Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees - Narrative (Details)
May 31, 2022
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Fair value of derivative contracts meeting the definition of a guarantee $ 600,700,000
Standby letters of credit  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Letters of credit $ 8,200,000
Expiration period maximum 1 year
Jefferies Finance  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Line of credit commitment to associated companies, funded portion $ 0
Line of credit facility commitment of Jefferies $ 250,000,000
Berkadia  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Reimbursement of losses incurred, maximum percentage 50.00%
Surety policy issued $ 1,500,000,000
Aggregate amount of commercial paper outstanding 1,470,000,000
HomeFed  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Aggregate amount of infrastructure improvement bonds outstanding 75,200,000
Jefferies Capital Partners LLC and its private equity funds  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Equity commitments 10,700,000
Other Investments  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Equity commitments 48,900,000
Oak Hill Entities  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Equity commitments 70,800,000
Clients  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Outstanding loan commitments 91,600,000
Strategic Affiliates  
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]  
Equity commitments $ 350,000,000