| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 17, 2019 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MO |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000720672 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 17, 2019 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-09305 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 43-1273600 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 501 N. Broadway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | St. Louis |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 63102-2188 |
| City Area Code | (314) |
| Local Phone Number | 342-2000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.15 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | SF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Depository Shares Each Representing 11000th Interest In A Share Of 6.25 Percent Not Cumulative Preferred Stock Series A [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depository Shares, each representing 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.25% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock,Series A |
| Trading Symbol | SF PR A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Depository Shares Each Representing 11000th Interest In A Share Of 6.25 Percent Not Cumulative Preferred Stock Series B [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Depository Shares, each representing 1/1,000th interest in a share of 6.25% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock,Series B |
| Trading Symbol | SF PrB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
