Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in the accompanying financial statements and notes are rounded to the nearest thousand unless otherwise stated. Certain amounts in the prior years' financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation. The Company operates in one business segment. Although the Company does provide supplemental disclosure regarding assets under management and underwriting revenues and expenses by distribution channel, the Company's determination that it operates in one business segment is based on the fact that the Company's Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker, reviews financial results, assesses performance and allocates resources at the consolidated level. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company committed to a plan to sell its Legend group of subsidiaries ("Legend") and on October 29, 2012 the Company signed a definitive agreement to execute the transaction. The sale closed effective January 1, 2013. The operational results of Legend have been reclassified as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Unless otherwise stated, footnote references refer to continuing operations.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, depreciation and amortization, income taxes, valuation of assets, pension and postretirement obligations, and contingencies. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. Actual results could differ from our estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments. We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities upon acquisition of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents – restricted represents cash held for the benefit of customers segregated in compliance with federal and other regulations.
Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and payables approximates carrying value. Fair value of long-term debt is disclosed in the indebtedness footnote. Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. Otherwise, fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.
Investment Securities and Investments in Affiliated Mutual Funds	Investment Securities and Investments in Affiliated Mutual Funds Our investments are comprised of United States, state and government obligations, corporate debt securities and investments in affiliated mutual funds. Investments are classified as available for sale or trading. Unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of related tax effects, are excluded from earnings until realized and are reported as a separate component of comprehensive income. For trading securities, unrealized holding gains and losses are included in earnings. Realized gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method for investment securities, other than mutual funds. For mutual funds, realized gains and losses are computed using the average cost method. Our available for sale investments are reviewed each quarter and adjusted for other than temporary declines in value. We consider factors affecting the issuer and the industry the issuer operates in, general market trends including interest rates, and our ability and intent to hold an investment until it has recovered. Consideration is given to the length of time an investment's market value has been below carrying value and prospects for recovery to carrying value. When a decline in the fair value of equity securities is determined to be other than temporary, the unrealized loss recorded net of tax in other comprehensive income is realized as a charge to net income and a new cost basis is established for financial reporting purposes. When a decline in the fair value of debt securities is determined to be other than temporary, the amount of the impairment recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss. If so, the other than temporary impairment recognized in earnings is equal to the entire difference between the investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If not, the portion of the impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings while the portion of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are carried at cost. The costs of improvements that extend the life of a fixed asset are capitalized, while the costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are calculated and recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset (or lease term if shorter), generally three to 10 years for furniture and fixtures; one to 10 years for computer software; two to five years for data processing equipment; 10 to 30 years for buildings; three to 26 years for other equipment; and up to 15 years for leasehold improvements, which is the lesser of the lease term or expected life.
Software Developed for Internal Use	Software Developed for Internal Use Certain internal costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized in accordance with "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other Topic," ASC 350. Internal costs capitalized are included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheets, and were $9.6 million and $12.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization begins when the software project is complete and ready for its intended use and continues over the estimated useful life, generally one to 10 years.
Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the Company's investment in the net assets of acquired companies over the fair value of the underlying identifiable net assets at the dates of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed annually for impairment in the second quarter of each year and when events or circumstances occur that indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Factors that the Company considers important in determining whether an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets might exist include significant continued underperformance compared to peers, the likelihood of termination or non-renewal of a mutual fund advisory or subadvisory contract or substantial changes in revenues earned from such contracts, significant changes in our business and products, material and ongoing negative industry or economic trends, or other factors specific to each asset being evaluated. During the period covered by these financial statements, the Company had two reporting units for goodwill: (i) investment management and related services and (ii) Legend. The investment management and related services reporting unit's goodwill was recorded as part of the spin-off of the Company from its former parent, and to a lesser extent, was recorded as part of subsequent business combinations that were merged into existing investment management operations. Legend, our second reporting unit for goodwill, was a stand-alone investment management subsidiary and goodwill associated with Legend could be assessed separately from other investment management operations. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company committed to a plan to sell Legend. Additional information is included below in Notes 6 and 7. To determine fair values of the reporting units, our review process uses the market and income approaches. In performing the analyses, the Company uses the best information available under the circumstances, including reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections. The market approach employs market multiples for comparable companies in the financial services industry. Estimates of fair values of the reporting units are established using multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). The Company believes that fair values calculated based on multiples of EBITDA are an accurate estimation of fair value. If the fair value coverage margin calculated under the market approach is not considered significant, the Company utilizes a second approach, the income approach, to estimate fair values and averages the results under both methodologies. The income approach employs a discounted free cash flow approach that takes into account current actual results, projected future results, and the Company's estimated weighted average cost of capital. The Company compares the fair values of the reporting units to their carrying amounts, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. Indefinite-life intangible assets represent advisory and subadvisory management contracts for managed assets obtained in acquisitions. The Company considers these contracts to be indefinite-life intangible assets as they are expected to be renewed without significant cost or modification of terms. The Company also tests these assets for impairment annually by comparing their fair values to the carrying amount of the assets.
Deferred Sales Commissions	Deferred Sales Commissions We defer certain costs, principally sales commissions and related compensation, which are paid to financial advisors and broker/dealers in connection with the sale of certain mutual fund shares sold without a front-end load sales charge. The costs incurred at the time of the sale of Class B shares are amortized on a straight-line basis over five years, which approximates the expected life of the shareholders' investments. The costs incurred at the time of the sale of Class C shares are amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 months. In addition, the costs incurred at the time of the sale of shares for certain asset allocation products are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis, not to exceed three years. We recover these deferred costs through Rule 12b-1 and other distribution fees, which are paid on the Class B and Class C shares of the Advisors Funds and Ivy Funds, along with contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs") paid by shareholders who redeem their shares prior to completion of the specified holding period (three years for shares of certain asset allocation products, six years for a Class B share and 12 months for a Class C share), as well as through client fees paid on the asset allocation products. Should we lose our ability to recover such sales commissions through distribution fees or CDSCs, the value of these assets would immediately decline, as would future cash flows. We periodically review the recoverability of the deferred sales commission assets as events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable and adjust them accordingly.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We recognize investment management fees as earned over the period in which services are rendered. We charge the Funds daily based upon average daily net assets under management in accordance with investment management agreements between the Funds and the Company. The majority of investment management fees earned from institutional and separate accounts are charged either monthly or quarterly based upon an average of net assets under management in accordance with such investment management agreements. Underwriting and distribution commission revenues resulting from the sale of investment products are recognized on the trade date. Fee-based asset allocation revenues are charged quarterly based upon average daily net assets under management. We also recognize distribution revenues monthly for certain types of investment products, primarily variable annuity products that are generally calculated based upon average daily net assets under management. Shareholder service fees are recognized monthly and are calculated based on the number of accounts or assets under management as applicable. Other administrative service fee revenues are recognized when contractual obligations are fulfilled or as services are provided.
Advertising and Promotion	Advertising and Promotion We expense all advertising and promotion costs as incurred. Advertising expense was $9.9 million, $10.0 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is classified in both underwriting and distribution expense and general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation We account for share-based compensation expense using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, share-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of share-based awards measured at grant date, is recognized over the service period, and is adjusted each period for anticipated forfeitures. The Company also issues share-based awards to our financial advisors (our sales force) who are independent contractors. Changes in the Company's share price result in variable compensation expense over the vesting period. The fair value of options granted are calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model incorporates assumptions as to dividend yield, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected life of the option.
Accounting for Income Taxes	Accounting for Income Taxes Income tax expense is based on pre-tax financial accounting income, including adjustments made for the recognition or derecognition related to uncertain tax positions. The recognition or derecognition of income tax expense related to uncertain tax positions is determined under the guidance as prescribed by "Income Taxes Topic, " ASC 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is recognized for deferred tax assets if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the asset will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Amounts in the accompanying financial statements and notes are rounded to the nearest thousand unless otherwise stated. Certain amounts in the prior years' financial statements have been reclassified for consistent presentation.

The Company operates in one business segment. Although the Company does provide supplemental disclosure regarding assets under management and underwriting revenues and expenses by distribution channel, the Company's determination that it operates in one business segment is based on the fact that the Company's Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker, reviews financial results, assesses performance and allocates resources at the consolidated level.

During the third quarter of 2012, the Company committed to a plan to sell its Legend group of subsidiaries ("Legend") and on October 29, 2012 the Company signed a definitive agreement to execute the transaction. The sale closed effective January 1, 2013. The operational results of Legend have been reclassified as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Unless otherwise stated, footnote references refer to continuing operations.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, depreciation and amortization, income taxes, valuation of assets, pension and postretirement obligations, and contingencies. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. Actual results could differ from our estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and short-term investments. We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities upon acquisition of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents – restricted represents cash held for the benefit of customers segregated in compliance with federal and other regulations.

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables and payables approximates carrying value. Fair value of long-term debt is disclosed in the indebtedness footnote. Fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. Otherwise, fair values for investment securities are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

Investment Securities and Investments in Affiliated Mutual Funds

Investment Securities and Investments in Affiliated Mutual Funds

Our investments are comprised of United States, state and government obligations, corporate debt securities and investments in affiliated mutual funds. Investments are classified as available for sale or trading. Unrealized holding gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of related tax effects, are excluded from earnings until realized and are reported as a separate component of comprehensive income. For trading securities, unrealized holding gains and losses are included in earnings. Realized gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method for investment securities, other than mutual funds. For mutual funds, realized gains and losses are computed using the average cost method.

Our available for sale investments are reviewed each quarter and adjusted for other than temporary declines in value. We consider factors affecting the issuer and the industry the issuer operates in, general market trends including interest rates, and our ability and intent to hold an investment until it has recovered. Consideration is given to the length of time an investment's market value has been below carrying value and prospects for recovery to carrying value. When a decline in the fair value of equity securities is determined to be other than temporary, the unrealized loss recorded net of tax in other comprehensive income is realized as a charge to net income and a new cost basis is established for financial reporting purposes. When a decline in the fair value of debt securities is determined to be other than temporary, the amount of the impairment recognized in earnings depends on whether the Company intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss. If so, the other than temporary impairment recognized in earnings is equal to the entire difference between the investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If not, the portion of the impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in earnings while the portion of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are carried at cost. The costs of improvements that extend the life of a fixed asset are capitalized, while the costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are calculated and recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset (or lease term if shorter), generally three to 10 years for furniture and fixtures; one to 10 years for computer software; two to five years for data processing equipment; 10 to 30 years for buildings; three to 26 years for other equipment; and up to 15 years for leasehold improvements, which is the lesser of the lease term or expected life.

Software Developed for Internal Use

Software Developed for Internal Use

Certain internal costs incurred in connection with developing or obtaining software for internal use are capitalized in accordance with "Intangibles – Goodwill and Other Topic," ASC 350. Internal costs capitalized are included in property and equipment, net in the consolidated balance sheets, and were $9.6 million and $12.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amortization begins when the software project is complete and ready for its intended use and continues over the estimated useful life, generally one to 10 years.

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the Company's investment in the net assets of acquired companies over the fair value of the underlying identifiable net assets at the dates of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed annually for impairment in the second quarter of each year and when events or circumstances occur that indicate that goodwill might be impaired. Factors that the Company considers important in determining whether an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets might exist include significant continued underperformance compared to peers, the likelihood of termination or non-renewal of a mutual fund advisory or subadvisory contract or substantial changes in revenues earned from such contracts, significant changes in our business and products, material and ongoing negative industry or economic trends, or other factors specific to each asset being evaluated.

During the period covered by these financial statements, the Company had two reporting units for goodwill: (i) investment management and related services and (ii) Legend. The investment management and related services reporting unit's goodwill was recorded as part of the spin-off of the Company from its former parent, and to a lesser extent, was recorded as part of subsequent business combinations that were merged into existing investment management operations. Legend, our second reporting unit for goodwill, was a stand-alone investment management subsidiary and goodwill associated with Legend could be assessed separately from other investment management operations. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company committed to a plan to sell Legend. Additional information is included below in Notes 6 and 7.

To determine fair values of the reporting units, our review process uses the market and income approaches. In performing the analyses, the Company uses the best information available under the circumstances, including reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections.

The market approach employs market multiples for comparable companies in the financial services industry. Estimates of fair values of the reporting units are established using multiples of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). The Company believes that fair values calculated based on multiples of EBITDA are an accurate estimation of fair value.

If the fair value coverage margin calculated under the market approach is not considered significant, the Company utilizes a second approach, the income approach, to estimate fair values and averages the results under both methodologies. The income approach employs a discounted free cash flow approach that takes into account current actual results, projected future results, and the Company's estimated weighted average cost of capital.

The Company compares the fair values of the reporting units to their carrying amounts, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and a second step is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any.

Indefinite-life intangible assets represent advisory and subadvisory management contracts for managed assets obtained in acquisitions. The Company considers these contracts to be indefinite-life intangible assets as they are expected to be renewed without significant cost or modification of terms. The Company also tests these assets for impairment annually by comparing their fair values to the carrying amount of the assets.

Deferred Sales Commissions

Deferred Sales Commissions

We defer certain costs, principally sales commissions and related compensation, which are paid to financial advisors and broker/dealers in connection with the sale of certain mutual fund shares sold without a front-end load sales charge. The costs incurred at the time of the sale of Class B shares are amortized on a straight-line basis over five years, which approximates the expected life of the shareholders' investments. The costs incurred at the time of the sale of Class C shares are amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 months. In addition, the costs incurred at the time of the sale of shares for certain asset allocation products are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis, not to exceed three years. We recover these deferred costs through Rule 12b-1 and other distribution fees, which are paid on the Class B and Class C shares of the Advisors Funds and Ivy Funds, along with contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs") paid by shareholders who redeem their shares prior to completion of the specified holding period (three years for shares of certain asset allocation products, six years for a Class B share and 12 months for a Class C share), as well as through client fees paid on the asset allocation products. Should we lose our ability to recover such sales commissions through distribution fees or CDSCs, the value of these assets would immediately decline, as would future cash flows. We periodically review the recoverability of the deferred sales commission assets as events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable and adjust them accordingly.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

We recognize investment management fees as earned over the period in which services are rendered. We charge the Funds daily based upon average daily net assets under management in accordance with investment management agreements between the Funds and the Company. The majority of investment management fees earned from institutional and separate accounts are charged either monthly or quarterly based upon an average of net assets under management in accordance with such investment management agreements.

Underwriting and distribution commission revenues resulting from the sale of investment products are recognized on the trade date. Fee-based asset allocation revenues are charged quarterly based upon average daily net assets under management. We also recognize distribution revenues monthly for certain types of investment products, primarily variable annuity products that are generally calculated based upon average daily net assets under management.

Shareholder service fees are recognized monthly and are calculated based on the number of accounts or assets under management as applicable. Other administrative service fee revenues are recognized when contractual obligations are fulfilled or as services are provided.

Advertising and Promotion

Advertising and Promotion

We expense all advertising and promotion costs as incurred. Advertising expense was $9.9 million, $10.0 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and is classified in both underwriting and distribution expense and general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of income.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

We account for share-based compensation expense using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, share-based compensation expense reflects the fair value of share-based awards measured at grant date, is recognized over the service period, and is adjusted each period for anticipated forfeitures. The Company also issues share-based awards to our financial advisors (our sales force) who are independent contractors. Changes in the Company's share price result in variable compensation expense over the vesting period. The fair value of options granted are calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes model incorporates assumptions as to dividend yield, risk-free interest rate, expected volatility and expected life of the option.

Accounting for Income Taxes

Accounting for Income Taxes

Income tax expense is based on pre-tax financial accounting income, including adjustments made for the recognition or derecognition related to uncertain tax positions. The recognition or derecognition of income tax expense related to uncertain tax positions is determined under the guidance as prescribed by "Income Taxes Topic, " ASC 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. A valuation allowance is recognized for deferred tax assets if, based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the asset will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date.