative contracts	0	0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	0	0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Municipal and provincial obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	4,955,000	4,955,000		11,407,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Corporate obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	15,899,000	15,899,000		1,989,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Government and agency obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	38,717,000	38,717,000		7,376,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Agency MBS and CMOs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	603,000	603,000		247,000
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Non-agency CMOs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Other securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	2,028,000	2,028,000		1,916,000
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Non-agency CMOs and ABS
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ARS - municipals
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | ARS - preferred securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	636,629,000	636,629,000		581,943,000
Equity securities	5,579,000	5,579,000		5,264,000
Corporate loans				990,000
Other	15,181,000	15,181,000		10,208,000
Total trading instruments	778,803,000	778,803,000		688,328,000
Available for sale securities	327,850,000	327,850,000		359,638,000
Private equity investments	0	0		0
Other investments	1,172,000	1,172,000		1,267,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	421,850,000	421,850,000		323,337,000
Deposits with clearing organizations	0	0
Other assets	0	0		0
Total other assets	8,000,000	8,000,000		2,462,000
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	1,537,675,000	1,537,675,000		1,375,032,000
Total bank loans, net	38,848,000	38,848,000		23,678,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	19,009,000	19,009,000		15,858,000
Equity securities	1,000	1,000		2,000
Other securities	1,749,000	1,749,000
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased	125,809,000	125,809,000		91,528,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	421,850,000	421,850,000		323,337,000
Other liabilities	0	0		0
Trade and other payables	2,481,000	2,481,000
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	550,140,000	550,140,000		414,865,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Municipal and provincial obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	394,000	394,000		554,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	18,615,000	18,615,000		15,304,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Government obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Agency MBS and CMOs
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Interest rate contract
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative contracts	121,414,000	121,414,000		89,923,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	105,050,000	105,050,000		75,668,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Forward foreign exchange contracts
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative contracts	8,000,000	8,000,000		2,462,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	2,481,000	2,481,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Municipal and provincial obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	239,564,000	239,564,000		192,482,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Corporate obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	80,174,000	80,174,000		109,939,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Government and agency obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	125,291,000	125,291,000		93,986,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Agency MBS and CMOs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	139,800,000	139,800,000		127,172,000
Available for sale securities	240,488,000	240,488,000		267,720,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Non-agency CMOs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	87,362,000	87,362,000		91,918,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Other securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Non-agency CMOs and ABS
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	51,800,000	51,800,000		58,364,000
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ARS - municipals
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | ARS - preferred securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	10,000	10,000		11,000
Equity securities	14,000	14,000		44,000
Corporate loans				0
Other	780,000	780,000		2,309,000
Total trading instruments	804,000	804,000		2,364,000
Available for sale securities	202,062,000	202,062,000		200,735,000
Private equity investments	220,944,000	220,944,000		211,666,000
Other investments	916,000	916,000		1,731,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	0	0		0
Deposits with clearing organizations	0	0
Other assets	2,196,000	2,196,000		787,000
Total other assets	2,196,000	2,196,000		787,000
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	426,922,000	426,922,000		417,283,000
Total bank loans, net	11,854,431,000	11,854,431,000		10,738,136,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Equity securities	0	0		0
Other securities	0	0
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased	0	0		0
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	0	0		0
Other liabilities	58,000	58,000		58,000
Trade and other payables	58,000	58,000
Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis	58,000	58,000		58,000
Auction rate securities [Abstract]
Jefferson County, Alabama Limited Obligation School Warrants ARS	62,000,000	62,000,000		58,000,000
Private Equity Investments [Abstract]
Portion of significant private equity investments included in noncontrolling interests	56,000,000	56,000,000		55,000,000
Portion of private equity investments owned by parent	165,000,000	165,000,000		157,000,000
Weighted-average ownership percentage (in hundredths)	75.00%	75.00%		74.00%
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Municipal and provincial obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Corporate obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Government obligations
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Agency MBS and CMOs
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Interest rate contract
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative contracts	0	0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Forward foreign exchange contracts
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Derivative contracts	0	0		0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	0	0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Municipal and provincial obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Corporate obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Government and agency obligations
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Agency MBS and CMOs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	0	0		0
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Non-agency CMOs
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Other securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	0	0		0
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Non-agency CMOs and ABS
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total debt securities	10,000	10,000		11,000
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | ARS - municipals
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	89,614,000	89,614,000		86,696,000
Recurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | ARS - preferred securities
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Available for sale securities	112,448,000	112,448,000		114,039,000
Nonrecurring
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	131,140,000	131,140,000		112,938,000
Other real estate owned (OREO)	1,196,000	1,196,000		768,000
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	132,336,000	132,336,000		113,706,000
Nonrecurring | Impaired loans
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	82,010,000	82,010,000		90,327,000
Nonrecurring | Loans held for sale
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	49,130,000	49,130,000		22,611,000
Nonrecurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	0	0		0
Other real estate owned (OREO)	0	0		0
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	0	0		0
Nonrecurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Impaired loans
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	0	0		0
Nonrecurring | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) | Loans held for sale
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	0	0		0
Nonrecurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	79,696,000	79,696,000		57,410,000
Other real estate owned (OREO)	1,196,000	1,196,000		768,000
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	80,892,000	80,892,000		58,178,000
Nonrecurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Impaired loans
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	30,566,000	30,566,000		34,799,000
Nonrecurring | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Loans held for sale
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	49,130,000	49,130,000		22,611,000
Nonrecurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	51,444,000	51,444,000		55,528,000
Other real estate owned (OREO)	0	0		0
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	51,444,000	51,444,000		55,528,000
Nonrecurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Impaired loans
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	51,444,000	51,444,000		55,528,000
Nonrecurring | Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Loans held for sale
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure
Total bank loans, net	$0	$0		$0

FAIR_VALUE_Level_3_Financial_A

FAIR VALUE, Level 3 Financial Assets and Liabilities, Roll Forward (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Percentage of instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Instruments measured at fair value, percentage of assets (in hundredths)	8.90%	8.70%	8.90%	8.70%
Instruments measured at fair value, percentage of liabilities (in hundredths)	3.90%	3.00%	3.90%	3.00%
Instruments measured at fair value, level 3, percentage of assets (in hundredths)	19.00%	21.00%	19.00%	21.00%
Percentage change of level 3 financial instruments from prior year period	-2.00%		-2.00%
Payables-trade and other | Other liabilities
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, liabilities [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	($58,000)	($1,417,000)	($58,000)	($60,000)
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	0	1,335,000	0	-22,000
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases and contributions	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Redemptions by issuer	0	0	0	0
Distributions	0	0	0	0
Transfers:
Into level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of level 3	0	0	0	0
Fair value at end of period	-58,000	-82,000	-58,000	-82,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net liabilities) for liabilities held at the end of the reporting period	0	0	0	-22,000
Trading instruments | Non-agency CMOs and ABS
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	11,000	13,000	11,000	14,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	0	0	0	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases and contributions	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Redemptions by issuer	0	0	0	0
Distributions	-1,000	0	-1,000	-1,000
Transfers:
Into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Fair value at end of period	10,000	13,000	10,000	13,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	0	0	0	20,000
Trading instruments | Equity securities
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	14,000	35,000	44,000	35,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	0	5,000	5,000	4,000
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases and contributions	0	23,000	20,000	24,000
Sales	0	-26,000	0	-26,000
Redemptions by issuer	0	0	0	0
Distributions	0	0	0	0
Transfers:
Into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of Level 3	0	0	-55,000	0
Fair value at end of period	14,000	37,000	14,000	37,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	0	5,000	5,000	4,000
Trading instruments | Other
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	5,264,000	4,199,000	2,309,000	3,956,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	-20,000	-32,000	-40,000	-201,000
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases and contributions	11,358,000	3,185,000	23,333,000	10,448,000
Sales	-15,822,000	-4,649,000	-24,822,000	-11,500,000
Redemptions by issuer	0	0	0	0
Distributions	0	0	0	0
Transfers:
Into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Fair value at end of period	780,000	2,703,000	780,000	2,703,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	0	-32,000	0	-201,000
Available for sale securities | Non-agency CMOs
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period		46,000		78,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings		0		-27,000
Included in other comprehensive income		6,000		21,000
Purchases and contributions		0		0
Sales		0		0
Redemptions by issuer		0		0
Distributions		-14,000		-34,000
Transfers:
Into Level 3		0		0
Out of Level 3		0		0
Fair value at end of period		38,000		38,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period		0		-27,000
Available for sale securities | ARS - municipals
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	85,814,000	108,458,000	86,696,000	130,934,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	2,000	63,000	2,000	5,584,000
Included in other comprehensive income	3,843,000	1,849,000	2,961,000	938,000
Purchases and contributions	0	0	0	0
Sales	-45,000	0	-45,000	-370,000
Redemptions by issuer	0	-410,000	0	-27,126,000
Distributions	0	0	0	0
Transfers:
Into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Fair value at end of period	89,614,000	109,960,000	89,614,000	109,960,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	3,843,000	63,000	2,961,000	938,000
Available for sale securities | ARS - preferred securities
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	112,955,000	112,122,000	114,039,000	110,784,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	25,000	44,000	25,000	44,000
Included in other comprehensive income	-282,000	374,000	-1,366,000	1,712,000
Purchases and contributions	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Redemptions by issuer	-250,000	-325,000	-250,000	-325,000
Distributions	0	0	0	0
Transfers:
Into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Fair value at end of period	112,448,000	112,215,000	112,448,000	112,215,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	-282,000	44,000	-1,366,000	1,712,000
Private equity, other investments and other assets | Private equity investments
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	208,674,000	209,977,000	211,666,000	216,391,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	14,414,000	13,000	17,060,000	4,781,000
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases and contributions	2,241,000	5,317,000	6,343,000	9,332,000
Sales	0	0	0	-7,076,000
Redemptions by issuer	0	0	0	0
Distributions	-4,385,000	-5,329,000	-14,125,000	-13,450,000
Transfers:
Into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of Level 3	0	-18,577,000	0	-18,577,000
Fair value at end of period	220,944,000	191,401,000	220,944,000	191,401,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	14,414,000	13,000	17,060,000	4,781,000
Valuation adjustments of certain private equity investments
Share of the net valuation adjustments gain	9,800,000		12,200,000	4,400,000
Noncontrolling interests' share of the net valuation adjustments gain	4,600,000		4,900,000	400,000
Private equity, other investments and other assets | Other investments
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	1,564,000	1,949,000	1,731,000	4,607,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	41,000	48,000	81,000	73,000
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases and contributions	0	0	0	63,000
Sales	0	0	0	-2,698,000
Redemptions by issuer	-663,000	-28,000	-673,000	-28,000
Distributions	-26,000	-181,000	-223,000	-229,000
Transfers:
Into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Fair value at end of period	916,000	1,788,000	916,000	1,788,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	41,000	60,000	81,000	166,000
Private equity, other investments and other assets | Other receivables
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period				2,778,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings				-2,778,000
Included in other comprehensive income				0
Purchases and contributions				0
Sales				0
Redemptions by issuer				0
Distributions				0
Transfers:
Into Level 3				0
Out of Level 3				0
Fair value at end of period		0		0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period				0
Private equity, other investments and other assets | Other assets
Changes in Level 3 recurring fair value measurements, assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value at beginning of period	2,407,000	15,000	787,000	15,000
Total gains (losses) for the period:
Included in earnings	-211,000	0	1,409,000	0
Included in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Purchases and contributions	0	0	0	0
Sales	0	0	0	0
Redemptions by issuer	0	0	0	0
Distributions	0	0	0	0
Transfers:
Into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Out of Level 3	0	0	0	0
Fair value at end of period	2,196,000	15,000	2,196,000	15,000
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets/liabilities) for assets/liabilities held at the end of the reporting period
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) for assets held at the end of the reporting period	($211,000)	$0	$1,409,000	$0

FAIR_VALUE_Gains_and_Losses_Re

FAIR VALUE, Gains and Losses (Realized and Unrealized) Included in Revenues (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net trading profits
Gains and Losses (Realized and Unrealized) Included in Revenues [Line Items]
Total (losses) gains included in revenues	($20)	($27)	($35)	($197)
Change in unrealized (losses) gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period	0	-27	5	-177
Other revenues
Gains and Losses (Realized and Unrealized) Included in Revenues [Line Items]
Total (losses) gains included in revenues	14,271	1,503	18,577	7,655
Change in unrealized (losses) gains for assets held at the end of the reporting period	$17,805	$180	$20,145	$7,548

FAIR_VALUE_Significant_Assumpt

FAIR VALUE, Significant Assumptions Used in Valuation of Level 3 Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Recurring
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	2,215,029	$1,995,685
Nonrecurring
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	132,336	113,706
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	426,922	417,283
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Recent trades
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	61,500
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Recent trades | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities	94.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Comparability Adjustments	-3.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Recent trades | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities	94.00%
Fair Value Inputs, Comparability Adjustments	3.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Recent trades | Weighted average
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities	94.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Probability weighted internal scenario models
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	10,505
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Probability weighted internal scenario 1 | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities	70.00%
Weighting assigned to outcome of scenario 1 / scenario 2	20.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Probability weighted internal scenario 1 | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities	70.00%
Weighting assigned to outcome of scenario 1 / scenario 2	80.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Probability weighted internal scenario 1 | Weighted average
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Observed trades (in inactive markets) of in-portfolio securities	70.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Probability weighted internal scenario 2 | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	5.10%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	1.49%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-17
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Probability weighted internal scenario 2 | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	6.94%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	3.19%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-24
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Probability weighted internal scenario 2 | Weighted average
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	6.02%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	2.34%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-21
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	17,609
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Discounted cash flow | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	3.32%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	1.28%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-17
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Discounted cash flow | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	5.94%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	4.25%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-24
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - municipals | Discounted cash flow | Weighted average
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	3.84%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	1.41%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-20
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - preferred securities | Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	112,448
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - preferred securities | Discounted cash flow | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	3.43%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	1.88%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-15
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - preferred securities | Discounted cash flow | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	4.91%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	3.21%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-19
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | ARS - preferred securities | Discounted cash flow | Weighted average
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Average discount rate	4.13%
Average interest rates applicable to future interest income on the securities	1.99%
Prepayment year	31-Dec-19
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Probability weighted internal scenario 1 | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Weighting assigned to outcome of scenario 1 / scenario 2	72.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Probability weighted internal scenario 1 | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Weighting assigned to outcome of scenario 1 / scenario 2	28.00%
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Discounted cash flow
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	46,402
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Discounted cash flow | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Discount rate	13.00%
Terminal growth rate of cash flows	3.00%
Terminal year	31-Dec-16
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Discounted cash flow | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Discount rate	17.50%
Terminal growth rate of cash flows	3.00%
Terminal year	31-Dec-18
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Discounted cash flow | Weighted average
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Discount rate	15.90%
Terminal growth rate of cash flows	3.00%
Terminal year	31-Dec-17
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Scenario 2 - market approach - market multiple method | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
EBITDA multiple	4.75
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Scenario 2 - market approach - market multiple method | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
EBITDA multiple	7.5
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Scenario 2 - market approach - market multiple method | Weighted average
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
EBITDA multiple	6.3
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Private equity investments | Transaction price or other investment-specific events
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis	174,542
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Impaired loans residential | Discounted cash flow | Minimum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Prepayment rate (in years)	7 years
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Impaired loans residential | Discounted cash flow | Maximum
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Prepayment rate (in years)	12 years
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Recurring | Impaired loans residential | Discounted cash flow | Weighted average
Fair Value Inputs [Abstract]
Prepayment rate (in years)	10 years 3 months 18 days
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Nonrecurring
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	51,444	55,528
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Nonrecurring | Impaired loans residential | Discounted cash flow | Minimum
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	24,075
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3) | Nonrecurring | Impaired loans corporate | Appraisal, discounted cash flow, or distressed enterprise value
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	27,369

FAIR_VALUE_Carrying_Amounts_an

FAIR VALUE, Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value (Details) (Recurring, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Total estimated fair value
Financial assets:
Bank loans, net	$11,893,279	$10,761,814
Financial liabilities:
Bank deposits	11,275,119	10,028,455
Corporate debt	1,337,388	1,321,270
Carrying amount
Financial assets:
Bank loans, net	11,935,121	10,857,662
Financial liabilities:
Bank deposits	11,272,013	10,028,924
Corporate debt	1,188,916	1,190,836
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)
Financial assets:
Bank loans, net	0	0
Financial liabilities:
Bank deposits	0	0
Corporate debt	378,700	366,100
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Financial assets:
Bank loans, net	38,848	23,678
Financial liabilities:
Bank deposits	10,921,350	9,684,221
Corporate debt	958,688	955,170
Significant unobservable inputs (level 3)
Financial assets:
Bank loans, net	11,854,431	10,738,136
Financial liabilities:
Bank deposits	353,769	344,234
Corporate debt	$0	$0

TRADING_INSTRUMENTS_AND_TRADIN2

TRADING INSTRUMENTS AND TRADING INSTRUMENTS SOLD BUT NOT YET PURCHASED (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Total debt securities	$696,813	$602,973
Derivative contracts	41,717	28,205
Equity securities	42,383	34,142
Corporate loans	0	990
Other	16,618	13,083
Trading instruments	797,531	679,393
Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value [Abstract]
Total debt securities	310,179	215,142
Derivative liability	26,022	12,372
Equity securities	34,388	10,886
Corporate loans	0	0
Other	1,751	0
Instruments sold but not yet purchased	372,340	238,400
Municipal and provincial obligations
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Total debt securities	244,519	203,889
Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value [Abstract]
Total debt securities	4,876	11,647
Corporate obligations
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Total debt securities	96,073	111,928
Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value [Abstract]
Total debt securities	18,648	15,333
Government and agency obligations
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Total debt securities	164,008	101,362
Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value [Abstract]
Total debt securities	284,821	187,424
Agency MBS and CMOs
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Total debt securities	140,403	127,419
Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value [Abstract]
Total debt securities	1,834	738
Non-agency CMOs and ABS
Trading Securities [Abstract]
Total debt securities	51,810	58,375
Financial Instruments Sold, Not yet Purchased, at Fair Value [Abstract]
Total debt securities	$0	$0

AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_SECURITIES_1

AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES, Sale of Available-for-sale Securities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Sales of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities			$47,000	$370,000
RJ Bank available for sale securities
Sales of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	0	0	0	0
Auction rate securities
Sales of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities	295,000	700,000	295,000	27,800,000
Other revenues | Auction rate securities
Sales of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale securities, gross realized gain (loss)				$5,600,000

AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_SECURITIES_2

AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES, Amortized Cost and Fair Values of AFS Securities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost basis	$520,417,000	$554,509,000
Gross unrealized gains	19,372,000	16,972,000
Gross unrealized losses	-7,849,000	-9,192,000
Fair value	531,940,000	562,289,000
RJ Bank
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost basis	334,623,000	368,448,000
Gross unrealized gains	1,543,000	1,219,000
Gross unrealized losses	-6,288,000	-8,113,000
Fair value	329,878,000	361,554,000
RJ Bank | Agency MBS and CMOs
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost basis	239,776,000	267,927,000
Gross unrealized gains	1,066,000	822,000
Gross unrealized losses	-354,000	-1,029,000
Fair value	240,488,000	267,720,000
RJ Bank | Non-agency CMOs
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost basis	93,272,000	98,946,000
Gross unrealized gains	24,000	56,000
Gross unrealized losses	-5,934,000	-7,084,000
Fair value	87,362,000	91,918,000
Non-credit portion of OTTI recorded in AOCI, before tax	4,900,000	6,100,000
RJ Bank | Other securities
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost basis	1,575,000	1,575,000
Gross unrealized gains	453,000	341,000
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	2,028,000	1,916,000
Non-broker-dealer subsidiaries | Auction rate securities
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost basis	185,794,000	186,061,000
Gross unrealized gains	17,829,000	15,753,000
Gross unrealized losses	-1,561,000	-1,079,000
Fair value	202,062,000	200,735,000
Non-broker-dealer subsidiaries | ARS - municipals
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost basis	81,492,000	81,535,000
Gross unrealized gains	9,683,000	6,240,000
Gross unrealized losses	-1,561,000	-1,079,000
Fair value	89,614,000	86,696,000
Non-broker-dealer subsidiaries | ARS - preferred securities
Schedule of Available for Sale Securities [Abstract]
Cost basis	104,302,000	104,526,000
Gross unrealized gains	8,146,000	9,513,000
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	$112,448,000	$114,039,000

AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_SECURITIES_3

AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES, Contractual Maturities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized cost
Within one year	$0
After one but within five years	7,463
After five but within ten years	10,466
After ten years	502,488
Total	520,417
Carry value
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	7,480
After five but within ten years	10,541
After ten years	513,919
Total	531,940
Weighted-average yield
Within one year (in hundredths)	0.00%
After one but within five years (in hundredths)	0.26%
After five but within ten years (in hundredths)	0.48%
After ten years (in hundredths)	0.96%
Total (in hundredths)	0.95%
RJ Bank | Agency MBS and CMOs
Amortized cost
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	7,463
After five but within ten years	10,466
After ten years	221,847
Total	239,776
Carry value
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	7,480
After five but within ten years	10,541
After ten years	222,467
Total	240,488
Weighted-average yield
Within one year (in hundredths)	0.00%
After one but within five years (in hundredths)	0.26%
After five but within ten years (in hundredths)	0.48%
After ten years (in hundredths)	0.97%
Total (in hundredths)	0.94%
RJ Bank | Non-agency CMOs:
Amortized cost
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	93,272
Total	93,272
Carry value
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	87,362
Total	87,362
Weighted-average yield
Within one year (in hundredths)	0.00%
After one but within five years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After five but within ten years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After ten years (in hundredths)	2.39%
Total (in hundredths)	2.39%
RJ Bank | Other securities
Amortized cost
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	1,575
Total	1,575
Carry value
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	2,028
Total	2,028
Weighted-average yield
Within one year (in hundredths)	0.00%
After one but within five years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After five but within ten years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After ten years (in hundredths)	0.00%
Total (in hundredths)	0.00%
RJ Bank | Sub-total agency MBS & CMOs, non-agency CMOs, and other securities
Amortized cost
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	7,463
After five but within ten years	10,466
After ten years	316,694
Total	334,623
Carry value
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	7,480
After five but within ten years	10,541
After ten years	311,857
Total	329,878
Weighted-average yield
Within one year (in hundredths)	0.00%
After one but within five years (in hundredths)	0.26%
After five but within ten years (in hundredths)	0.48%
After ten years (in hundredths)	1.36%
Total (in hundredths)	1.32%
Non-broker-dealer subsidiaries | ARS - municipals
Amortized cost
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	81,492
Total	81,492
Carry value
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	89,614
Total	89,614
Weighted-average yield
Within one year (in hundredths)	0.00%
After one but within five years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After five but within ten years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After ten years (in hundredths)	0.42%
Total (in hundredths)	0.42%
Non-broker-dealer subsidiaries | ARS - preferred securities
Amortized cost
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	104,302
Total	104,302
Carry value
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	112,448
Total	112,448
Weighted-average yield
Within one year (in hundredths)	0.00%
After one but within five years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After five but within ten years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After ten years (in hundredths)	0.27%
Total (in hundredths)	0.27%
Non-broker-dealer subsidiaries | Auction rate securities
Amortized cost
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	185,794
Total	185,794
Carry value
Within one year	0
After one but within five years	0
After five but within ten years	0
After ten years	202,062
Total	$202,062
Weighted-average yield
Within one year (in hundredths)	0.00%
After one but within five years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After five but within ten years (in hundredths)	0.00%
After ten years (in hundredths)	0.34%
Total (in hundredths)	0.34%

AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_SECURITIES_4

AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES, Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value and Significant Assumptions (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value less than 12 months	19,147,000	$23,568,000
Estimated fair value 12 months or more	130,696,000	153,730,000
Total estimated fair value	149,843,000	177,298,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Unrealized losses less than 12 months	-771,000	-410,000
Unrealized losses 12 months or more	-7,078,000	-8,782,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-7,849,000	-9,192,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Minimum number of agencies rating ARS preferred securities as investment grade	1
Auction rate securities
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Par value	221,500,000
RJ Bank | Agency MBS and CMOs
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value less than 12 months	0	18,062,000
Estimated fair value 12 months or more	54,584,000	71,688,000
Total estimated fair value	54,584,000	89,750,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Unrealized losses less than 12 months	0	-53,000
Unrealized losses 12 months or more	-354,000	-976,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-354,000	-1,029,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of securities in unrealized loss position	7
RJ Bank | Non-agency CMOs
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value less than 12 months	18,921,000	5,506,000
Estimated fair value 12 months or more	64,519,000	69,970,000
Total estimated fair value	83,440,000	75,476,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Unrealized losses less than 12 months	-769,000	-357,000
Unrealized losses 12 months or more	-5,165,000	-6,727,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-5,934,000	-7,084,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Qualitative Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of securities in unrealized loss position	17
Number of available-for-sale investment positions	19
Number of securities in unrealized loss position greater than 12 months	12
Number of securities in unrealized loss position, less than 12 months	5
RJ Bank | Non-agency CMOs | Low end
Significant Assumptions
Default rate (in hundredths)	0.00%
Loss severity (in hundredths)	0.00%
Prepayment rate (in hundredths)	5.00%
RJ Bank | Non-agency CMOs | High end
Significant Assumptions
Default rate (in hundredths)	10.20%
Loss severity (in hundredths)	73.40%
Prepayment rate (in hundredths)	20.00%
RJ Bank | Non-agency CMOs | Weighted average
Significant Assumptions
Default rate (in hundredths)	4.06%
Loss severity (in hundredths)	41.23%
Prepayment rate (in hundredths)	8.78%
Non-broker-dealer subsidiaries | ARS - municipals
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Estimated fair value less than 12 months	226,000	0
Estimated fair value 12 months or more	11,593,000	12,072,000
Total estimated fair value	11,819,000	12,072,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Loss [Abstract]
Unrealized losses less than 12 months	-2,000	0
Unrealized losses 12 months or more	-1,559,000	-1,079,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Accumulated Loss	-1,561,000	($1,079,000)

AVAILABLE_FOR_SALE_SECURTIES_O

AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURTIES, OTTI Related to Credit Losses Recognized in Other Revenues (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings [Roll Forward]
Amount related to credit losses on securities we held at the beginning of the period	$18,703	$28,244	$18,703	$28,217
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized	0	0	0	27
Amount related to credit losses on securities we held at the end of the period	$18,703	$28,244	$18,703	$28,244

BANK_LOANS_NET_Held_for_Sale_a

BANK LOANS, NET, Held for Sale and Held for Investment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	segment
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of loan portfolio segments	6
Loans Receivable Held-for-sale, Net [Abstract]
Loans receivable held-for-sale, net	$87,974	$45,988
Loans held for investment:
Total loans held for investment	12,166,788	11,103,418
Net unearned income and deferred expenses	-34,091	-37,533
Total loans held for investment, net	12,132,697	11,065,885
Total loans held for sale and investment	12,220,671	11,111,873
Allowance for loan losses	-160,008	-147,574
Bank loans, net	12,060,663	10,964,299
Associated percentage of each major loan category in loan portfolios [Abstract]
Loans held for sale, net (in hundredths)	1.00%	0.00%
Total loans held for sale and investment (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%
Domestic
Loans held for investment:
C&I loans	5,776,977	5,378,592
CRE construction loans	78,820	76,733
CRE loans	1,468,813	1,415,093
Tax-exempt loans	361,644	122,218
Residential mortgage loans	1,963,336	1,749,513
SBL	1,249,930	1,021,358
Associated percentage of each major loan category in loan portfolios [Abstract]
C&I loans (in hundredths)	47.00%	49.00%
CRE construction loans (in hundredths)	1.00%	1.00%
CRE loans (in hundredths)	12.00%	13.00%
Tax-exempt loans (in hundredths)	3.00%	1.00%
Residential mortgage loans (in hundredths)	16.00%	16.00%
SBL (in hundredths)	10.00%	9.00%
Foreign
Loans held for investment:
C&I loans	1,036,223	1,043,755
CRE construction loans	22,094	17,462
CRE loans	204,132	274,070
Residential mortgage loans	2,865	2,234
SBL	$1,954	$2,390
Associated percentage of each major loan category in loan portfolios [Abstract]
C&I loans (in hundredths)	8.00%	9.00%
CRE construction loans (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%
CRE loans (in hundredths)	2.00%	2.00%
Residential mortgage loans (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%
SBL (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%

BANK_LOANS_NET_Originations_Pu

BANK LOANS, NET, Originations, Purchases, and Sales (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Loans held for sale
Payments for Origination and Purchases of Loans Held-for-sale [Abstract]
Loans held for sale originated or purchased	$219,700,000	$255,400,000	$617,600,000	$548,300,000
Proceeds from Sale of Loans Held-for-sale [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale	60,200,000	34,300,000	97,500,000	94,100,000
Loans held for investment
Purchases and sales of loans held for investment by portfolio segment [Abstract]
Purchases	107,534,000	110,546,000	473,590,000	265,471,000
Sales	25,500,000	70,350,000	32,360,000	131,323,000
Loans held for investment | C&I loans
Purchases and sales of loans held for investment by portfolio segment [Abstract]
Purchases	106,197,000	110,406,000	260,281,000	237,736,000
Sales	25,500,000	70,350,000	32,360,000	131,323,000
Loans held for investment | Residential mortgage loans
Purchases and sales of loans held for investment by portfolio segment [Abstract]
Purchases	1,337,000	140,000	213,309,000	27,735,000
Sales	0	0	0	0
Significant purchase in one portfolio			$207,300,000

BANK_LOANS_NET_Analysis_of_Pay

BANK LOANS, NET, Analysis of Payment Status of Loans Held for Investment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Analysis of payment status of loans held for investment [Abstract]
30-89 days and accruing	$2,998,000		$2,998,000		$1,829,000
90 days or more and accruing	0		0		0
Total past due and accruing	2,998,000		2,998,000		1,829,000
Nonaccrual	69,638,000		69,638,000		80,665,000
Current and accruing	12,094,152,000		12,094,152,000		11,020,924,000
Total loans held for investment	12,166,788,000		12,166,788,000		11,103,418,000
Performing nonaccrual loans	36,900,000		36,900,000		41,400,000
Impaired interest lost on nonaccrual loans	487,000	1,000,000	1,200,000	1,800,000
Impaired financing receivable, interest income recognized	417,000	326,000	645,000	888,000
Other real estate owned fair value	6,500,000		6,500,000		5,400,000
C&I loans
Analysis of payment status of loans held for investment [Abstract]
30-89 days and accruing	173,000		173,000		124,000
90 days or more and accruing	0		0		0
Total past due and accruing	173,000		173,000		124,000
Nonaccrual	0		0		0
Current and accruing	6,813,027,000		6,813,027,000		6,422,223,000
Total loans held for investment	6,813,200,000		6,813,200,000		6,422,347,000
CRE construction loans
Analysis of payment status of loans held for investment [Abstract]
30-89 days and accruing	0		0		0
90 days or more and accruing	0		0		0
Total past due and accruing	0		0		0
Nonaccrual	0		0		0
Current and accruing	100,914,000		100,914,000		94,195,000
Total loans held for investment	100,914,000		100,914,000		94,195,000
CRE loans
Analysis of payment status of loans held for investment [Abstract]
30-89 days and accruing	0		0		0
90 days or more and accruing	0		0		0
Total past due and accruing	0		0		0
Nonaccrual	17,171,000		17,171,000		18,876,000
Current and accruing	1,655,774,000		1,655,774,000		1,670,287,000
Total loans held for investment	1,672,945,000		1,672,945,000		1,689,163,000
Tax-exempt loans
Analysis of payment status of loans held for investment [Abstract]
30-89 days and accruing	0		0		0
90 days or more and accruing	0		0		0
Total past due and accruing	0		0		0
Nonaccrual	0		0		0
Current and accruing	361,644,000		361,644,000		122,218,000
Total loans held for investment	361,644,000		361,644,000		122,218,000
Residential mortgage - first mortgage loans
Analysis of payment status of loans held for investment [Abstract]
30-89 days and accruing	2,795,000		2,795,000		1,648,000
90 days or more and accruing	0		0		0
Total past due and accruing	2,795,000		2,795,000		1,648,000
Nonaccrual	52,182,000		52,182,000		61,391,000
Current and accruing	1,890,746,000		1,890,746,000		1,668,724,000
Total loans held for investment	1,945,723,000		1,945,723,000		1,731,763,000
Residential mortgage - home equity loans/lines
Analysis of payment status of loans held for investment [Abstract]
30-89 days and accruing	30,000		30,000		57,000
90 days or more and accruing	0		0		0
Total past due and accruing	30,000		30,000		57,000
Nonaccrual	285,000		285,000		398,000
Current and accruing	20,163,000		20,163,000		19,529,000
Total loans held for investment	20,478,000		20,478,000		19,984,000
SBL
Analysis of payment status of loans held for investment [Abstract]
30-89 days and accruing	0		0		0
90 days or more and accruing	0		0		0
Total past due and accruing	0		0		0
Nonaccrual	0		0		0
Current and accruing	1,251,884,000		1,251,884,000		1,023,748,000
Total loans held for investment	$1,251,884,000		$1,251,884,000		$1,023,748,000

BANK_LOANS_NET_Summary_of_Impa

BANK LOANS, NET, Summary of Impaired Loans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Gross recorded investment
Gross recorded investment, impaired loans with allowance for loan losses	$50,684,000		$50,684,000		$55,765,000
Gross recorded investment, impaired loans without allowance for loan losses	36,922,000		36,922,000		40,863,000
Gross recorded investment	87,606,000		87,606,000		96,628,000
Unpaid principal balance
Unpaid principal balance, impaired loans with allowance for loan losses	66,551,000		66,551,000		73,935,000
Unpaid principal balance, impaired loans without allowance for loan losses	57,897,000		57,897,000		72,666,000
Unpaid principal balance	124,448,000		124,448,000		146,601,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance
Impaired loans with allowance for loan losses, allowance for losses	5,596,000		5,596,000		6,301,000
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired
Average impaired loan balance	88,745,000	96,015,000	90,619,000	96,838,000
Interest income recognized	426,000	391,000	741,000	1,027,000
C&I loans
Gross recorded investment
Gross recorded investment, impaired loans with allowance for loan losses	11,418,000		11,418,000		11,959,000
Unpaid principal balance
Unpaid principal balance, impaired loans with allowance for loan losses	12,022,000		12,022,000		12,563,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance
Impaired loans with allowance for loan losses, allowance for losses	1,220,000		1,220,000		1,289,000
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired
Impaired loan, troubled debt restructurings	11,400,000		11,400,000		12,000,000
Average impaired loan balance	11,613,000	0	11,732,000	35,000
CRE loans
Gross recorded investment
Gross recorded investment, impaired loans without allowance for loan losses	17,171,000		17,171,000		18,876,000
Unpaid principal balance
Unpaid principal balance, impaired loans without allowance for loan losses	28,446,000		28,446,000		39,717,000
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired
Impaired loan, troubled debt restructurings	17,200,000		17,200,000		18,900,000
Average impaired loan balance	17,257,000	24,702,000	17,394,000	24,949,000
Residential mortgage - first mortgage loans
Gross recorded investment
Gross recorded investment, impaired loans with allowance for loan losses	39,266,000		39,266,000		43,806,000
Gross recorded investment, impaired loans without allowance for loan losses	19,751,000		19,751,000		21,987,000
Unpaid principal balance
Unpaid principal balance, impaired loans with allowance for loan losses	54,529,000		54,529,000		61,372,000
Unpaid principal balance, impaired loans without allowance for loan losses	29,451,000		29,451,000		32,949,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance
Impaired loans with allowance for loan losses, allowance for losses	4,376,000		4,376,000		5,012,000
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired
Impaired loan, troubled debt restructurings	33,900,000		33,900,000		36,600,000
Average impaired loan balance	59,875,000	71,277,000	61,493,000	71,818,000
Interest income recognized	426,000	391,000	741,000	1,027,000
Residential mortgage - home equity loans/lines
Loan and Lease Receivables, Impaired
Average impaired loan balance	$0	$36,000	$0	$36,000

BANK_LOANS_NET_Impact_of_TDRs_

BANK LOANS, NET, Impact of TDRs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
	contract	contract	contract	contract	commitment
Residential mortgage - first mortgage loans
Modification of loans [Abstract]
Number of contracts	1	4	3	12
Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment	$133	$654	$290	$2,539
Post-modification outstanding recorded investment	134	702	293	2,699
Subsquent default of modified loans [Abstract]
Payment default, number of contracts	0	3	0	3
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Subsequent Default, Recorded Investment		852		852
C&I loans
Subsquent default of modified loans [Abstract]
Number of outstanding commitments	1		1		1
Outstanding commitments on TDRs	$560		$560		$560

BANK_LOANS_NET_Credit_Quality_

BANK LOANS, NET, Credit Quality of Held for Investment Loan Portfolio (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	$12,166,788	$11,103,418
Performing residential first mortgage loans	1,730,941
LTV less than 50%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Performing residential first mortgage loans	557,456
LTV greater than 50% but less than 80%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Performing residential first mortgage loans	976,306
LTV greater than 80% but less than 100%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Performing residential first mortgage loans	169,304
LTV greater than 100% but less than 120%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Performing residential first mortgage loans	23,864
LTV greater than 120%
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Performing residential first mortgage loans	4,011
C&I loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	6,813,200	6,422,347
CRE construction loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	100,914	94,195
CRE loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	1,672,945	1,689,163
Tax-exempt loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	361,644	122,218
First mortgage
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	1,945,723	1,731,763
Home equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	20,478	19,984
SBL and other consumer loan
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	1,251,884	1,023,748
Pass
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	11,956,090	10,898,617
Pass | C&I loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	6,712,843	6,321,662
Pass | CRE construction loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	100,914	94,195
Pass | CRE loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	1,640,839	1,669,897
Pass | Tax-exempt loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	361,644	122,218
Pass | First mortgage
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	1,867,841	1,647,325
Pass | Home equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	20,125	19,572
Pass | SBL and other consumer loan
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	1,251,884	1,023,748
Special mention
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	100,615	98,638
Special mention | C&I loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	69,647	83,101
Special mention | CRE construction loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	0	0
Special mention | CRE loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	14,566	191
Special mention | Tax-exempt loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	0	0
Special mention | First mortgage
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	16,336	15,346
Special mention | Home equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	66	0
Special mention | SBL and other consumer loan
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	0	0
Substandard
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	110,083	105,255
Substandard | C&I loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	30,710	17,584
Substandard | CRE construction loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	0	0
Substandard | CRE loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	17,540	18,167
Substandard | Tax-exempt loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	0	0
Substandard | First mortgage
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	61,546	69,092
Substandard | Home equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	287	412
Substandard | SBL and other consumer loan
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment	0	0
Doubtful
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment		908
Doubtful | C&I loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment		0
Doubtful | CRE construction loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment		0
Doubtful | CRE loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment		908
Doubtful | Tax-exempt loans
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment		0
Doubtful | First mortgage
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment		0
Doubtful | Home equity
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment		0
Doubtful | SBL and other consumer loan
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Total loans held for investment		$0

BANK_LOANS_NET_Changes_in_the_

BANK LOANS, NET, Changes in the Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Changes in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$156,767	$138,124	$147,574	$136,501
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	3,937	1,979	13,302	3,615
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs	-411	-2,475	-876	-2,724
Recoveries	542	643	1,127	1,183
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries	131	-1,832	251	-1,541
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	-827	-331	-1,119	-635
Balance at end of period	160,008	137,940	160,008	137,940
Loans held for investment | C&I
Changes in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	109,582	96,629	103,179	95,994
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	1,530	1,113	8,364	2,015
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs	0	-1,805	-238	-1,845
Recoveries	536	12	536	16
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries	536	-1,793	298	-1,829
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	-523	-247	-716	-478
Balance at end of period	111,125	95,702	111,125	95,702
Loans held for investment | CRE construction
Changes in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	1,709	1,647	1,594	1,000
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	-8	169	117	824
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries	0	0	0	0
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	-26	-17	-36	-25
Balance at end of period	1,675	1,799	1,675	1,799
Loans held for investment | CRE
Changes in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	25,095	20,210	25,022	19,266
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	900	2,133	1,062	3,062
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0	80
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries	0	0	0	80
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	-278	-67	-367	-132
Balance at end of period	25,717	22,276	25,717	22,276
Loans held for investment | Tax-exempt loans
Changes in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,738	0	1,380	0
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	1,171	0	2,529	0
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	0	0	0	0
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries	0	0	0	0
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	3,909	0	3,909	0
Loans held for investment | Residential mortgage
Changes in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	15,319	18,300	14,350	19,126
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	168	-1,641	787	-2,702
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs	-411	-670	-638	-879
Recoveries	0	625	577	1,069
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries	-411	-45	-61	190
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	15,076	16,614	15,076	16,614
Loans held for investment | SBL and other consumer
Changes in the allowance for loan losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,324	1,338	2,049	1,115
Provision (benefit) for loan losses	176	205	443	416
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries:
Charge-offs	0	0	0	0
Recoveries	6	6	14	18
Net (charge-offs)/recoveries	6	6	14	18
Foreign exchange translation adjustment	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	$2,506	$1,549	$2,506	$1,549

BANK_LOANS_NET_Allowance_for_L

BANK LOANS, NET, Allowance for Loan Losses, Loans Individually and Collectively Evaluated for Impairment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$5,596,000		$6,301,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	154,412,000		141,273,000
Total allowance for loan losses	160,008,000	156,767,000	147,574,000	137,940,000	138,124,000	136,501,000
Recorded investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	87,606,000		96,628,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	12,079,182,000		11,006,790,000
Total loans held for investment	12,166,788,000		11,103,418,000
Tax-exempt loans
Recorded investment:
Total loans held for investment	361,644,000		122,218,000
Loans held for investment | C&I
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	1,220,000		1,289,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	109,905,000		101,890,000
Total allowance for loan losses	111,125,000	109,582,000	103,179,000	95,702,000	96,629,000	95,994,000
Recorded investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	11,418,000		11,959,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	6,801,782,000		6,410,388,000
Total loans held for investment	6,813,200,000		6,422,347,000
Loans held for investment | CRE construction
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,675,000		1,594,000
Total allowance for loan losses	1,675,000	1,709,000	1,594,000	1,799,000	1,647,000	1,000,000
Recorded investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	100,914,000		94,195,000
Total loans held for investment	100,914,000		94,195,000
Loans held for investment | CRE
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	25,717,000		25,022,000
Total allowance for loan losses	25,717,000	25,095,000	25,022,000	22,276,000	20,210,000	19,266,000
Recorded investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	17,171,000		18,876,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,655,774,000		1,670,287,000
Total loans held for investment	1,672,945,000		1,689,163,000
Loans held for investment | Tax-exempt loans
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	3,909,000		1,380,000
Total allowance for loan losses	3,909,000	2,738,000	1,380,000	0	0	0
Recorded investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	361,644,000		122,218,000
Total loans held for investment	361,644,000		122,218,000
Loans held for investment | Residential mortgage
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	4,376,000		5,012,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	10,700,000		9,338,000
Total allowance for loan losses	15,076,000	15,319,000	14,350,000	16,614,000	18,300,000	19,126,000
Recorded investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	59,017,000		65,793,000
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,907,184,000		1,685,954,000
Total loans held for investment	1,966,201,000		1,751,747,000
Loans held for investment | SBL and other consumer
Allowance for loan losses:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	2,506,000		2,049,000
Total allowance for loan losses	2,506,000	2,324,000	2,049,000	1,549,000	1,338,000	1,115,000
Recorded investment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	0		0
Collectively evaluated for impairment	1,251,884,000		1,023,748,000
Total loans held for investment	1,251,884,000		1,023,748,000
RJ Bank
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments [Abstract]
Reserve for unfunded lending commitments	$13,200,000		$10,000,000

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_Det

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015
	affiliate
	investor
	Fund
Low-income housing tax credit funds [Abstract]
Number of low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) funds	98
Minimum number of investor members or limited partners of LIHTC Funds	1
Number of low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) funds determined to be VIE's	86
Number of low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) funds not determined to be VIE's	12
Number of non-guaranteed tax credit funds	8
Number of guaranteed tax credit funds	1
Number of tax credit funds consolidated but not determined to be VIE's	6
Variable interest entities, not primary beneficiary [Abstract]
Number of affiliates which function as the managing member of NMTC Funds	1
Number of NMTC Funds managed by one of our affiliates, not deemed to be primary beneficiary	6

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_Pri

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, Primary Beneficiary - Aggregate Assets and LIabilities (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	investor	investor
Variable interest entity, consolidated, aggregate assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Number of Investors with a Guaranteed Return on their Investment	1	1
LIHTC funds - primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, consolidated, aggregate assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	156,603	179,050
Aggregate liabilities	49,467	60,180
Guaranteed LIHTC fund - primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, consolidated, aggregate assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	73,151	74,798
Aggregate liabilities	2,101	0
Number of multiinvestor tax credit funds in which RJTCF is the managing member	1	1
Restricted stock trust fund - primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, consolidated, aggregate assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	9,727	6,608
Aggregate liabilities	9,727	6,608
EIF funds - primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, consolidated, aggregate assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	5,559	6,041
Aggregate liabilities	0	0
Total VIEs - primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, consolidated, aggregate assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	245,040	266,497
Aggregate liabilities	61,295	66,788

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_Pri1

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, Primary Beneficiary - Carrying Value of Assets, Liabilities and Equity (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	$2,560,449	$2,489,264
Other receivables	479,575	544,180
Prepaid expenses and other assets	713,323	655,256
Total assets	24,967,935	23,325,652
Liabilities and Equity:
Trade and other payables	637,809	763,235
Total liabilities	20,316,025	18,892,396
RJF equity	4,375,425	4,141,236
Noncontrolling interests	276,485	292,020
Total equity	4,651,910	4,433,256	4,208,361
Total liabilities and equity	24,967,935	23,325,652
Total VIEs - primary beneficiary
Assets:
Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	10,221	10,887
Other receivables	5,817	5,812
Investments in real estate partnerships held by consolidated variable interest entities	225,557	235,858
Trust fund investment in RJF common stock	9,726	6,607
Prepaid expenses and other assets	5,197	5,728
Total assets	256,518	264,892
Liabilities and Equity:
Trade and other payables	18,913	10,157
Intercompany payables	9,721	6,608
Loans payable of consolidated variable interest entities	34,977	43,877
Total liabilities	63,611	60,642
RJF equity	6,152	6,165
Noncontrolling interests	186,755	198,085
Total equity	192,907	204,250
Total liabilities and equity	$256,518	$264,892

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_Pri2

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, Primary Beneficiary - Net Income (Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Interest	$134,413	$118,393	$266,522	$235,486
Other	23,715	9,240	41,103	33,805
Total revenues	1,312,624	1,204,625	2,592,468	2,413,399
Interest expense	-26,846	-25,980	-54,230	-51,352
Net revenues	1,285,778	1,178,645	2,538,238	2,362,047
Non-interest expenses	1,110,145	1,025,646	2,163,956	2,030,236
Net income including noncontrolling interests	108,776	92,095	230,813	208,616
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,687	-12,465	-8,946	-12,577
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	113,463	104,560	239,759	221,193
Total VIEs - primary beneficiary
Revenues:
Interest	2	0	2	1
Other	-382	-1,580	292	-1,416
Total revenues	-380	-1,580	294	-1,415
Interest expense	-537	-797	-1,066	-1,584
Net revenues	-917	-2,377	-772	-2,999
Non-interest expenses	11,085	12,052	19,099	21,017
Net income including noncontrolling interests	-12,002	-14,429	-19,871	-24,016
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-11,975	-14,420	-19,858	-23,996
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	($27)	($9)	($13)	($20)

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_Not

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, Not the Primary Beneficiary - Aggregate Assets, Liabilities Exposure to Loss (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
LIHTC funds - not primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, nonconsolidated, carrying amount of assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	$3,266,464	$2,988,224
Aggregate liabilities	946,849	899,586
Our risk of loss	20,033	48,915
NMTC funds - not primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, nonconsolidated, carrying amount of assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	65,503	83,474
Aggregate liabilities	30	2
Our risk of loss	12	13
Other real estate limited partnerships and LLCs - not primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, nonconsolidated, carrying amount of assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	29,671	30,202
Aggregate liabilities	36,369	36,262
Our risk of loss	172	183
Total VIEs - not primary beneficiary
Variable interest entity, nonconsolidated, carrying amount of assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Aggregate assets	3,361,638	3,101,900
Aggregate liabilities	983,248	935,850
Our risk of loss	$20,217	$49,111

VARIABLE_INTEREST_ENTITIES_Man

VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES, Managed Funds - Aggregate Assets, Liabilities and Exposure to Loss (Details) (Managed funds, USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Managed funds
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Aggregate assets	$102,524	$103,618
Aggregate liabilities	47	11
Our risk of loss	$94	$94

GOODWILL_AND_IDENTIFIABLE_INTA2

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Schedule of Goodwill and Net Identifiable Intangible Asset Balances (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$295,486	$295,486	$295,486	$295,486	$295,486	$295,486
Identifiable intangible assets, net	55,187		58,775
Total goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, net	$350,673		$354,261

GOODWILL_AND_IDENTIFIABLE_INTA3

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill (beginning of the period)	$295,486	$295,486	$295,486	$295,486
Impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Goodwill (end of the period)	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486
Private client group
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill (beginning of the period)	174,584	174,584	174,584	174,584
Impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Goodwill (end of the period)	174,584	174,584	174,584	174,584
Capital markets
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill (beginning of the period)	120,902	120,902	120,902	120,902
Impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Goodwill (end of the period)	$120,902	$120,902	$120,902	$120,902

GOODWILL_AND_IDENTIFIABLE_INTA4

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Net Amortizable Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Net identifiable intangible assets (beginning of the period)	$56,988	$64,144	$58,775	$65,978
Additions	118	118	233	189
Amortization expense	-1,919	-1,902	-3,821	-3,807
Impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Net identifiable intangible assets (end of the period)	55,187	62,360	55,187	62,360
Private client group
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Net identifiable intangible assets (beginning of the period)	8,472	9,035	8,611	9,191
Additions	0	0	0	0
Amortization expense	-139	-146	-278	-302
Impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Net identifiable intangible assets (end of the period)	8,333	8,889	8,333	8,889
Capital markets
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Net identifiable intangible assets (beginning of the period)	36,600	42,099	37,975	43,474
Additions	0	0	0	0
Amortization expense	-1,375	-1,375	-2,750	-2,750
Impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Net identifiable intangible assets (end of the period)	35,225	40,724	35,225	40,724
Asset management
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Net identifiable intangible assets (beginning of the period)	10,663	11,996	10,996	12,329
Additions	0	0	0	0
Amortization expense	-333	-333	-666	-666
Impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Net identifiable intangible assets (end of the period)	10,330	11,663	10,330	11,663
RJ Bank
Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward]
Net identifiable intangible assets (beginning of the period)	1,253	1,014	1,193	984
Additions	118	118	233	189
Amortization expense	-72	-48	-127	-89
Impairment losses	0	0	0	0
Net identifiable intangible assets (end of the period)	$1,299	$1,084	$1,299	$1,084

GOODWILL_AND_IDENTIFIABLE_INTA5

GOODWILL AND IDENTIFIABLE INTANGIBLE ASSETS, Intangible Assets, by Type (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	$78,683	$81,450
Accumulated amortization	-23,496	-22,675
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	65,957	65,957
Accumulated amortization	-16,469	-13,875
Trade name
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	0	2,000
Accumulated amortization	0	-2,000
Developed technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	11,000	11,000
Accumulated amortization	-6,600	-5,500
Non-compete agreements
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	0	1,000
Accumulated amortization	0	-1,000
Mortgage servicing rights
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value	1,726	1,493
Accumulated amortization	($427)	($300)

BANK_DEPOSITS_Summary_of_Bank_

BANK DEPOSITS, Summary of Bank Deposits (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Bank deposits:
NOW accounts	$6,027,000	$5,792,000
Demand deposits (non-interest bearing)	4,776,000	8,386,000
Savings and money market accounts	10,910,547,000	9,670,043,000
Certificates of deposit	350,663,000	344,703,000
Total bank deposits	11,272,013,000	10,028,924,000
Weighted-average rate [Abstract]
NOW accounts, weighted-average rate (in hundredths)	0.01%	0.01%
Demand deposits (non-interest-bearing), weighted-average rate (in hundredths)	0.00%	0.00%
Savings and money market accounts, weighted-average rate (in hundredths)	0.02%	0.02%
Certificates of deposit, weighted-average rate (in hundredths)	1.71%	1.81%
Total bank deposits, weighted-average rate (in hundredths)	0.07%	0.09%
Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Affiliate bank deposits excluded from total bank deposits	421,000,000	509,000,000
RJF parent company
Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Affiliate bank deposits excluded from total bank deposits	$400,000,000	$500,000,000

BANK_DEPOSITS_Schedule_Maturit

BANK DEPOSITS, Schedule Maturities of Certificates of Deposit (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit, denominations greater than or equal to $100,000 [Abstract]
Three months or less	$8,631	$11,761
Over three through six months	9,127	9,067
Over six through twelve months	15,917	15,809
Over one through two years	46,987	33,366
Over two through three years	17,555	45,842
Over three through four years	58,808	35,362
Over four through five years	62,053	55,556
Total certificates of deposit, denominations greater than or equal to 100,000	219,078	206,763
Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit, denominations less than 100,000 [Abstract]
Three months or less	8,928	9,482
Over three through six months	12,614	10,317
Over six through twelve months	14,311	21,002
Over one through two years	35,468	27,722
Over two through three years	13,742	33,529
Over three through four years	19,563	11,301
Over four through five years	26,959	24,587
Total certificates of deposit, denominations less than 100,000	$131,585	$137,940

BANK_DEPOSITS_Summary_of_Inter

BANK DEPOSITS, Summary of Interest Expense on Deposits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest expense on deposits [Abstract]
Certificates of deposit	$1,459	$1,508	$2,983	$3,056
Money market, savings and NOW accounts	631	431	1,244	828
Total interest expense on deposits	$2,090	$1,939	$4,227	$3,884

OTHER_BORROWINGS_Details

OTHER BORROWINGS (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Other Borrowings [Line Items]
Total other borrowings	$721,716,000	$654,916,000
Number of FHLB advances	2	2
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		250,000,000
FHLB advances weighted average interest rate	0.27%	0.20%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	277,383,000	244,495,000
ClariVest Asset Management
Other Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowing outstanding on lines of credit	116,000	216,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	500,000
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.00%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
Other Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowing outstanding on lines of credit	550,000,000	500,000,000
Secured Debt
Other Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowing outstanding on lines of credit	171,600,000	154,700,000
Secured Debt | New Regions Credit Agreement
Other Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowing outstanding on lines of credit	5,000,000	5,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, percentage of secured ARS	70.00%
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, dollar amount of secured ARS	100,000,000
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	91,000,000
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	2.75%
Unsecured Debt
Other Borrowings [Line Items]
Borrowing outstanding on lines of credit	0	0
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances | FHLB Advance Maturing September 2017
Other Borrowings [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	250,000,000
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances | FHLB Advance Maturing March 2017
Other Borrowings [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$300,000,000

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative [Line Items]
Receivable for uncollectible derivative transaction fee revenues	$7,000,000		$7,000,000		$7,000,000
Maximum loss exposure on interest rate derivatives	42,000,000		42,000,000
Derivative asset position
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral included in net fair value of all open derivative positions, aggregate net liability	19,000,000		19,000,000		21,000,000
Derivative liability position
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral included in the net fair value of all open derivative liability positions, aggregate net asset	19,000,000		19,000,000		23,000,000
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral included in net fair value of all open derivative positions, aggregate net liability	0		0		0
Gain (loss) recognized on forward foreign exchange derivatives	30,500,000	14,400,000	43,600,000	26,000,000
Hedge ineffectiveness	0	0	0	0
Gain (loss) from components excluded from assessment of fair value hedge effectiveness	0	0	0	0
OTC derivatives
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of designated as fair value hedges	0		0
Number of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0		0
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of designated as fair value hedges	0		0
Number of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	0		0
Interest rate contract
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral included in net fair value of all open derivative positions, aggregate net liability	0		0
Hedge ineffectiveness	0
Gain (loss) from components excluded from assessment of fair value hedge effectiveness	0
Gain (loss) recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	1,500,000		1,500,000
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge ineffectiveness			0
Gain (loss) from components excluded from assessment of cash flow hedge effectiveness			0
Cash flow hedge gain (loss) to be reclassified within twelve months			$3,000,000
Maximum length of time hedged in cash flow hedge			10 years

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Balance Sheet Location (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Fair value	$8,000	$2,462
Interest rate contract
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Fair value	121,414
Designated as hedging instrument | Forward foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other assets
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Notional amount	553,766	609,018
Fair value	6,794	2,101
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate contract
Liabilities derviatives [Abstract]
Fair value	2,481
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate contract | Other liabilities
Liabilities derviatives [Abstract]
Notional amount	200,000	0
Fair value	2,481	0
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Forward foreign exchange contracts | Prepaid expenses and other assets
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Notional amount	98,531	105,179
Fair value	1,206	361
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contract
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Fair value		89,923
Liabilities derviatives [Abstract]
Fair value	105,050	75,668
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contract | Trading instruments
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Notional amount	2,510,991	2,198,357
Fair value	121,414	89,923
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contract | Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Notional amount	1,766,733	1,796,288
Fair value	421,850	323,337
Liabilities derviatives [Abstract]
Notional amount	1,766,733	1,796,288
Fair value	421,850	323,337
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contract | Trading instruments sold
Liabilities derviatives [Abstract]
Notional amount	2,497,071	2,185,085
Fair value	$105,050	$75,668

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN4

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Income Statement Location (Details) (Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net trading profits | Interest rate contract
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	$2,403	($70)	$2,280	$579
Other revenues | Interest rate contract
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	44	651	66	671
Other revenues | Forward foreign exchange contracts
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in Income	$8,683	$2,530	$12,305	$4,811

DERIVATIVE_FINANCIAL_INSTRUMEN5

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Risk (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	agency
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt, minimum number of agencies required to maintain an investment grade rating	1
Derivative in liability position fair value	$23.30
Derivative in liability position posted collateral	22.3
Derivative in liability position additional collateral posted if contingent features are triggered	$1

DISCLOSURE_OF_OFFSETTING_ASSET2

DISCLOSURE OF OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, COLLATERAL AND ENCUMBERED ASSETS, Offsetting (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Securities purchased under agreements to resell and other collateralized financings [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets	$469,503,000	$446,016,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statements of Financial Condition	0	0
Net amounts presented in the Statements of Financial Condition	469,503,000	446,016,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statements of Financial Condition, financial instruments	-469,503,000	-446,016,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statements of Financial Condition, cash collateral received (paid)	0	0
Net amount	0	0
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Net amounts presented in the Statements of Financial Condition	41,717,000	28,205,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	421,850,000	323,337,000
Stock borrowed [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets	167,338,000	158,988,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition	0	0
Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition	167,338,000	158,988,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	-159,418,000	-153,261,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral (paid)	0	0
Net amount	7,920,000	5,727,000
Total assets [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized assets	1,188,105,000	1,020,726,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition	-79,697,000	-61,718,000
Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition	1,108,408,000	959,008,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	-1,060,044,000	-926,491,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral (paid)	0	0
Net amount	48,364,000	32,517,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized (liabilities)	-277,383,000	-244,495,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition	0	0
Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition	-277,383,000	-244,495,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	277,383,000	244,495,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral received (paid)	0	0
Net amount	0	0
Derivative liabilities [Abstract]
Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition	-26,022,000	-12,372,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	-421,850,000	-323,337,000
Stock loaned [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized (liabilities)	-395,609,000	-417,383,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition	0	0
Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition	-395,609,000	-417,383,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	381,327,000	402,180,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral received (paid)	0	0
Net amount	-14,282,000	-15,203,000
Total liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amounts of recognized (liabilities)	-1,202,373,000	-1,060,883,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition	79,028,000	63,296,000
Net amounts presented in the Statements of Financial Condition	-1,123,345,000	-997,587,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	1,084,661,000	973,514,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral received (paid)	18,422,000	4,620,000
Net amount	-20,262,000	-19,453,000
Securities purchased under agreements to resell collateral obligation to return securities	483,800,000	463,700,000
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase fair value	289,400,000	253,700,000
Interest rate contract
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	121,414,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statements of Financial Condition	-79,697,000
Net amounts presented in the Statements of Financial Condition	41,717,000
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	-9,273,000
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral (paid)	0
Net amount	32,444,000
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	421,850,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statements of Financial Condition	0
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	-421,850,000
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral (paid)	0
Net amount	0
Derivative liabilities [Abstract]
Net amount		0
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts	8,000,000	2,462,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statements of Financial Condition	0	0
Net amounts presented in the Statements of Financial Condition	8,000,000	2,462,000
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	0	0
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral (paid)	0	0
Net amount	8,000,000	2,462,000
Designated as hedging instrument | Interest rate contract
Derivative liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amount of recognized (liabilities)	-2,481,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition	0
Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition	-2,481,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	0
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral received	2,481,000
Net amount	0
Total liabilities [Abstract]
Fair value of cash collateral deposited	8,900,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions		323,337,000
Derivative liabilities [Abstract]
Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions	-421,850,000	-323,337,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Interest rate contract
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts		89,923,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statements of Financial Condition		-61,718,000
Net amounts presented in the Statements of Financial Condition		28,205,000
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments		-3,877,000
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral (paid)		0
Net amount		24,328,000
Derivative liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amount of recognized (liabilities)	-105,050,000	-75,668,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition	79,028,000	63,296,000
Net amounts presented in the Statement of Financial Condition	-26,022,000	-12,372,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	4,101,000	3,502,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral received	15,941,000	4,620,000
Net amount	-5,980,000	-4,250,000
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments | Derivative instruments associated with offsetting matched book positions
Derivative assets [Abstract]
Derivative contracts		323,337,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statements of Financial Condition		0
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments		-323,337,000
Derivative assets, Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral (paid)		0
Net amount		0
Derivative liabilities [Abstract]
Gross amount of recognized (liabilities)	-421,850,000	-323,337,000
Gross amounts offset in the Statement of Financial Condition	0	0
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, financial instruments	421,850,000	323,337,000
Gross amounts not offset in the Statement of Financial Condition, cash collateral received	0	0
Net amount	$0

DISCLOSURE_OF_OFFSETTING_ASSET3

DISCLOSURE OF OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, COLLATERAL AND ENCUMBERED ASSETS, Collateral (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Collateral Received that Can be Resold or Repledged [Abstract]
Collateral we received that is available to be delivered or repledged	$2,146,076,000	$2,178,868,000
Collateral that we delivered or repledged	949,809,000	879,071,000
Value of margin securities pledged to clearing organizations	155,400,000	138,800,000
Securities reserve deposit required and made	$125,100,000	$116,500,000

DISCLOSURE_OF_OFFSETTING_ASSET4

DISCLOSURE OF OFFSETTING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, COLLATERAL AND ENCUMBERED ASSETS, Encumbered Assets (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Financial instruments owned, at fair value, pledged to counterparties that:
Had the right to deliver or repledge	$417,609,000	$394,746,000
Did not have the right to deliver or repledge	137,467,000	50,983,000
Fair value of securities pledged with a clearing organization	24,400,000	18,900,000
Securities reserve deposit required and made	$125,100,000	$116,500,000

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate	37.10%	37.40%	35.80%

COMMITMENTS_CONTINGENCIES_AND_1

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES, Commitments and Contingencies (Details)

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Mar. 31, 2015

Sep. 30, 2014

Loans to financial advisors and certain key revenue producers commitment

Independent venture capital or private equity partnerships commitment

Internally sponsored private equity limited partnership commitment

Commitment to lend to RJTCF

Raymond James & Associates Inc

Raymond James & Associates Inc

Raymond James & Associates Inc

Raymond James Ltd

Subsidiary of RJ Bank

RJ Bank

RJ Bank

RJ Bank

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Underwriting commitment

Forward GNMA MBS purchase committments

TBA securities

Underwriting commitment

Commitment to lend to RJTCF

RJ Bank syndicated loans

RJ Bank commitment to lend to limited partnership

Forward starting advance transaction with FHLB

transaction

USD ($)

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Commitments [Line Items]

Number of open underwriting commitments

2

Amount of commitment

$59,600,000

$250,000,000

$498,000,000

52,100,000

$61,600,000

$3,000,000

$25,000,000

Purchased syndicated loans not yet settled

46,300,000

Settlement days of purchased syndicated loan

90 days

Amount of commitments fulfilled

20,600,000

1,200,000

Future borrowing interest rate, effective rate

3.40%

Other commitment

56,000,000

Unfunded commitments in which we control the general partner

20,000,000

Cash funded to invest in loans or investments in project partnerships

39,700,000

Reserve for unfunded lending commitments

88,900,000

Number of days that investments in project partnerships typically sold

90 days

Expected time of purchase (in days)

90 days

Net liability fair value of TBA securities

2,200,000

Estimated fair value of the TBA security purchase commitment liability

($2,200,000)

COMMITMENTS_CONTINGENCIES_AND_2

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES, Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2008
	Fund
Guarantees [Abstract]
Corporate debt	$1,188,916,000	$1,190,836,000
Interest rate swap guarantee
Guarantees [Abstract]
Current exposure of guarantees	6,600,000
Estimated total potential exposure of guarantee	30,400,000
Performance guarantees for completion of trades with counterparties
Guarantees [Abstract]
Current exposure of guarantees	0
Letter of credit guarantee
Guarantees [Abstract]
Current exposure of guarantees			8,000,000
Securities Industry Protection Corporation (SIPC)
Guarantees [Abstract]
SIPC fund securities per customer limit	500,000
Per customer upper limit claims for cash balances	250,000
Raymond James & Associates Inc
Guarantees [Abstract]
Excess SIPC insured amount upper limit	750,000,000
Excess SIPC Sub-limit per customer cash above basic SIPC	1,900,000
Project partnerships sold guarantee
Guarantees [Abstract]
Current exposure of guarantees	1,600,000
Delivery of certain tax credits and other tax benefits guarantee
Guarantees [Abstract]
Current exposure of guarantees	35,400,000
Number of funds offering guaranteed performance to various third-parties on certain obligations	1
Number of years under the guarantee to deliver a certain amount of tax credits and other tax benefits (in years)	7 years
Low-income housing tax credit fund financing asset	28,400,000
Amount of liability related to the low-income housing tax credit fund financing asset	28,400,000
Mortgages | 5.70% mortgage notes payable on our headquarters office complex, due 2023
Guarantees [Abstract]
Corporate debt	$39,800,000

COMMITMENTS_CONTINGENCIES_AND_3

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES, Legal Matters Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Legal matter contingencies [Abstract]
Other receivables		$479,575,000	$544,180,000
Regions funds, class action
Loss Contingency, Settlement [Abstract]
Litigation settlement amount	62,000,000
Regions funds, derivative action
Loss Contingency, Settlement [Abstract]
Litigation settlement amount	6,000,000
Indemnification agreement
Legal matter contingencies [Abstract]
Estimate of range of possible loss, minimum		37,000,000
Estimate of range of possible loss, maximum		205,000,000
Other receivables		800,000
Indemnification asset		149,000,000
Indemnification liability for potential loss		147,000,000
Pending litigation | Various lawsuits
Legal matter contingencies [Abstract]
Estimate of range of possible loss, minimum		0
Range of loss portion not accrued		$9,000,000

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, After Tax Changes in Each Component (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the beginning of the period	($8,352)	$5,545	($1,888)	$10,726
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	1,761	2,977	1,997	8,229
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	58	-39	58	-3,731
Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	1,819	2,938	2,055	4,498
Income tax effect	-16,262	-9,717	-22,962	-16,458
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	-14,443	-6,779	-20,907	-11,960
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the end of the period	-22,795	-1,234	-22,795	-1,234
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the beginning of the period	4,721	-182	4,745	-1,276
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	3,801	5,668	3,745	11,127
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	-2	-39	-2	-3,731
Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	3,799	5,629	3,743	7,396
Income tax effect	-1,462	-2,147	-1,430	-2,820
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	2,337	3,482	2,313	4,576
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the end of the period	7,058	3,300	7,058	3,300
Net currency translations and net investment hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the beginning of the period	-13,073	5,727	-6,633	12,002
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	441	-2,691	733	-2,898
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	0	0	0	0
Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	441	-2,691	733	-2,898
Income tax effect	-15,720	-7,570	-22,452	-13,638
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	-15,279	-10,261	-21,719	-16,536
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the end of the period	-28,352	-4,534	-28,352	-4,534
Cash flow hedge
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the beginning of the period	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications and taxes	-2,481	0	-2,481	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, before tax	60	0	60	0
Pre-tax net other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,421	0	-2,421	0
Income tax effect	920	0	920	0
Net other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax	-1,501	0	-1,501	0
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of the end of the period	($1,501)	$0	($1,501)	$0

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other revenue	($23,715,000)	($9,240,000)	($41,103,000)	($33,805,000)
Interest expense	26,846,000	25,980,000	54,230,000	51,352,000
Provision for income taxes	66,857,000	60,904,000	143,469,000	123,195,000
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	-113,463,000	-104,560,000	-239,759,000	-221,193,000
Auction rate securities | Other revenues
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, gross realized gain (loss)				5,600,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total before tax	58,000	-39,000	58,000	-3,731,000
Provision for income taxes	-22,000	15,000	-22,000	1,437,000
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	36,000	-24,000	36,000	-2,294,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | Auction rate securities
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other revenue	-2,000	-39,000	-2,000	-3,758,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member] | RJ Bank available for sale securities
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other revenue	0	0	0	27,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities | Interest rate contract | Reclassification out of accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest expense	$60,000		$60,000

INTEREST_INCOME_AND_INTEREST_E2

INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Interest income:
Margin balances	$16,237	$16,628	$33,513	$34,415
Assets segregated pursuant to regulations and other segregated assets	3,179	3,558	6,789	8,188
Bank loans, net of unearned income	100,054	83,639	196,812	164,848
Available for sale securities	1,284	1,655	2,596	3,578
Trading instruments	4,925	4,615	9,425	9,143
Stock loan	3,699	2,809	7,210	4,682
Loans to financial advisors	1,687	1,647	3,437	3,303
Corporate cash and all other	3,348	3,842	6,740	7,329
Total interest income	134,413	118,393	266,522	235,486
Interest expense:
Brokerage client liabilities	241	286	524	717
Retail bank deposits	2,090	1,939	4,227	3,884
Trading instruments sold but not yet purchased	1,133	1,255	2,218	2,123
Stock borrow	1,795	814	3,413	1,306
Borrowed funds	1,129	876	2,188	1,848
Senior notes	19,009	19,010	38,019	38,020
Interest expense of consolidated VIEs	537	797	1,066	1,584
Other	912	1,003	2,575	1,870
Total interest expense	26,846	25,980	54,230	51,352
Net interest income	107,567	92,413	212,292	184,134
Subtract: provision for loan losses	-3,937	-1,979	-13,302	-3,615
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	$103,630	$90,434	$198,990	$180,519

SHAREBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of share-based compensation plans for our employees, directors and non-employees	1		1
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Restricted stock units (RSUs) | Employees
Restricted stock plans [Abstract]
Shares of restricted stock awards granted (in shares)	79,698		1,128,971
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Restricted stock units (RSUs) | Outside Directors
Restricted stock plans [Abstract]
Shares of restricted stock awards granted (in shares)	16,656		16,656
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Restricted stock units (RSUs) | Independent contractor financial advisors
Restricted stock plans [Abstract]
Shares of restricted stock awards granted (in shares)	0		0
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards
Compensation plans expense and income tax benefits [Abstract]
Total share-based expense	$14,189	$12,422	$33,155	$29,057
Income tax (provision) benefits related to share-based expense	5,038	4,304	11,900	10,220
Excess tax benefit related to share based compensation			8,100
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards | Employees and directors
Unrecognized pre-tax expense [Abstract]
Unrecognized pre-tax expense	108,156		108,156
Remaining weighted-average period (in years)			2 years 11 months 26 days
Restricted stock plans [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of awards granted (in dollars per share)	$56.87		$56.15
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards | Independent contractor financial advisors
Unrecognized pre-tax expense [Abstract]
Unrecognized pre-tax expense	65		65
Remaining weighted-average period (in years)			1 year 3 months 18 days
Restricted stock plans [Abstract]
Weighted-average fair value for unvested restricted stock awards (in dollars per share)	$56.78		$56.78
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Stock option awards
Compensation plans expense and income tax benefits [Abstract]
Excess tax benefit related to share based compensation			1,000
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Stock option awards | Employees
Stock Option Awards [Abstract]
Stock options granted (in shares)	7,779		1,093,279
Unrecognized pre-tax expense [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant date fair value per option (in dollars per share)	$14.31		$14.20
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Stock option awards | Outside Directors
Stock Option Awards [Abstract]
Stock options granted (in shares)	0		0
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Stock option awards | Employees and directors
Compensation plans expense and income tax benefits [Abstract]
Total share-based expense	2,571	3,128	5,688	6,861
Income tax (provision) benefits related to share-based expense	250	483	626	1,278
Unrecognized pre-tax expense [Abstract]
Unrecognized pre-tax expense	29,043		29,043
Remaining weighted-average period (in years)			3 years 6 months
Stock incentive plan 2012 | Stock option awards | Independent contractor financial advisors
Stock Option Awards [Abstract]
Stock options granted (in shares)	0		39,200
Unrecognized pre-tax expense [Abstract]
Unrecognized pre-tax expense	$1,825		$1,825
Remaining weighted-average period (in years)			3 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted-average fair value for unvested options granted (in dollars per share)	$22.01		$22.01

REGULATIONS_AND_CAPITAL_REQUIR2

REGULATIONS AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
	Raymond James Financial Inc	Raymond James Financial Inc	RJ Bank	RJ Bank	Raymond James & Associates Inc	Raymond James & Associates Inc	Raymond James Financial Services Inc	Raymond James Financial Services Inc	Raymond James Ltd	Raymond James Ltd
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CAD	CAD
Common Equity Tier I Capital [Abstract]
Actual, amount	$3,912,863,000		$1,437,093,000
Actual, ratio (in hundredths)	19.20%		11.50%
Requirement for capital adequacy purposes, amount	916,946,000		561,822,000
Requirement for capital adequacy purposes, ratio (in hundredths)	4.50%		4.50%
To be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions, amount	1,324,477,000		811,520,000
To be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions, ratio (in hundredths)	6.50%		6.50%
Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) [Abstract]
Actual, amount	3,912,863,000	3,775,385,000	1,437,093,000	1,314,374,000
Actual, ratio (in hundredths)	19.20%	19.70%	11.50%	11.20%
Requirement for capital adequacy purposes, amount	1,222,595,000	765,589,000	749,096,000	467,926,000
Requirement for capital adequacy purposes, ratio (in hundredths)	6.00%	4.00%	6.00%	4.00%
To be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions, amount	1,630,126,000	1,148,384,000	998,794,000	701,889,000
To be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions, ratio (in hundredths)	8.00%	6.00%	8.00%	6.00%
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) [Abstract]
Actual, amount	4,093,835,000	3,940,516,000	1,593,572,000	1,460,895,000
Actual, ratio (in hundredths)	20.10%	20.60%	12.80%	12.50%
Requirement for capital adequacy purposes, amount	1,630,126,000	1,531,178,000	998,794,000	935,852,000
Requirement for capital adequacy purposes, ratio (in hundredths)	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
To be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions, amount	2,037,658,000	1,913,973,000	1,248,493,000	1,169,815,000
To be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions, ratio (in hundredths)	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Capital contribution			35,000,000
Tier I Capital (to Adjusted Assets) [Abstract]
Actual, amount	3,912,863,000	3,775,385,000	1,437,093,000	1,314,374,000
Actual, ratio (in hundredths)	16.20%	16.40%	10.80%	10.70%
Requirement for capital adequacy purposes, amount	966,350,000	919,546,000	530,077,000	492,186,000
Requirement for capital adequacy purposes, ratio (in hundredths)	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%	4.00%
To be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions, amount	1,207,937,000	1,149,433,000	662,596,000	615,232,000
To be well capitalized under prompt corrective action provisions, ratio (in hundredths)	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Alternative Method Elected [Abstract]
Net capital as a percent of aggregate debit items (in hundredths)					24.99%	24.14%
Net capital					440,542,000	442,866,000	19,363,000	23,748,000
Less: required net capital					-35,251,000	-36,694,000	-250,000	-250,000
Excess net capital					405,291,000	406,172,000	19,113,000	23,498,000
Risk adjusted capital of Canadian broker-dealer subsidiary [Abstract]
Risk adjusted capital before minimum									112,192,000	107,645,000
Less: required minimum capital									-250,000	-250,000
Risk adjusted capital									111,942,000	107,395,000

FINANCIAL_INSTRUMENTS_WITH_OFF2

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK (Details)	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Standby letters of credit	Open end consumer lines of credit	Commercial lines of credit	Unfunded loan commitments	Forward foreign exchange contracts
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Canada, Dollars
					CAD
Schedule of Off-Balance Sheet Risks [Line Items]
Commitments to extend credit and other credit related financial instruments	$83,968	$1,897,896	$1,604,622	$259,206
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts					6,900
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts					10,400

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income for basic earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	$113,463	$104,560	$239,759	$221,193
Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities	-371	-656	-823	-1,530
Net income attributable to RJF common shareholders	113,092	103,904	238,936	219,663
Income for diluted earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to Raymond James Financial, Inc.	113,463	104,560	239,759	221,193
Less allocation of earnings and dividends to participating securities	-364	-642	-803	-1,500
Net income attributable to RJF common shareholders	113,099	103,918	238,956	219,693
Common shares:
Average common shares in basic computation (in shares)	142,320	139,888	141,813	139,498
Dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and certain restricted stock units (in shares)	3,730	3,748	4,375	3,567
Average common shares used in diluted computation (in shares)	146,050	143,636	146,188	143,065
Earnings per common share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.79	$0.74	$1.68	$1.57
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.77	$0.72	$1.64	$1.54
Stock options and certain restricted stock units excluded from weighted-average diluted common shares because their effect would be antidilutive (in shares)	2,062	228	2,294	527
Participating securities [Abstract]
Participating securities (in shares)	472	896	493	976
Dividends paid to participating securities	$81	$133	$159	$286
Dividends per common share declared and paid [Abstract]
Dividends per common share - declared (in dollars per share)	$0.18	$0.16	$0.36	$0.32
Dividends per common share - paid (in dollars per share)	$0.18	$0.16	$0.34	$0.30

SEGMENT_ANALYSIS_Information_C

SEGMENT ANALYSIS, Information Concerning Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
			segment
Revenues:
Total revenues	$1,312,624	$1,204,625	$2,592,468	$2,413,399
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	180,320	165,464	383,228	344,388
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	-4,687	-12,465	-8,946	-12,577
Income including noncontrolling interests and before provision for income taxes	175,633	152,999	374,282	331,811
Net interest income (expense):
Net interest income	107,567	92,413	212,292	184,134
Total assets:
Total assets	24,967,935		24,967,935			23,325,652
Goodwill:
Goodwill	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486
Number of operating segments			5
Private client group
Goodwill:
Goodwill	174,584	174,584	174,584	174,584	174,584	174,584	174,584	174,584
Capital markets
Goodwill:
Goodwill	120,902	120,902	120,902	120,902	120,902	120,902	120,902	120,902
Operating segments | Private client group
Revenues:
Total revenues	873,634	817,581	1,722,877	1,600,330
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	75,420	77,115	168,164	148,625
Net interest income (expense):
Net interest income	21,696	22,136	43,759	45,586
Total assets:
Total assets	6,338,908		6,338,908			6,255,176
Goodwill:
Goodwill	174,600		174,600			174,600
Operating segments | Capital markets
Revenues:
Total revenues	238,921	225,226	474,095	466,666
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	20,848	29,571	48,501	63,016
Net interest income (expense):
Net interest income	2,034	1,414	4,127	3,262
Total assets:
Total assets	2,909,119		2,909,119			2,645,926
Goodwill:
Goodwill	120,900		120,900			120,900
Operating segments | Asset management
Revenues:
Total revenues	94,022	87,534	193,652	183,550
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	31,095	29,864	70,891	61,700
Net interest income (expense):
Net interest income	24	12	91	41
Total assets:
Total assets	173,249		173,249			186,170
Operating segments | RJ Bank
Revenues:
Total revenues	105,390	87,157	208,346	171,030
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	71,264	56,798	135,620	113,856
Net interest income (expense):
Net interest income	99,857	84,527	196,579	166,641
Total assets:
Total assets	13,327,340		13,327,340			12,036,945
Operating segments | Other
Revenues:
Total revenues	17,806	3,982	27,572	24,071
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	-18,307	-27,884	-39,948	-42,809
Net interest income (expense):
Net interest income	-16,044	-15,676	-32,264	-31,396
Total assets:
Total assets	2,219,319		2,219,319			2,201,435
Intersegment eliminations
Revenues:
Total revenues	($17,149)	($16,855)	($34,074)	($32,248)

SEGMENT_ANALYSIS_Classified_by

SEGMENT ANALYSIS, Classified by Major Geographic Areas (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:
Total revenues	$1,312,624	$1,204,625	$2,592,468	$2,413,399
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	180,320	165,464	383,228	344,388
Total assets:
Total assets	24,967,935		24,967,935			23,325,652
Goodwill:
Goodwill	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486	295,486
United States
Revenues:
Total revenues	1,214,397	1,093,936	2,395,705	2,182,031
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	176,602	153,577	378,787	320,183
Total assets:
Total assets	23,319,673		23,319,673			21,469,999
Goodwill:
Goodwill	262,500		262,500			262,500
Canada
Revenues:
Total revenues	69,581	76,380	137,293	164,494
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	5,262	8,997	7,487	20,543
Total assets:
Total assets	1,568,758		1,568,758			1,773,703
Goodwill:
Goodwill	33,000		33,000			33,000
Europe
Revenues:
Total revenues	21,211	25,588	45,125	50,584
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	-1,970	656	-3,726	855
Total assets:
Total assets	32,878		32,878			39,872
Other
Revenues:
Total revenues	7,435	8,721	14,345	16,290
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests
Pre-tax income excluding noncontrolling interests	426	2,234	680	2,807
Total assets:
Total assets	$46,626		$46,626			$42,078