CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Compensation and related costs, share-based compensation	$ 46,473	$ 40,338	$ 30,573

Represents the expense recognized during the period arising from share-based compensation arrangements (for example, shares of stock, stock options or other equity instruments) with employees, directors and certain consultants or contractors.

No definition available.

Name:	wdr_ShareBasedCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	wdr_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration