Uniform Net Capital Rule Requirements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011 subsidiaries
Uniform Net Capital Rule Requirements
Number of subsidiaries registered as broker dealers	3
Maximum ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, numerator	15.0
Maximum ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, denominator	1.0
Minimum net capital	$ 250
Net capital percentage of debit balances	2.00%

This element represents the amount of net capital of a broker or dealer that has elected not to be subject to the Aggregate Indebtedness Standard (as defined). The amount of net capital represented by this element is the greater of $250,000 or two percent of aggregate debit items computed in accordance with the Formula for Determination of Reserve Requirements for Brokers and Dealers (as defined).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Rule 15c3

-Number 240

-Section 1

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph ii

-Subsection a

-Article 15c3

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TwoPercentOfDebitItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the denominator for maximum ratio of total aggregate indebtedness to net capital.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wdr_MaximumRatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapitalDenominator
Namespace Prefix:	wdr_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Represents the numerator for maximum ratio of total aggregate indebtedness to net capital.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wdr_MaximumRatioOfIndebtednessToNetCapitalNumerator
Namespace Prefix:	wdr_
Data Type:	xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number of subsidiaries registered as broker dealers.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wdr_NumberOfBrokerDealerSubsidiaries
Namespace Prefix:	wdr_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the percentage of aggregate debit items to compute the minimum net capital to maintain in accordance with the Formula for Determination of Reserve Requirements for Brokers and Dealers (as defined).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	wdr_TwoPercentOfDebitItemsPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	wdr_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	wdr_UniformNetCapitalRuleRequirementsDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	wdr_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration