Uniform Net Capital Rule Requirements (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Waddell & Reed, Inc. (W&R)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	$ 10,965	$ 23,688
Required capital	250	250
Excess of required capital	10,715	23,438
Ivy Funds Distributor, Inc. (IFDI)
Net capital and aggregated indebtedness information for entity's broker/dealer subsidiaries
Net capital	19,455	14,648
Required capital	3,995	3,340
Excess of required capital	$ 15,460	$ 11,308
Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital	3.08	3.42

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

-Section 1

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph i

-Article 15c3

-Subsection a

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- Definition

Minimum amount of net capital required to be maintained by entity'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

-Section 1

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph i

-Article 15c3

-Subsection a

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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

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- Definition

Indebtedness divided by net capital.

+ References

No definition available.

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