| Document and Entity Information | May 12, 2020 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Registrant Name | STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000720672 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | May 12, 2020 |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-09305 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 43-1273600 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | One Financial Plaza |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 501 North Broadway |
| Entity Address, City or Town | St. Louis |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MO |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 63102-2102 |
| 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 One By Thousandth Interest In Share Of Six Point Two Five Percentage 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 PRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Depository Shares Each Representing One By Thousandth Interest In Share Of Six Point Two Five Percentage 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 |
| Senior Notes 520 Due 2047 [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 5.20% Senior Notes due 2047 |
| Trading Symbol | SFB |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
