Uniform Net Capital Rule Requirements (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Waddell & Reed, Inc. (W&R)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	$ 24,690	$ 34,524
Required capital	250	250
Excess of required capital	24,440	34,274
Legend Equities Corporation (LEC)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	782	1,654
Required capital	268	251
Excess of required capital	514	1,403
Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital	5.14	2.28
Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. (IFDI)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	19,681	45,579
Required capital	2,648	2,353
Excess of required capital	$ 17,033	$ 43,226
Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital	2.02	0.77