Uniform Net Capital Rule Requirements (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Waddell & Reed, Inc. (W&R)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	$ 34,524	$ 39,563
Required capital	250	250
Excess of required capital	34,274	39,313
Legend Equities Corporation (LEC)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	1,654	2,547
Required capital	251	185
Excess of required capital	1,403	2,362
Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital	2.28	1.09
Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. (IFDI)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	45,579	38,663
Required capital	2,353	2,425
Excess of required capital	$ 43,226	$ 36,238
Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital	0.77	0.94

The amount of net capital in excess of the minimum required net capital.

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Rule 15c3

-Number 240

-Article 15c3

-Section 1

-Subsection a

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph i

+ Details

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- Definition

The minimum amount of net capital required to be maintained by the company's broker-dealer subsidiary to engage in securities transactions.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Rule 15c3

-Number 240

-Article 15c3

-Section 1

-Subsection a

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph i

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- Definition

Net capital is equal to the net worth of the broker dealer, less certain items such as exchange memberships, carrying value of securities not readily marketable, haircuts on marketable securities in proprietary accounts, furniture and equipment and other illiquid assets as defined.

+ References

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

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)

-Number AAG-BRD

-Chapter 4

-Paragraph 80

-Subparagraph Exhibit 4-8

-IssueDate 2006-05-01

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Audit and Accounting Guide (AAG)

-Number AAG-BRD

-Chapter 4

-Paragraph 80

-Subparagraph Exhibit 4-8, 15

-IssueDate 2006-05-01

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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- Definition

Total Aggregate Indebtedness divided by Net Capital.

+ References

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Rule 15c3

-Number 240

-Article 15c3

-Section 1

-Subsection a

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph i

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